There’s something magical about a warm, chocolatey brownie that comes together in minutes. As someone who constantly battles late-night chocolate cravings, I’ve perfected this Flourless Brownie Mug Treat that satisfies the sweet tooth while keeping things paleo and grain-free. This single-serve dessert has become my go-to when I want something decadent without the guilt or the hassle of baking a full batch of brownies.
Why You’ll Love This Flourless Brownie Mug Treat
- Ready in 90 Seconds: From mixing to eating in under 2 minutes – perfect for urgent chocolate cravings
- Clean Ingredients: Made with almond butter and cacao instead of refined flours and sugars
- Nutrient-Dense: Packed with healthy fats and antioxidants from high-quality ingredients
- Naturally Sweetened: Uses honey or maple syrup instead of processed sugar
- Perfectly Portioned: Makes exactly one serving, eliminating the temptation of leftovers
- Versatile: Easily customizable with different mix-ins and toppings
- Allergy-Friendly: Free from gluten, grains, dairy (if using dairy-free chocolate)
Whether you’re following a paleo lifestyle, avoiding grains, or simply looking for a quick chocolate fix, this flourless brownie mug treat will become your new favorite dessert hack.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Brownie Base:
- 2 tablespoons almond butter (smooth, unsweetened)
- 1 tablespoon raw cacao powder (or unsweetened cocoa powder)
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey
- 1 medium egg
- ¼ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Pinch of sea salt
- ⅛ teaspoon baking soda
Optional Mix-ins:
- 1 tablespoon dark chocolate chips (paleo-friendly)
- 1 tablespoon chopped walnuts or pecans
- 1 teaspoon almond butter (for swirl effect)
Optional Toppings:
- Coconut whipped cream
- Fresh berries
- Extra drizzle of almond butter
- Sprinkle of flaky sea salt
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step1: Choose a microwave-safe mug that holds at least 10 ounces. This gives your brownie room to rise without spilling over.
Step2: Add almond butter, cacao powder, maple syrup, egg, vanilla extract, salt, and baking soda to your mug.
Step3: Whisk together all ingredients using a fork or small whisk until completely smooth and no lumps remain. Make sure to scrape the bottom and sides of the mug to incorporate all the dry ingredients.
Step4: If using mix-ins, gently fold in chocolate chips and/or nuts. For an almond butter swirl, add a teaspoon of almond butter on top and lightly swirl with a knife.
Step5: Place your mug in the microwave and cook on high for 60 seconds. The brownie will rise as it cooks.
Step6: Check the center – it should be mostly set but still slightly moist in the very middle (this gives you that perfect fudgy texture). If needed, cook for an additional 10-15 seconds, but be careful not to overcook or it will become dry.
Step7: Let the brownie cool for 1-2 minutes before adding your chosen toppings and enjoying!
Oven Method
If you don’t have a microwave or prefer not to use one:
Step1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Step2: Prepare your brownie mixture as directed above, but in an oven-safe ramekin.
Step3: Bake for 12-15 minutes, until the edges are set but the center remains slightly moist.
Pro Tips for Success
- Room Temperature Egg: Using a room temperature egg helps the brownie achieve a better texture. If your egg is cold, place it in warm water for 5 minutes before using.
- Quality Ingredients Matter: Since this recipe has so few ingredients, use the best quality you can – especially for the cacao powder and almond butter, which provide the main flavors.
- Don’t Overmix: Once you add the egg, mix just until combined. Overmixing can make your brownie tough.
- Watch Carefully: Microwaves vary in power, so your cooking time might differ. Start with less time – you can always add more, but you can’t un-cook an overcooked brownie!
- The Perfect Doneness: The brownie should look slightly underdone in the center when you remove it from the microwave. It will continue cooking from residual heat as it sits.
- Substitution Guide:
- Almond butter → cashew butter, sunflower seed butter (for nut-free)
- Maple syrup → honey, coconut nectar (all work equally well)
- Egg → flax egg (1 Tbsp ground flaxseed + 2.5 Tbsp water, let sit 5 min) for vegan version
Nutritional Information
One complete Flourless Brownie Mug Treat contains approximately:
Calories: 315 kcal Protein: 10g Carbohydrates: 19g Fat: 21g Fiber: 3g Sugar: 14g
This treat is:
- Higher in protein than traditional brownies
- Rich in healthy fats from almond butter
- Lower in carbs than flour-based desserts
- Packed with antioxidants from raw cacao
Storage and Leftovers
While this brownie mug treat is designed to be eaten immediately after cooking, you can prepare the dry ingredients ahead of time:
- Meal Prep: Mix the dry ingredients (cacao, salt, baking soda) and store in a small container or jar. When ready to make, just add the wet ingredients.
- Leftovers: If you can’t finish your brownie (though that rarely happens!), cover it with wrap and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: Warm in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to restore the fudgy texture before enjoying leftovers.
Delicious Variations
Want to customize your Flourless Brownie Mug Treat? Try these delicious variations:
1. Double Chocolate Chip
Add 1 tablespoon of paleo-friendly chocolate chips to the batter and sprinkle a few more on top after cooking.
2. Salted Caramel Swirl
Swirl 1 teaspoon of paleo caramel sauce (dates blended with almond milk and salt) into the batter before cooking.
3. Mint Chocolate
Add ⅛ teaspoon of peppermint extract to the batter for a refreshing twist.
4. Mexican Chocolate
Add ¼ teaspoon cinnamon and a tiny pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
5. Nutella-Inspired
Use hazelnut butter instead of almond butter and increase the cacao powder to 1½ tablespoons.
Top 4 FAQs About Flourless Brownie Mug Treat
Can I make this Flourless Brownie Mug Treat ahead of time?
While it’s best enjoyed fresh and warm, you can mix the dry ingredients ahead of time and add wet ingredients just before cooking. The raw batter can be refrigerated for up to 24 hours before cooking if needed.
Why is my brownie dry or rubbery?
This is usually from overcooking or overmixing. Microwaves vary in power, so start with less time (45-50 seconds) and add more if needed. Remember that the brownie will continue cooking slightly as it cools.
Can I make this Flourless Brownie Mug Treat vegan?
Yes! Replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water, let sit for 5 minutes) and use maple syrup instead of honey. The texture will be slightly denser but still delicious.
Is this recipe truly paleo?
Yes, this recipe follows paleo guidelines by using only natural, unprocessed ingredients and avoiding grains, refined sugars, and dairy. Just make sure your chocolate chips (if using) are paleo-friendly.
When to Serve This Delightful Treat
This Flourless Brownie Mug Treat: Paleo & Grain-Free Delight is perfect for:
- Late-night cravings when you want something sweet without the guilt
- Solo dessert indulgence when you don’t want leftovers tempting you
- Quick dessert for unexpected guests – impress in minutes!
- Kid-friendly baking projects – safe and simple for little helpers
- Dorm room cooking with minimal equipment
- Office treats using just the break room microwave
Conclusion
This Flourless Brownie Mug Treat: Paleo & Grain-Free Delight proves that healthy eating doesn’t mean giving up life’s sweet pleasures. In just 90 seconds, you can transform simple, wholesome ingredients into a decadent chocolate treat that satisfies both your taste buds and your nutritional goals.
What makes this recipe special is its simplicity and adaptability. Whether you’re strictly paleo, avoiding grains, or simply looking for a better-for-you dessert option, this brownie mug treat delivers rich chocolate flavor without the processed ingredients found in traditional brownies.
Next time chocolate cravings strike, skip the processed store-bought treats and whip up this Flourless Brownie Mug Treat instead. Your taste buds – and your body – will thank you!
Have you tried this Flourless Brownie Mug Treat? Share your experience or favorite variations in the comments below! Don’t forget to save this recipe for later when those chocolate cravings inevitably return.
Print
Flourless Brownie Mug Treat: Paleo & Grain-Free Delight
- Total Time: 3 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
Description
A quick and easy flourless brownie made in a mug. This paleo and grain-free delight is perfect for satisfying late-night chocolate cravings in just 90 seconds.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons almond butter (smooth, unsweetened)
- 1 tablespoon raw cacao powder (or unsweetened cocoa powder)
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey
- 1 medium egg
- ¼ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Pinch of sea salt
- ⅛ teaspoon baking soda
- Optional: 1 tablespoon dark chocolate chips (paleo-friendly)
- Optional: 1 tablespoon chopped walnuts or pecans
- Optional: 1 teaspoon almond butter (for swirl effect)
- Optional toppings: Coconut whipped cream, Fresh berries, Extra drizzle of almond butter, Sprinkle of flaky sea salt
Instructions
- Choose a microwave-safe mug that holds at least 10 ounces to prevent overflow.
- Add almond butter, cacao powder, maple syrup, egg, vanilla, salt, and baking soda to the mug.
- Whisk everything together using a fork or small whisk until completely smooth. Scrape the bottom and sides to fully incorporate all ingredients.
- Fold in any mix-ins, like chocolate chips or nuts. If adding a swirl, top with 1 teaspoon of almond butter and gently swirl it into the batter.
- Microwave on high for 60 seconds. The brownie should rise and appear mostly set with a slightly gooey center.
- If needed, cook for an additional 10–15 seconds, but avoid overcooking.
- Let cool for 1–2 minutes, then top as desired and enjoy straight from the mug.
Notes
- Using a room temperature egg improves texture. To quickly warm a cold egg, soak it in warm water for 5 minutes.
- Microwave power varies, so adjust the cooking time accordingly. Start with less time and increase only if needed.
- Leftovers can be covered and refrigerated for up to 2 days. Reheat in the microwave for 10–15 seconds before serving.
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 minute
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Microwave
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 mug
- Calories: 315
- Sugar: 14
- Sodium: N/A
- Fat: 21
- Saturated Fat: N/A
- Unsaturated Fat: N/A
- Trans Fat: N/A
- Carbohydrates: 19
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 10
- Cholesterol: N/A
Keywords: flourless brownie, mug treat, paleo dessert, chocolate craving, quick dessert, grain-free brownie
