Craving a warm brownie without derailing your weight loss goals? This Single Serve Brownie bakes up fudgy with rich cocoa and melty chocolate chips in just one small dish. Ready in 20 minutes, it’s the perfect portion-controlled treat to satisfy your sweet tooth while staying on track.
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Ingredients for Single Serve Brownie
Gathering your ingredients for this beautiful little dessert is the first step. I love that you only need a few pantry staples to create this easy one-bowl homemade chocolate treat. Let’s get everything measured out and ready to go.
For the brownie batter
- Unsalted Butter – Melt it for that rich, gooey texture.
- Granulated Sugar – Adds the perfect sweetness to balance the cocoa.
- Brown Sugar – Pack it in for that deep, caramel-like flavor.
- Unsweetened Cocoa Powder – The star of the show, so use a good one.
- Baking Powder – Just a pinch to give it a little lift.
- Salt – A tiny bit to enhance all the flavors.
- All-Purpose Flour – Keeps everything together without weighing it down.
- Vanilla Extract – A splash for that warm, comforting aroma.
- Milk – Adds just enough moisture for a fudgy result.
- Chocolate Chips – Because a brownie isn’t complete without melty chocolate pockets.
Cook Time for Chocolate Brownie Recipe
The best part about this chocolate brownie recipe is how quickly it comes together. In the time it takes to preheat your oven, you can have your batter mixed and ready to bake. It’s the ultimate solution for a sudden sweet craving on a busy weeknight.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
For those days when you don’t want to turn on the oven, I have a whole collection of other quick fixes, like my favorite healthy no-bake desserts.
How to Make Fudgy Brownie Recipe
Making this fudgy brownie recipe is a simple, one-bowl process that feels like a little kitchen miracle. You’ll be enjoying a rich and moist cocoa confection in no time. Let’s walk through each step together.
Step 1: Prep Your Pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a small baking dish or ramekin with butter or nonstick spray. This ensures your baked fudgy chocolate dessert bars will release perfectly.
Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a small bowl, combine your melted butter with both sugars. Stir until the mixture is smooth and the sugars have begun to dissolve into the butter.
Step 3: Add the Cocoa & Leavening
Now, add your cocoa powder, that pinch of baking powder, and salt. Mix it all until you have a thick, glossy paste with no dry spots left.
Step 4: Bring the Batter Together
Stir in the flour, vanilla, and milk. You’ll see it transform into a thick, luscious batter. This is the heart of your simple no-mixer chocolate baked good.
Step 5: Fold in the Chocolate
Gently fold in the chocolate chips. I always add an extra few for good measure—those molten pockets are the best part!
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Pour the batter into your prepared dish and bake for 12-15 minutes. You want the edges set but the center still soft. Let it cool for 5 minutes—this is the hardest part!
Pro Tips & Tasty Tweaks
Over the years, I’ve made this single serve brownie more times than I can count. Along the way, I’ve picked up a few tricks to make it truly yours. Here are my favorite ways to tweak this timeless treat.
- Flavor Swap: Try swapping the chocolate chips for chopped nuts or a swirl of peanut butter for a different twist on this chewy cocoa chocolate chip square.
- Diet Tweak: For a healthier spin that fits into your goals, you can find great substitution ideas in my guide to healthy baking recipes.
- Texture Fix: For an extra gooey center, pull your brownie out at the 12-minute mark. For a cake-like texture, let it go the full 15 minutes.
- Storage Tip: This treat is best enjoyed fresh, but you can cover and store it at room temperature for a day. Warm it for 10 seconds in the microwave before serving again. For more sweet ideas that keep, check out my small batch oatmeal chocolate chip cookies.
Single Serve Brownie
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar packed
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/8 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 1 tablespoon chocolate chips
Equipment
- oven
- baking dish
- spatula
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a small baking dish or ramekin with butter or nonstick spray.
- In a small mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Stir until smooth and well combined.
- Add the cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt to the bowl. Mix until the dry ingredients are fully incorporated and no lumps remain.
- Stir in the flour, vanilla extract, and milk. Mix until the batter is smooth and thick.
- Fold in the chocolate chips until evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly with a spoon or spatula. Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the edges are set and the center is slightly soft to the touch.
- Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Private Notes
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!Nutrition and Health Benefits
While this single serve brownie is a treat, I believe in enjoying every bite while being mindful of what goes into our bodies. This rich and moist cocoa confection offers more than just incredible flavor—it’s made with simple, recognizable ingredients that you can feel good about.
A little indulgence can absolutely fit into a balanced lifestyle. For those watching their intake, this easy one-bowl homemade chocolate treat allows for complete portion control, so you savor without overdoing it.
Here’s a quick look at the nutritional profile per serving. Remember, these values can vary based on specific ingredients and substitutions you choose.
| Nutrient | Amount (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 380 |
| Total Fat | 18g |
| Saturated Fat | 11g |
| Carbohydrates | 52g |
| Sugar | 38g |
| Protein | 4g |
Using quality cocoa powder also brings a touch of antioxidants to your dessert. For those seeking a higher protein option to complement this treat, I often pair it with a glass of milk or one of my high-protein desserts.
It’s all about balance and making choices that work for you. For a broader look at nutritious eating, the comprehensive overview of dietary balance can offer helpful foundational knowledge.
A Lighter Version of this Fudgy Brownie Recipe
I know many of you are looking for ways to lighten up your favorite treats without sacrificing that soul-satisfying taste. This fudgy brownie recipe is wonderfully adaptable, and I’ve tested several tweaks that my family genuinely loves.
One of my favorite simple swaps is using applesauce in place of half the butter. It sounds unusual, but it keeps our baked fudgy chocolate dessert bars incredibly moist while cutting down on fat. Mashed ripe banana works beautifully, too, adding a hint of natural sweetness.
For the sugar, you can reduce the granulated amount slightly and rely more on the brown sugar for its moisture. Or, explore natural sweeteners like coconut sugar. I share more of these kitchen experiments in my collection of healthy baking recipes.
If you’re planning a special occasion and want a gorgeous yet healthier dessert spread, my healthy Valentine’s Day desserts recipes are filled with ideas that feel indulgent but are made with care.
Thoughtful Tips for Special Diets
In my kitchen, I believe everyone should have a place at the table, regardless of dietary needs. I often bake for friends and family who are sugar conscious or managing their intake, so I’ve learned a few simple adjustments to make this single serve brownie more inclusive.
For a diabetic-friendly version that’s still a rich and moist cocoa confection, consider using a natural sweetener like stevia or xylitol designed for baking. Just be sure to follow the conversion chart on the package, as these alternatives are often much sweeter than sugar.
Another great tip for better glycemic control is to add a handful of nuts into the batter. The extra fiber and healthy fats can help slow down the absorption of sugars. Remember, enjoying a smaller portion alongside a source of protein, like a dollop of Greek yogurt, can also make a treat more blood sugar friendly.
How to Serve Single Serve Brownie
There’s a particular joy in serving a dessert that’s made just for one. It feels like a small act of kindness to yourself or a loved one. I remember my grandmother would always bake a little something special for anyone having a rough day—a tradition that taught me the comfort of a personal portion.
For a truly decadent experience, serve your warm single serve brownie topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The contrast of hot and cold is pure magic. A drizzle of my simple chocolate buttercream frosting (thinned out a bit) makes for an elegant restaurant-quality finish.
If you’re a fan of fruit and chocolate, a side of fresh raspberries or strawberries cuts through the richness perfectly. For another light and fruity pairing, this brownie is wonderful with a scoop of my cherry lemon bars on the side for a tangy contrast.
No matter how you choose to enjoy it, this easy one-bowl homemade chocolate treat is about savoring the moment. So put on the kettle, brew some coffee, and take a well-deserved break.
Mistakes to Avoid
Over the years, I’ve learned that even the simplest recipes can go sideways with a few small missteps. This single serve brownie is wonderfully forgiving, but keeping an eye on these common pitfalls will ensure your baked fudgy chocolate dessert bars turn out perfect every time.
One mistake I made early on was overmixing the batter. It’s tempting to keep stirring until everything is perfectly smooth, but that can lead to a tougher texture. Mix just until the flour disappears—a few small lumps are perfectly fine.
Another common error is baking in a dish that’s too large. If your baking dish is oversized, your single serve brownie will spread too thin and bake too quickly. I always reach for my trusty 6-ounce ramekin for that perfect thick, chewy result.
Timing is everything with this easy one-bowl homemade chocolate treat. Even a minute or two too long in the oven can turn your rich and moist cocoa confection dry around the edges. Set a timer and check early—remember it will continue cooking slightly as it cools.
For those exploring healthier options, my collection of healthy no-bake desserts offers wonderful alternatives when you want something sweet without turning on the oven.
If you’re curious about the science behind baking success, the comprehensive overview of baking techniques provides helpful foundational knowledge that applies to all your kitchen creations.
How to Store Single Serve Brownie
I remember my grandmother wrapping leftover baked goods in wax paper and storing them in her antique bread box—there was something so comforting about finding a little treat waiting days later. While this single serve brownie is meant to be enjoyed fresh, sometimes life gets in the way and you need to save it for later.
If you do have leftovers, let your brownie cool completely before storing. Place it in an airtight container at room temperature—it should stay fresh for about 2 days. For longer storage, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.
When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen treat, simply thaw it at room temperature for about an hour. For that just-baked warmth, pop it in the microwave for 15-20 seconds. The chocolate will become beautifully soft again, almost like it just came out of the oven.
If you’re looking for another frozen dessert option that stores beautifully, my cottage cheese strawberry mousse freezes wonderfully and makes for a delightful protein-packed treat.
For those who love variety in their freezer, my frozen yogurt recipe offers a tangy alternative that pairs beautifully with warmed brownies.
Try This Single Serve Brownie Yourself
There’s something truly special about baking just for yourself—a small act of self-care that says “you’re worth it.” I still remember the first time I made this single serve brownie after a particularly long day. The aroma of chocolate filling my kitchen felt like a warm hug, and that first bite transported me right back to my childhood kitchen.
This simple no-mixer chocolate baked good has become my go-to when I need a moment of comfort or want to surprise someone with a personal treat. It’s the recipe I share with friends who think baking for one isn’t worth the effort—and they always come back thanking me for changing their mind.
I encourage you to try this single serve brownie yourself this week. Whether you need a pick-me-up after work or want to create a special moment for someone you love, this chewy cocoa chocolate chip square delivers joy in every bite.
If you enjoy this treat, you might also love my small batch oatmeal chocolate chip cookies for another perfectly portioned baking adventure.
For those warmer days when something cool sounds better, my lemon cherry gelato offers a refreshing contrast to rich chocolate desserts.
And if you’re planning a dessert spread, consider pairing this brownie with my cherry cheesecake ice cream for a truly indulgent experience that still feels special for one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this brownie recipe without eggs?
Absolutely! For an egg-free version, you can use a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water) or simply increase the applesauce to 3 tablespoons. The texture might be slightly denser, but still wonderfully fudgy and delicious.
What’s the best cocoa powder for brownies?
I prefer using natural unsweetened cocoa powder for that classic brownie flavor. Dutch-processed cocoa works too, but it may slightly alter the rise and texture. Whatever you choose, make sure it’s fresh for the richest chocolate experience.
How do I know when the brownie is done baking?
The edges should look set and slightly pulled away from the sides, while the center should still have a slight jiggle. A toothpick inserted near the edge should come out with moist crumbs—not wet batter. Remember, it continues cooking as it cools!
Can I double this single serve recipe?
You certainly can! Simply double all ingredients and bake in a small baking dish or two ramekins. You may need to add a few minutes to the baking time. For larger batches, check out my other dessert recipes designed for sharing.
More Cozy Desserts You’ll Love
If this single serve brownie warmed your heart, here are more comforting treats perfect for any occasion.
Lemon Cherry Ice Cream – A creamy, tangy-sweet frozen delight that brightens any day.
Lemon Cherry Sorbet – Refreshing fruit-forward perfection that cleanses the palate beautifully.
Cherry Ice Cream – Classic creamy indulgence packed with sweet cherry goodness.
Lemon Cherry Sherbet – Lighter than ice cream but just as satisfying with its fruity zing.
