The Ultimate Gooey Caramel Brownie Mug Cake Sundae
The Ultimate Gooey Caramel Brownie Mug Cake Sundae

5 from 1 reviews
The Ultimate Gooey Caramel Brownie Mug Cake Sundae
 
Prep time
Cook time
Total time
 
I took an already-great mug cake from one of my faves, America’s Test Kitchen, and pumped it up! I added some espresso to deepen the chocolate flavor and a slew of my favorite toppings from my pantry to create a dessert as decadent as one it takes hours to make. Throw this together at home when you want a special dessert but don’t want to get out of your jammies! I used a big espresso mug for this cake, but you can use any regular size coffee mug that’s microwave safe. Different microwaves may require different cooking times, but your finished cake should look set up but very moist.
Author:
Serves: 1
Ingredients
Cake Ingredients:
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons chocolate chips (half bittersweet and half semisweet)
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 large egg
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon instant espresso powder
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 square of your favorite dark chocolate bar
Topping Ingredients:
  • 3 Werther’s Original® Baking Caramels
  • 2 teaspoons milk
  • melted chocolate chips
  • vanilla bean ice cream or gelato
  • crushed toasted nuts
  • crushed cookie
  • whipped cream
Instructions
  1. Place butter and chocolate chips in a coffee mug and heat on half power for 15 second intervals, stirring between each interval, until melted (about 45 seconds total). In a separate small bowl or ramekin, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt. In a separate small bowl or ramekin, whisk together the egg, vanilla extract, and espresso powder. When the chocolate is melted in your mug, stir in sugar and cocoa powder. Stir in the egg mixture. Stir in the flour mixture. Stir well to eliminate lumps.
  2. Microwave the mug on half power for 30 seconds (I set mine on a plate just in case there’s spillover). Stir. Microwave on half power for 35 seconds (the cake will rise over the top of your mug like a giant soufflé, but stay calm.) Press the square of chocolate bar down into the center of the cake (I broke mine into two pieces), being careful not to burn your fingers. Microwave on half power for 40 seconds. Let the cake cool in the mug for 2 minutes while you prepare your toppings.
  3. Melt the chocolate chips by heating on half power for 20 second intervals, stirring between each, until melty. Melt the Werther’s Original® Baking Caramels by placing them in a small bowl with the milk. Heat on 30 second intervals, stirring carefully between each, until melty. Top your mug cake with a big scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, caramel sauce, chocolate sauce, whipped cream, crushed toasted pecans, a crushed cookie (I used a Biscoff cookie), and the kitchen sink. Just kidding about the sink. Enjoy!

 

40 Comments on The Ultimate Gooey Caramel Brownie Mug Cake Sundae

  1. Jenny @ BAKE
    January 1, 2014 at 11:43 am (10 years ago)

    This mug cake sundae looks incredible! what a treat! Your resolutions sound brilliant, I really should try to be more mindful, it’s so easy to let the simple experiences of life slip through your fingers.

    Reply
  2. Amanda @ Once Upon a Recipe
    January 1, 2014 at 1:24 pm (10 years ago)

    Goodness gracious, this looks fabulous! I’m saving this recipe for whenever my next intense chocolate craving hits! Which will probably happen today. 🙂 Happy New Year, Julie!

    Reply
  3. Mallory @ Because I Like Chocolate
    January 1, 2014 at 2:46 pm (10 years ago)

    I resolve to eat more chocolatey goodness like this, as if there wasn’t already enough of it in my diet! haha Happy New Year!

    Reply
  4. Tara
    January 1, 2014 at 10:12 pm (10 years ago)

    Yes please, right NOW please!!!

    Reply
  5. Amanda
    January 2, 2014 at 8:19 am (10 years ago)

    I was moved to tears by #3… your willingness to openly and unabashedly serve our King is inspiring Julie. Thank you for that!! (and this dessert looks pretty darn amazing too!)

    Reply
  6. Toni
    January 2, 2014 at 9:41 pm (10 years ago)

    Hi Julie! Everyone is eagerly waiting for me to make this brownie sundae for the family! Didn’t realize that all I needed was a brownie to get their attention! 😉 I was wondering though, which church you were talking about regarding the “conflicting doctrine” in which you grew up. It was an interesting entry for me to read. Thanks.

    Reply
    • Julie Ruble
      January 2, 2014 at 9:45 pm (10 years ago)

      Hi Toni! Hope you love it! I grew up in (and am still part of) a typical American Protestant church.

      Reply
  7. Becca
    January 6, 2014 at 2:02 am (10 years ago)

    This looks sooo good!

    So interesting that you talked about mindfulness – because that’s on my resolution list as well. I really resonate with the whole way you were talking about goals and resolutions. Sometimes it’s better (and more effective) to get to the root of it all. It’s great to make small strides and changes, and those can add up – but sometimes it is real deep work that we must do first (or also).

    Reply
  8. Perry
    January 10, 2014 at 3:20 pm (10 years ago)

    Setting goals are real fun and challenging too. Now i got one goal to look forward to over the weekend;make my own “Ultimate Gooey Caramel Brownie Mug Cake Sundae”.
    Surely the kids would love it..It’s really fun to have this simple goal done. I’m drooling by just looking at the pictures…

    Reply
  9. Elissa M.
    January 20, 2014 at 4:39 pm (10 years ago)

    Made this slightly modified due to lack of required ingredients. I didn’t have instant espresso powder, but I did have very dark brewed coffee…so I added a splash of that. I also didn’t have caramel or cookies. So I made a chocolate/peanut butter/coconut topping with some coconut oil, natural pnut butter & chocolate chips…& topped that with coconut flakes – it was heavenly (or IS..I couldn’t wait to comment, digging in as we speak!!) Though, I’ll be investing in some caramel & instant espresso & biscoff cookies for next time around!!!

    Reply
  10. Dani
    March 3, 2014 at 12:50 pm (10 years ago)

    I loved your article. I clicked on this for the desert but I wasn’t expecting a lovely piece of mind to go with it.
    I just agree with you on so many points. Jesus really did come so that we could have life , and have it in abundance until it overflows.
    I hope you continue cooking, checking off lists, and loving life.

    Reply
  11. Emma
    March 26, 2014 at 3:43 am (10 years ago)

    Where can you buy the Caramels from ?

    Reply
    • Julie Ruble
      April 2, 2014 at 7:02 pm (10 years ago)

      Hi Emma, I get mine at my grocery store in the baking aisle. I think Werther’s website also has a link where you can locate a store that sells them.

      Reply
  12. Dan
    April 17, 2014 at 6:44 am (10 years ago)

    I just read your resolutions….I totally agree with #3. Jesus sacrificed himself so we don’t HAVE TO do any thing…whether it is adhere to a set of rules and regulations from a “religious” group to be accepted by that group or a mindset or behavior that has enslaved us.
    Human beings are free…. if we seek the truth…and as Jesus said “I am the way, the TRUTH, and the life……”

    Reply
  13. Michal
    August 21, 2014 at 1:54 pm (10 years ago)

    Wow! that is one amazing cake!

    Reply
  14. Do
    September 6, 2014 at 1:40 am (10 years ago)

    Can we use whole wheat flour and instead of egg can we use curd, pls advice.

    Reply
  15. Kavita Acharya
    September 6, 2014 at 3:28 am (10 years ago)

    One egg per mug is too much for me, I hate the eggy smell – do you think I can reduce it to half an egg by doubling the other ingredients and making two mugs?

    Reply
    • Julie Ruble
      September 8, 2014 at 8:10 am (10 years ago)

      I haven’t tried it, Kavita, but it sounds like it’d work fine.

      Reply
  16. Julie
    February 11, 2015 at 2:17 pm (9 years ago)

    hi Julie! I was just wondering if you think I could make a big batch of this dough. My husband is always asking for this mug cake and I thought I could prepare more at a time and add the rest after… What do you think?

    Reply
    • Julie Ruble
      February 11, 2015 at 2:20 pm (9 years ago)

      Hi Julie! My friend Amanda just posted something I think you NEED: http://iambaker.net/chocolate-mug-cake-1-minute/ Isn’t that cool? So you can prep the cake in just a quick step and then add all the goodies 🙂

      Reply
  17. Jewlz
    April 1, 2015 at 6:03 pm (9 years ago)

    This mug cake is now our home favorite. I sometimes vary what I’ll stick in the middle of the batter: caramels, raspberry jam, Nutella, peanut butter. It is delicious! Thank-you for sharing this recipe!

    Reply
  18. kc
    November 6, 2015 at 3:11 pm (8 years ago)

    Does this have to be served warm or can it be served cold too

    Reply
  19. sad cakegirl
    March 5, 2017 at 8:57 pm (7 years ago)

    the salt in this cake is too much my mouth is sad. i drowned the cake in ice cream so i wouldn’t have to taste it. how can something so beautiful taste so bad. i wish i could go back in time and change my mind to not make this cake. i need water.

    Reply
    • Julie Ruble
      March 6, 2017 at 12:03 am (7 years ago)

      There’s only 1/8 teaspoon salt in the cake; it shouldn’t be detectible. Are you sure you didn’t use salted butter?

      Reply
  20. J. Stud Studio
    September 1, 2018 at 10:44 am (6 years ago)

    Cant wait to try making this! It looks amazing!!!!

    Reply
  21. King
    October 6, 2020 at 10:45 pm (3 years ago)

    great recipe!

    Reply
  22. bizzy bee
    January 20, 2021 at 5:09 pm (3 years ago)

    This is honestly the ultimate combination of goodness! lol I have made these several time and they are always a hit. These are definitely some of my favorite.

    Reply
  23. sil
    March 14, 2021 at 7:41 pm (3 years ago)

    This is a spectacular dessert! I followed the recipe and directions and it came out perfect. Thank you for sharing.

    Reply

11Pingbacks & Trackbacks on The Ultimate Gooey Caramel Brownie Mug Cake Sundae

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Comment *