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Sweeten up at-home date night with a fudgy, indulgent Gluten Free Mug Brownie! This easy brownie in a mug recipe is a decadent dessert for two made with rich, ooey gooey chocolate centers. Serve them warm with your favorite ice cream!
A Gooey Gluten Free Brownie in a Mug
I love easy meals for two when it comes to date night at home. Especially if dessert is involved. Recipes like this one, which makes fudgy chocolate mug brownies for two, have all the indulgence without the extra commitment of a full-sized dessert! My baking budget and my overloaded freezer are eternally grateful.
This lovely and perfectly puffed, crackly-topped gluten free brownie in a mug is so chocolatey and delicious. With its gooey, hot fudge center, it’s basically heaven in a ramekin!
This brownie recipe makes the perfect pair of sweet treats for you and your sweetie (even if that sweetie is also you!), ready to be served warm from the oven topped with ice cream.
And, if you happen to be looking for a traditional brownie recipe that will serve a crowd as well, try these gluten free brownies, these gluten free brookies, or these rocky road brownies!
Why You’ll Love This Brownie in a Mug Recipe
A chocolate brownie in a mug is the perfect gluten free dessert! I love this recipe for so many reasons, but here are just a few:
- Decadently fudgy. These brownies are perfectly crisp and crackly on top with warm, fudgy, melty chocolate insides. They’re deliciously rich and decadent, yet so simple to make!
- Easy. This brownie recipe calls for simple ingredients and quick, no-fuss baking. Plus, the results are incredible! That’s my kind of easy dessert.
- Perfect serving sizes. This recipe makes just enough for two indulgent mug brownies, meaning you’re not left with a pan full of leftovers afterwards (while extra brownies doesn’t sound like a bad thing, tell that to my freezer full of Christmas cookies)!
What You’ll Need
Here are the ingredients for these ooey-gooey gluten free fudgy brownies for two. Check out the recipe card below for exact amounts.
- Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: You’ll need chocolate chips for the chocolate brownie batter as well as a couple of extra tablespoons for the melted chocolate filling. Be sure to use semi-sweet chocolate, as milk chocolate won’t offer the same texture when melted.
- Gluten Free Flour: I use a combination of gluten free alternatives like almond flour (or almond meal) and brown rice flour for this mug brownie recipe.
- Sugar: Regular granulated sugar always yields the most consistent results when baking.
- Vanilla Extract: For the best and most natural vanilla flavor possible, stick with pure vanilla extract!
- Butter: I usually opt for unsalted butter, but salted will work too – feel free to omit the extra salt if you go this route.
- Egg: To add moisture and to bind all of the ingredients together.
- Salt: Kosher salt or table salt are my go-tos.
How to Make a Gluten Free Brownie in a Mug
This recipe makes just enough for two mug brownies. Here’s how they come together:
- Melt the butter and the chocolate. First, use a double boiler to melt together the butter and chocolate chips. Remove the chocolate from the heat once you have a smooth consistency.
- Combine the rest of the ingredients. Cream together the egg and sugar. Slowly add in the melted chocolate while continuing to whisk, followed by the salt, vanilla, and both flours.
- Divide the batter. Divide the batter between two ramekins. I place my ramekins on a baking sheet for convenience, and also just in case there’s any batter overflow during baking. Once filled with batter, gently press a tablespoon’s worth of chocolate chips into the center of each ramekin.
- Bake. Bake the brownies in a preheated oven until they’re not quite set and the tops crackle a little. Give them a minute or so to cool once they’re out of the oven, then serve right from the mug! Toppings like vanilla ice cream come highly recommended! See my suggestions later on for more ideas.
Tips for Success
See? Super easy – you’ll be done in half an hour! I do have just a few more tips to share with you, though, to make the mug-brownie-making process even easier:
- Be careful not to over-bake the brownies. Over-baked brownies will become dry and chewy around the edges. Keep an eye while they’re in the oven (note that not all ovens are the same!) and take them out once they start to crackle. Keep in mind that they’ll continue to set up as they cool.
- Don’t over-mix the batter. This will lead to brownies that are tough and chewy.
- Make the brownies in cupcake tins if you don’t have ramekins. Standard-sized ramekins can be found in most kitchen supply stores. However, never fear, you can make these brownies without them, too! Use a greased cupcake tin, without paper cupcake cups. You can also use regular ceramic mugs (just make sure they’re oven-safe). As a last resort, pour the batter into a small baking dish, bake, and dig in with two spoons!
- Don’t worry if the brownies sink a little bit in the middle. Since this recipe involves melted warm fudge in the center of the brownies, a little collapsing is normal and expected! The overall texture will still be fudgy and unaffected. If anything, it’s the perfect excuse to fill up the “dip” of your mug brownie with ice cream!
Topping Ideas
I love to keep it classic and top my brownie in a mug with vanilla ice cream, or whipped cream when serving. But there are tons of topping ideas to try! Here are some more suggestions:
- Caramel or chocolate sauce (For an adult twist, try my 5-minute Baileys hot fudge sauce!)
- Milk chocolate or white chocolate chips, or peanut butter chips
- Powdered sugar, or even Mexican chocolate spice mix
- Homemade ice cream (Try easy no-churn ice cream recipes like this Nutella toffee ice cream, or vanilla bean cheesecake ice cream!)
- Chopped pecans, almonds, cashews, or hazelnuts
- Crushed pistachios
- Mint chocolate chunks
- Shredded coconut and dried pineapple
How to Store & Reheat Mug Brownies
If you’d like to save leftovers, or make these mug brownies in advance, you can!
- To store. Store the baked brownies airtight at room temperature for 3-4 days, or up to 5 days in the fridge. Either cover the ramekins so that they’re airtight, or remove the brownies and store them in a container.
- To reheat. When you’re ready to serve, heat the brownies in the microwave for a few seconds until the chocolate is melted and the brownie is warmed through.
More Homemade Brownies
Want to try out some more fudgy brownie recipes? Check out these ones!
- Flourless Peanut Butter Cup Brownies
- Flourless Cashew Caramel Cheesecake Swirl Brownies
- Fudgy Flourless Bailey’s Brownies
- Gluten Free Red Velvet Brownies for Two
Gluten Free Brownie in a Mug
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (1/2 stick)
- 2/3 cup semisweet chocolate chips + 2 teaspoons extra
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons almond flour or almond meal
- 1 tablespoon brown rice flour
- Optional ice cream or whipped cream for serving if desired
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 325°F and place two 6-ounce ramekins on a baking sheet (just in case).
- Melt the butter and 2/3 cup chocolate chips in a medium bowl over simmering water and stir until smooth. Remove the bowl from the pan and let cool.
- Combine the egg and sugar in a medium bowl and whisk until thick and lighter in color.
- While whisking, gradually add the melted chocolate, then whisk in the salt, vanilla, almond meal, and rice flour.
- Divide the batter between the two ramekins and place 1 tsp chocolate chips in the center of each ramekin, pressing down lightly.
- Bake at 325°F for 20-25 minutes or until not quite set, and the tops crackle.
- Let cool slightly before serving, topping with ice cream or whipped cream, if desired.
Notes
- To store. Store the baked brownies airtight at room temperature for 3-4 days, or up to 5 days in the fridge. Either cover the ramekins so that they’re airtight, or remove the brownies and store them in a container.
- To reheat. When you’re ready to serve, heat the brownies in the microwave for a few seconds until the chocolate is melted and the brownie is warmed through.
OMG I am in a sugar/chocolate coma as I write this because I literally just put my spoon down from eating this for my husband and my 15th anniversary dinner! So incredibly quick and easy and AMAZING! I was not familiar with your blog but will look at more recipes after that! HIGHLY RECOMMEND!!!
I am so happy to hear this! I actually have a few other desserts for two like that! But your comment made me so happy and I am thrilled one of my recipes helped make your anniversary celebration special. My husband and I will be celebrating 15 years in August!
Whoa that is 24 tsp of sugar per serving. OK OK I get it. Sometimes you need a treat. So I am thinking how about 1-2 tsp of Ceylon Cinnamon in the Brownie? It cuts the sugar and chocolate works well with Cinnamon. And because Ceylon Cinnamon is subtle and not overly harsh like ordinary Cassia Cinnamon it works extremely well. It blends well with an aroma to die for. And finally pair it with a cup of Ceylon Cinnamon tea.
You hit the nail on the head! Sometimes it’s OK to indulge. 🙂 I love your idea about using Ceylon cinnamon, though!
This looks GREAT!! Do you know if I could sub Stevia for the sugar and Ghee or coconut oil for the butter?
Thanks!!
I have not tried it, and don’t really know a lot about how to convert to the amount of Stevia, but if you try it, I’d love to hear how it turns out.
This recipe is wonderful. I don’t use rice flour because of the arsenic and high glycemic index. I substituted the rice flour for sorghum flour and it worked great. I think I could also use millet. Thanks for sharing!
Good to know! I’ll have to try that some time.
Hi I love the sound of this. But none in my family is gluten intolerant. Could we substitute all purpose flour instead?
Sorry so late responding. I got a little behind on comment around the holidays. I based it on this recipe, so maybe you want to try this one –> http://www.chocolatemoosey.com/2013/02/12/deep-dish-hot-fudge-brownie-sundaes-for-two/
What can i substitute instead of rice flour and almond meal? i am not particular about gluten free… its a lowly recipe and dying to try it..
Here is the original recipe I based mine on http://www.chocolatemoosey.com/2013/02/12/deep-dish-hot-fudge-brownie-sundaes-for-two/
Brianne, this is perfect! Because I for one do *not* need a whole bunch of brownies hanging around calling my name!
I know! Leftover brownies are dangerous!
Oh my goodness! Why did I not see this when it was first posted???!!!! So making these ASAP! Yum!
Haha, it’s OK, you have the recipe now!
How did I miss these?! They look sooo good! Definitely going to make these at some point! Think I’ll try a totally grain-free version and see if that works. And hey, I love the pictures and how they came out! 😀
Ooh, I’d love to see how it works out grain-free! I want to try different fillings instead of the chocolate chips. Thanks Erin!
My favorite dessert AND it’s gluten free! Totally pinning it! 🙂
Thanks! How can you not love a gooey brownie?!
Hi, Just wanted to let you know I’m sharing your wonderful recipe in a Gluten-Free Recipe RoundUp tomorrow! Have a terrific weekend!
Cathy at APeekIntoMyParadise.com
Thanks so much!
This recipe is AMAZING….I can’t stop drooling! We featured this at the Project Stash!
Thanks so much!!
Wow it’s like a molten lava brownie cake!
Yes, and I love brownies more than cake!
Hi Brianne! This looks absolutely delicious! Thank you so much for joining us and sharing at Best of the Weekend – pinned to our party board. Hope you are having a happy weekend!
Thanks so much!!
Oh my… yummy!!!!
Thanks for linking up to Tip Me Tuesday linky party this week. {knuckle bumps}
Did you know that I can “lend” your blog posts my Google page rank for better search engine traffic?
{fabulous}
If you upload at least 2 images, 2 steps, and blog post URL into your Tip Junkie craft room, you’ll be in business!
{wink} ~ Laurie {a.k.a. the Tip Junkie}
http://www.tipjunkie.com/post/how-to-add-a-craft-room-project-on-tip-junkie/
This looks amazing. I really want to try these but my son is allergic to almonds. Is there something I could use instead of the almond flour. I am new to gluten-free baking and really don’t know much about the different flours yet.
Hmm, I am also somewhat dabbling and base my recipes off of others, so don’t know a lot about substituting. I think you really have to experiment.
Sinking in the middle just means the perfect bowl for a scoop of ice cream 😉
Exactly!!
Hi – thank you so much for sharing – these look delicious! I was wondering if you thought I might be able to prepare these earlier in the day and put them in the fridge in the ramekins and then bake during dinner? I definitely plan to make them for Valentine’s day but would prefer not to interrupt the evening by making dessert! Thanks!
Hmm, I haven’t tried that. Not sure how well it would work because the melted chocolate would re-solidify, but perhaps you could slightly underbake, then warm them up in the microwave or for a few minutes in the oven.
Seriously, yes straight out of the oven!! So gooey and delicious, love that you made them gluten free!
The gluten free folks gotta enjoy crackly, fishy brownies too! 🙂
I’m thinking this recipe might just serve one – me! <3
So true!
Gorgeous pics … my tummy is totally grumbling! This looks fantastic … fudgy, ice-cream welcoming, gooey, sunken center and all!!! Great idea to make this a recipe for two for a date night! So glad I found your blog! 😀
Thanks so much! So happy you stopped by!
LOVE the advice on “if the sunken center bothers you fill it with Ice Cream”. Since I am carb restricted due to diabetes I’d fill it with whipped cream…. looks amazing!!!!!
Well that sounds like an amazing idea too!
Your post reminds me of my life right now. I use to have a goal for my blog that I would get better with my photo shoots but the older my daughter got and the more I started working the less time I had for my blog. I finally decided to not worry about the photography, that will come when I have time again in my life. (When ever that is) At least you know you have a sneaky treat in the freezer for those crazy days when you need some chocolate.
Yeah, I am definitely squeezing in what I can! And sometimes, squeezing in some extra chocolate is what I need 😉
I think I need to eat 2 to be sure I got enough fudgy goodness!
Haha, definitely!
Oh my goodness! These look so decadent! How I wish I could try one of them just now!! Great photos!
Come on over – I have one in the freezer. We can warm it up to make it all gooey again!
Wow…….I love that it’s sunken in the middle, makes me want to dunk my spoon down there right now and devour it!!
I may have done just that!
This dessert would be good with or without ice cream.
I enjoyed it just as-is!
Stunning pictures and a fabulous dessert for Valentine’s Day!!
Thanks so much Tara! Yes, very Valentine-y to me!
I cannot get over how fudgy and perfect and decadent these look!!! Mmmm chocolate, I love you!
Thanks Kayle! I was so excited with how they turned out!
Haha, cracked centers or not I still want this NOW 🙂
Hehe, thanks!
You had me at gluten free, but I think these are the best darn brownies I’ve ever seen – pinning to make immediately! Thank you for sharing this recipe!
Thanks Katy! I was so excited to see that perfect crackly top!
Deep Dish & Hot Fudge — they belong together – this sounds so yummy!
I know, don’t they?!
Oh, yeah, these are winners!!! Ice cream is a PAIN to photograph, but thank goodness these brownies are gorgeous (and perfectly gooey) even without it 🙂
I know, I really wanted to put on ice cream, but I also wanted to showcase the gooeyness!
Oh my goodness, I want to grab a spoon and devour those brownies! Your photos ARE fantastic too!
Thanks so much!!
Can I have this for breakfast? I love it and it looks just so amazing!!
Absolutely!
Oh my! Just looking at that gooey chocolate center made my mouth water. Great job on the photos and I can relate to what we have to do for the photo sessions.
Thanks Renee! I definitely felt like I had to showcase that gooey center!
Yum!! Deep dish brownies…what a great way to indulge for Valenines Day!
Gotta have chocolate!
A sunken middle leading to a fudgy prize = not a problem a’tall!
I agree!
love that you made brownies in little ramekins. . LOVE and how perfect!!!
Thanks Alice – all about portion control 😉
Who in the world can quibble about a well in the middle of a brownie filled with fudgy goodness?
Thank you for sharing the recipes for these gluten-free wonders, Brianne.
Hope your Valentine’s Day includes a gift of rest for a hardworking blogger mom =)
Thanks so much Kim!