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    Home » Healthy Mug Brownie Recipe (Paleo & Vegan)

    Healthy Mug Brownie Recipe (Paleo & Vegan)

    Published: Jan 19, 2017 · Modified: Jul 14, 2021 by Laura · This post may contain affiliate links.

    Jump to Recipe

    This Healthy Mug Brownie recipe is ready in under 5 minutes! Irresistibly chocolatey, insanely fudgy, and made with nutritious ingredients! This microwave brownie is paleo, gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan & refined sugar free!

    Overhead view of a healthy mug Brownie with paleo vanilla ice cream and a chocolate drizzle. A spoon with a bite of brownie on it is resting next to the ramekin.

    This single-serve healthy Mug Brownie is a recipe that took me a year to perfect. It’s not a mug cake - it is a gooey, fudgy paleo brownie that is ready in under 5 minutes and totally healthy!

    Now when the chocolate craving hits and you don’t have time to bake brownies, you can make this healthy mug brownie, top it with your favorite paleo vanilla ice cream and have a delicious dessert in no time.

    A slightly underbaked gooey ramekin of chocolate brownie can be yours whenever you want it. Plus, this mug brownie is  vegan, paleo, gluten-free, dairy-free and refined sugar free!

    a spoon taking a bite of healthy mug brownie in a ramekin

    Microwave Mug Brownie: Ingredients & Substitutions 

    As always I recommend that you make the recipe exactly as written. I went through so many trials and errors to get this healthy mug brownie just right...that I know it's best when the recipe is followed to a T. However, I know y'all will want to know what you can substitute, so here we go:

    • Almond butter: you can use any nut/seed butter. I have had the best results with almond butter, cashew butter and peanut butter (not paleo).
    • Coconut oil: Grass-fed butter or ghee can be used in place of coconut oil.
    • Almond Milk: Any dairy or non-dairy milk, cream or even creamer will work as a substitution for almond milk.
    • Coconut sugar: Any granulated sugar can be used without affecting the results. Honey or maple syrup are also a possible substitution, however I find that it makes this even more gooey and it tastes less like an actual brownie and more like brownie pudding if you use a liquid sweetener.
    • Almond flour: The only substitutions that could potentially work here are: another nut flour, a gluten-free flour blend, or oat flour. Do not use coconut flour, it is not a 1:1 substitute for almond flour (or any flour).
    front view of a healthy mug Brownie with paleo vanilla ice cream and a chocolate drizzle.

    Paleo Chocolate Chips & Bars

    Sometimes it's hard to figure out which chocolate chips are Paleo, so I'll discuss some of my favorite healthier chocolate options!

    • Hu Kitchen Chocolate Gems. This is my favorite paleo chocolate. These gems are delicious and easy to toss into cookies (no bar chopping required).
    • Hu Kitchen Dark Chocolate Bars. You can also buy dark chocolate bars and chop them up to toss into these paleo chocolate chip cookies.
    • Lily's Dark Chocolate. They make chips and bars that are stevia sweetened, low carb, keto, etc.
    • Enjoy Life Foods Dark Chocolate Chips are a good option that are vegan, dairy-free but not fully paleo.
    overhead view of a microwave brownie before being baked.

    How to make a healthy mug brownie

    Let's walk through this recipe step-by-step, and don't forget to watch the video.

    To begin, melt together the coconut oil and almond butter.

    two photos showing how to make Healthy Mug Brownie Recipe (Paleo & Vegan)

    Next, add the rest of the wet ingredients and whisk to combine. Then add the try ingredients.

    two photos showing how to make a Healthy Mug Brownie Recipe (Paleo & Vegan)

    Stir until the mixture is smooth and there are no lumps. Then, add chocolate chips and put the mixture into a greased ramekin or mug.

    two photos showing how to make this Healthy Mug Brownie Recipe (Paleo & Vegan)

    Microwave the mug brownie for 1 minute, then remove it and let sit until slightly cooled (it really needs to cool or you will destroy your mouth).

    Note: If you look at the picture below, you will see that this little healthy treat is not the prettiest. Since it's not a cake I had to sacrifice the perfect, puffy top in order to make it irresistibly fudgy and gooey (so worth it). Top it with ice cream and you won't be able to tell!

    overhead photo of this healthy mug brownie after being microwaved

    Serve

    Like I've said, I suggest serving this healthy mug brownie with a scoop of ice cream. Here are some of my favorite ice cream recipes:

    • The best paleo vanilla ice cream - you'll love it.
    • Paleo chocolate ice cream with sea salt is so good.
    • Want something different? Try this matcha ice cream (paleo).
    • This paleo cookie dough ice cream is so yummy!
    • My favorite dairy free ice cream is this dairy-free chocolate peanut butter ice cream.
    healthy mug Brownie with paleo vanilla ice cream and a chocolate drizzle in a white ramekin

    FAQs about this healthy mug brownie

    Do I have to use a mug to make this recipe?

    No! A mug works great, but as you can see I used a small ramekin (5.5 oz capacity, 3.5" diameter, 2" tall).

    What size mug do I use to make this recipe?

    Use a small mug that can hold about 6 oz.

    More healthy dessert recipes

    • Black Bean Brownies for your friends who enjoy healthy, gluten-free desserts that are low in calories. These are super fudgy and delicious with zero guilt! (They're also nut-free)!
    • Fudgy Paleo Brownies are so delicious and only take 15 minutes to make (so still really quick).
    • These Greek Yogurt Brownies are a reader favorite for a good reason - so yummy!
    • Vegan Black Bean Brownies are for chocolate peanut butter veggie lovers everywhere. So delicious!
    • We love these healthy peanut butter blondies (made with chickpeas)! Or try these paleo blondies.
    Up-close, front view of a spoon with a bite of healthy mug brownie on it

    If you make and love our recipes, it would mean so much to me if you would leave a comment and rating! And don't forget to follow along with us on Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook, and Youtube - be sure to tag @joyfoodsunshine and use the hashtag #joyfoodsunshine so we can your creations!

    Healthy Mug Brownie (Paleo & Vegan)

    Laura
    This Healthy Mug Brownie recipe is ready in under 5 minutes! Irresistibly chocolatey, insanely fudgy, and made with nutritious ingredients! This microwave brownie is paleo, gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan & refined sugar free!
    4.92 from 12 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save Recipe Saved!
    Prep Time 2 mins
    Cook Time 1 min
    cooling time 3 mins
    Total Time 3 mins
    Course Dessert, Snack
    Cuisine American
    Servings 1 Brownie
    Calories 229.7 kcal

    Equipment

    • measuring spoons
    • spatula
    • glass batter bowl

    Ingredients
     
     

    • 1 TBS smooth almond butter
    • 1 tsp coconut oil
    • 1 TBS almond milk
    • ¼ tsp pure vanilla extract
    • 1 TBS coconut sugar
    • ½ TBS unsweetened cocoa powder
    • 1 ½ TBS almond flour
    • 1/16 tsp sea salt
    • ⅛ tsp baking powder
    • 1 TBS mini chocolate chips
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions
     

    • Grease a small ramekin (5.5 oz capacity) or mug, set aside.
    • In a small glass measuring cup, melt together the almond butter and coconut oil, stir until smooth.
    • Add almond milk and vanilla extract and stir until combined.
    • Add coconut sugar, cocoa powder, almond flour, sea salt and baking powder, stir until completely combined and there are no lumps.
    • Mix in the mini chocolate chips.
    • Pour batter into prepared ramekin or mug. Place in microwave and cook for 1 minute.
    • Remove and let sit until slightly cooled.
    • Serve with paleo ice cream, and extra dollop of almond butter, or eat it plain!

    Video

    Notes

    Use a small ramekin that holds 5.5 oz (3.5" diameter, 2" tall) or a small mug that holds 6-8 oz for the best results. 

    Ingredient Substitutions

    • Almond butter: you can use any nut/seed butter. I have had the best results with almond butter, cashew butter and peanut butter (not paleo).
    • Coconut oil: Grass-fed butter or ghee can be used in place of coconut oil.
    • Almond Milk: Any dairy or non-dairy milk, cream or even creamer will work as a substitution for almond milk.
    • Coconut sugar: Any granulated sugar can be used without affecting the results. Honey or maple syrup are also a possible substitution, however I find that it makes this even more gooey and it tastes less like an actual brownie and more like brownie pudding if you use a liquid sweetener.
    • Almond flour: The only substitutions that could potentially work here are: another nut flour, a gluten-free flour blend, or oat flour. Do not use coconut flour, it is not a 1:1 substitute for almond flour (or any flour).
    Paleo Chocolate Chips & Bars
    Sometimes it's hard to figure out which chocolate chips are Paleo, so I'll discuss some of my favorite healthier chocolate options!
    • Hu Kitchen Chocolate Gems. This is my favorite paleo chocolate. These gems are delicious and easy to toss into cookies (no bar chopping required).
    • Hu Kitchen Dark Chocolate Bars. You can also buy dark chocolate bars and chop them up to toss into these paleo chocolate chip cookies.
    • Lily's Dark Chocolate. They make chips and bars that are stevia sweetened, low carb, keto, etc.
    • Enjoy Life Foods Dark Chocolate Chips are a good option that are vegan, dairy-free but not fully paleo.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1brownieCalories: 229.7kcalCarbohydrates: 17.8gProtein: 5.1gFat: 16.2gSaturated Fat: 5.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.2gSodium: 386mgPotassium: 53.7mgFiber: 3.2gSugar: 13.9gVitamin A: 30IUCalcium: 122mgIron: 0.8mg
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

    Note: I created this recipe to celebrate my blog's first birthday and wrote this: It so hard to believe that 1 year ago today I published the first recipe here in my little corner of the world-wide web! I am so grateful for how far we’ve come and for all of you wonderful readers who take the time to make my recipes!

    I started this blog at a time when I felt like I was spending my days only doing things I had to do, and nothing I loved doing. Except for spending time with my family, I had lost a lot of the joy in my life and desperately needed a little bit of sunshine. 😉

    We all have these seasons in our lives. My favorite bible verse when I am struggling is Hosea 6:1, "“Come, let us return to the Lord; for he has torn us, that he may heal us; he has struck us down, and he will bind us up." Everything, even our struggles are part of His ultimate design for our lives...and to me, that is beautiful. 

    Plus, out of this difficult season JoyFoodSunshine was born! This blog has become my creative outlet! Something I love doing and have so much fun with! I’ve always had a passion for healthy living and eating, as well as being a support to other women (especially moms).

    Through JoyFoodSunshine I have been able to share these passions and it’s all thanks to YOU! So really, I can’t thank you enough for all of your love, support and encouragement…..and I can’t wait to see what the next year of delicious food and fun has in store!

    This post contains affiliate links, which means that if you purchase a product through a link you clicked on here, I receive a portion of the sale. Thank you for supporting JoyFoodSunshine!

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Mary

      February 11, 2021 at 10:50 am

      5 stars
      Amazing recipe, works every time. Thank you for sharing this with us!

      Reply
    2. Juliane

      March 06, 2020 at 9:00 am

      5 stars
      Super delicious! Used oat flour and it worked very well 🙂 Thank you for the recipe, my new afternoon treat ^^

      Reply
      • Sarah ventura

        May 26, 2020 at 11:54 pm

        My daughter loves it , it is a new family favorite! thank you

        Reply
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    About Laura

    I’m Laura, a former chemistry teacher turned homeschooling mom of six beautiful babies! I create simple and delicious recipes that are tested and perfected to make cooking and baking joyful and fun!

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