5-Minute Microwave Brownies from Scratch — Quick, Fudgy, and Kid-Friendly
Sneak Preview: Make fudgy microwave brownies from scratch in minutes—no box mix, no oven. Just pantry staples, a bowl, and your microwave.
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Create fun memories with your kids or grandkids as you help them make and eat this Microwave Chocolate Brownie recipe. All my elementary-age grandchildren make them and enjoy licking every beater, bowl, and batter-covered spatula.
In less time than running to the store and buying a mix, you can fill your kitchen with the chocolatey aroma of scratch chocolate brownies.
Ingredients and Substitutions
Step-by-Step for Microwave Brownies
⬇️ Jump to the recipe below for exact amounts and detailed instructions.
Tips That Make a Difference
• Use a glass dish for more even cooking.
• Spread batter thicker at the edges to prevent dry corners.
• Start checking at 3 minutes—microwaves vary.
• Let brownies rest 1–2 minutes after microwaving; they keep cooking.
• Best served warm within a few hours (they dry out quickly).
Microwave Brownies From Scratch
Video
Ingredients
- 2 large (100 g) eggs
- ¾ cup (150 g) sugar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup (110 g) melted unsalted butter
- ¾ cup (90 g) all-purpose flour
- ½ cup (64 g) cocoa powder (not Dutched)
- 1 teaspoon instant espresso optional
Topping (Optional)
- ¼ cup chopped semi-sweet chocolate or chocolate chips
- ¼ cup chopped nuts toasted nuts (peanuts, pecans, walnuts, etc.)
- pinch cinnamon
Instructions
- Blend: 2 large (100 g) eggs, 3/4 cup (150 g) sugar, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract with a mixer (hand mixer works fine) for about 1 minute until light.
- Add: 1/2 cup (110 g) melted unsalted butter and keep beating.
- Mix in dry ingredients: in 3/4 cup (90 g) all-purpose flour and 1/2 cup (64 g) cocoa powder (not Dutched) and 1 teaspoon instant espresso (if using) at low speed just until the flour disappears.
- Optional: Combine 1/4 cup chopped semi-sweet chocolate or chocolate chips, 1/4 cup chopped nuts and a pinch cinnamon for topping in a small bowl. Either stir the topping into the batter now or sprinkle on top after the batter is put into the baking dish. I like to sprinkle it on top. Looks fancy.
- Spread batter: Use an 8″ square, round, or oval glass oven-safe dish. Arrange the batter with the spatula to be somewhat thicker around the edges and corners than in the middle.
- Microwave on HIGH for 3-5 minutes. Watch carefully the first time because every microwave is a bit different. When done, the top looks dry and springs back when lightly touched. If the brownies become tough and chewy as they cool, they overcooked. Food cooked in a microwave continues to cook for a minute or two after removing it from the oven.
Notes
Nutrition
All images and text ©️ Paula Rhodes for Salad in a Jar.com
Final Thoughts
These brownies are my go-to when we want something fast, chocolatey, and fun to make with the grandkids. They’re not fancy—but they are rich, warm, and deeply satisfying. Serve with vanilla ice cream, creme fraiche ice cream, or coffee ice cream.
Tried these brownies? Drop a quick comment or star rating—I’d love to know what you think!
Need help troubleshooting? Email me: Paula at saladinajar.com—photos welcome!
Paula, you’ve earned your angel wings. What a great way to enjoy a brownie. 3 mins. to brownie heaven!
Thanks so much, Deb. I appreciate the feedback.
My oven isn’t working. I tried several different microwave recipes. Your recipe is the best!!!
Thanks, Luana. It’s a classic at our house. Thank you for the 5-star review.
For microwave brownie these are stellar. Great recipe!
So happy you enjoyed these quick brownies. And thank you for taking the time to say so.
I just made it, and it’s cooking in my microwave right now, the thing is i thought it would be more batter and more sweeter taste, but it should be fine, and hope it is to my satisfaction!
Hi Deanna,
How did your brownies turn out? Of course, this is not a gourmet recipe—but we have always enjoyed this brownie recipe when we need a sweet treat in a hurry or when the kids or grandkids want to bake.
This are super easy to make and I ended up halfing the recipe. It worked really well because It’s a smaller serving. And if you cook it for 2 minutes they were perfect. Thank you so much for sharing this amazing and easy recipe with everyone.
Thanks for coming back to say so. Glad to hear your suggestion for dividing the recipe in half. Hav never tried it.
Ah yes, I can definitely relate to your skinny secret. My version of microwave brownies is freezing leftover desserts and just knowing that I can have a steaming cookie or brownie in literally seconds is enough to sometimes keep them in the freezer long past when they should have been eaten! 🙂
Hi Erika,
Yes, freezing is a good idea. At least it gets them off the countertop so you can’t see or hear them calling your name. 🙂
Ok, so I’m out of cocoa, but will get some soon as I really want try these. Oh and I don’t have a glass dish that size. I’ll take care of that, too. 😉
See, once I have some cookies in the pantry I don’t necessarily eat them but knowing they are there keeps me from buying cookies or pastries. For the same reason, I keep cake mix boxes in my pantry as well. Though I haven’t used one in 8 months or so, knowing they are there keeps me from buying a cake.
I never thought that something so tasty and beautiful could come from the microwave. Thanks for opening my mind to such a new concept!
Great recipe for my college daughter, since a microwave is the only cooking appliance allowed in the dorms.
Mimi
I’m going to have to try these!