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Small Batch Recipes and Recipes For Two Made From Scratch

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Single Serve Brownie (Microwavable)

This easy microwave deep dish Single Serve Brownie in a ramekin means a fudgy chocolate dessert for one without being tempted by a whole pan.


Single Serve Brownie In A Ramekin
Because everybody knows I love to bake, I get asked all the time how I’m not fat.

Portion control, really. I eat one or two (and maybe another) then give the rest away, usually to coworkers.

It also helps I scale down recipes to make small batches and recipes for 1-2 people.

But then there are times I want a sweet treat right now and don’t want to fuss with the mess or even have the extra goodies over the weekend.

Or maybe I get in one of those moods because I feel lonely, especially if it’s Valentine’s Day aka Singles Awareness Day.

Anyway, I make homemade one serving desserts, like this Single Serve Brownie in a ramekin.

If you want dessert for two, I do have my deep dish brownies for two.

This post is about a one serving brownie recipe with two ways to bake it – in the oven and in the microwave.


Single Serve Brownie
A few months ago, I read Ali’s Single series and felt inspired.

Inspired enough to write this – there’s nothing wrong with being single.

I’m tired of coworkers, friends, TV shows, movies telling me otherwise.

I’m not a damsel in distress nor am I broken. I’m a young woman trying to figure out what to do with my life.

Yes, I get lonely and question if I’ll ever fall in love, but you know what? That’s ok. I keep myself busy with this blog and I love it.


One Serving Brownie

As a single young woman who lived 4 years in a small town where everyone was older and married, I was often criticized about my lifestyle.

Comments here and there about how I do nothing with my life, spending my nights and weekends sitting on the couch watching tv. That I need to find a man and sign up for online dating accounts.

I actually had someone call me over to his desk to tell me how this radio ad for a singles dating website reminded him of me and I should sign up immediately for it (not once did I ever complain to him about being single).

Then there’s the comment where I said I was busy that evening and immediately one person went, “What are YOU doing that you’re ‘so busy’?”

As if I’m forbidden to occupy my time because I’m not a parent (for the record, I had cookies to make for a friend).

So how does a lonely ol’ soul like me survive in a world of loving relationships?

I’m blogging, which is growing beyond what I could imagine.

Whether it’s cooking, baking, shooting, writing, editing photos, catching up on social media or all of the above, I’m not just “sitting on the couch.”

On the weekends I’m either grocery shopping, traveling, or playing in the kitchen.

Bottom line is I keep myself busy. It’s the only way to survive when loneliness starts creeping up.

Plus blogging has brought me the best friends ever, so even though I’m physically alone here in PA, the outpour of love and care online is enormous.


Single Serve Brownie With Peanut Butter

How To Make A Single Serve Brownie

I bet you want to know more about this single serving brownie and not about my life.

The best way to make a single serving dessert is in a ramekin. I personally used a 6 ounce ramekin (affiliate link).

If you use anything smaller, you may need two vessels. Overfilling your ramekin may result in the brownie rising too much then sinking in the middle after cooling.

If you use anything bigger, you may need to adjust your baking time, especially if it’s wider and makes a thinner single brownie.

How To Make Brownie Batter From Scratch

You don’t need a brownie mix when you can make homemade brownie batter from scratch in minutes!

First, melt together your butter and chocolate. Because it’s a small amount, I used a large microwave-safe bowl.

I microwaved it for 30 seconds then stirred. The chocolate didn’t fully melt, so I put it back in for another 10 seconds.

Your microwave time may vary due to different microwave powers. Whatever you do, don’t overheat it or your chocolate will seize and you’ll have to start over.

If you don’t have a microwave or a large enough bowl, you can melt the butter and chocolate in a saucepan on the stovetop, much like if you were making my Small Batch Fudge Brownies in a loaf pan.

After the butter and chocolate are melted, stir in the sugar and cocoa powder. Then stir in the egg yolk and vanilla. Finally, stir in the flour and salt.

Because you’re using an egg yolk, you’ll have a leftover egg white. Check out my recipes using leftover egg whites.

Once your brownie batter is made, transfer it to your ramekin.

If you’re adding a peanut butter cup, add about half the batter, top it with your peanut butter cup, then cover with the remaining batter.

Bake at 350F for about 20 minutes or until the top looks baked and the edges are bubbling.

How To Make A Single Serve Brownie In The Microwave

Want your brownie faster? Or maybe it’s too hot to turn on the oven?

Yes, you can microwave this single serve brownie in a ramekin!

I personally think it tastes a little better from the oven, but brownies in a microwave are still enjoyable too.

Because microwaves vary in wattage, it’s hard to give an exact time. Start at 60 seconds. If it still looks a little underbaked, cook for another 10-15 seconds.

Cool for at least 15 minutes so you don’t burn your tongue.

How To Serve Brownies

There are several ways you can serve your ramekin brownie.

If you love a gooey warm brownie, let it cool for about 15 minutes (so you don’t burn your tongue) then serve immediately.

If you love a traditional brownie texture, let it cool completely so the middle firms up, making the perfect single brownie.

As you can see in the photos, I topped mine with mini marshmallows to give it a mini s’mores feel. I toasted it under the broiler until golden brown.

You can also serve your individual brownie with homemade vanilla ice cream or even peanut butter ice cream.


Individual Chocolate Brownie

More Single Serving Desserts

Looking for more dessert for one? Here are some of my favorite recipes for one:

For a full list of recipes, check out my Easy Single Serving Desserts For One guide.

Single Serve Brownie In A Ramekin

Single Serve Brownie In A Ramekin

Yield: 1 serving
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

This easy deep dish Single Serve Brownie in a ramekin means a fudgy chocolate dessert for one without being tempted by a whole pan.

Ingredients

  • 1 ounce semisweet chocolate, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 egg yolk, room temperature
  • 1/4 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1 tablespoon + 1 1/2 teaspoons all purpose flour
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt
  • 1 peanut butter cup (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons mini marshmallows (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350F if baking. Have one 6-ounce ceramic ramekin ready. If you're microwaving, you can also use a microwave-safe mug.
  2. In a medium microwave-safe bowl, melt together the butter and chocolate, about 30 seconds. If it's not fully melted after stirring, microwave in 10 second increments.

    Alternately, melt the chocolate and butter together in a saucepan on the stovetop.
  3. Stir in the sugar and cocoa powder.
  4. Stir in the egg yolk and vanilla.
  5. Stir in the flour and salt.
  6. Transfer the batter to the ramekin. If adding a peanut butter cup, transfer half of the batter, add the peanut butter cup, then cover with the rest of the batter.
  7. Bake 20-22 minutes or until the top looks baked and the edges are bubbling.

    Alternately, microwave for about 60 seconds or until the top is done. Microwaves vary in wattage, so the timing may not be exact.
  8. Optional: If adding mini marshmallows, turn on the broiler. Add the mini marshmallows on top then broil until toasted.
  9. Cool 15 minutes then eat for a gooey texture or cool completely for a brownie texture.

Recommended Products

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© Carla Cardello
Cuisine: American / Category: Brownies + Blondies

Did you make my recipe?

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  2. Embrace your singleness! Don’t let anyone make you feel like its a bad thing. Do what YOU like to do when you want to do it. This brownie looks amazing and I believe I’ll be treating myself to one tomorrow because I love myself that much.

    Reply

  4. Ok:
    1. You know I (and a million other people) love you!!! It’s so insane how different small town and city living are: here I’m constantly criticized for being engaged at such a “young” age and people glorify being single, so it’s so weird to think that people give you a hard time about it! You keep strong and just keep being the amazing woman you are!
    2.OH MY SWEET BABY JESUS! Those photos….I’m drooling. So good. peanut butter, chocolate, s’mores….alll things I love so much *getting choked up* *sob* *hiccup*

    Reply

  5. Um, yum!! This looks absolutely incredible. As for being criticized, people are gonna say stupid stuff no matter what your situation. The internet can be really cruel. You just keep doin’ you! :)

    Reply

    • Thanks Marisa. Although most of the people I see every day at work, so it’s a little harder to ignore ;) But I agree. They will talk no matter what.

      Reply

  6. OMG, Carla, now I have to take my gluten free version of your little deep dish brownies and add Reese’s and marshmallows. It must be done and eaten immediately. Also, do you see the hidden chocolate heart that formed as you took out your spoonful in that one photo. Foodie love!!!

    Reply

  7. Amen sistah! It seems like every single one of my friends is in a long term relationship/getting married/having kids and I don’t know if they think I’m getting left behind or what, but I had one sign me up for a dating site because she thought I was lonely, and two others that tried to force me go to speed dating. With my social anxiety, that would have been a painful and humiliating experience. People in relationships don’t seem to understand there is nothing wrong with being single. Period. End of story.

    And being single means I don’t have to share this brownie and OH MY GAH THIS BROWNIE. I’m in love. Chocolate, peanut butter, and toasted marshmallows on top? GET IN MAH BELLY NOW PLZ

    Reply

    • Or your friends end a relationship and a week later are dating someone else. Like they are avoiding being single because they are just soooo bored and lonely. Dude, it’s barely been a week haha That’s ok – we have more freedom than they do ;)

      Reply

  8. This brownie! I need it! I love all things s’more! oh and there is NOTHING wrong with being single! I’m not single but we don’t have kids so I totally understand the judgmental questions (from a different angle) like we can’t be busy because we have kids… please… lol. hugs!

    Reply

  9. Jesus Christ, I want to punch these people in the face. Who the heck do they think they are to be so harsh and judgy? Only you and I are allowed to be harsh and judgy! You should ask them back-handed questions like “how in the world are you still married?” Ugh. Gimme one or a dozen of these incredible s’mores peanut butter cup brownies! I wouldn’t wait for it to cool down later. It’ll simultaneously taste like the best thing in the world and fire on my tongue from the hotness, lol. And I agree with Angie’s comment. I’m married but don’t intend on ever having kids. You should hear all the comments I get. People just love to criticize how other people choose to live their lives. Happy Galentine’s Day and happy Singles Awareness Day, girl.

    Reply

    • I seriously need to remember that comeback next time. It’s amazing how many snide comments I get because I must be “soooo bored.” Don’t even get me started on everyone thinking I drive home to my parents every weekend like I’m in college. Oh yes, I love to waste 5 hours and gas each weekend. We need to start our harsh and judgy emails again ;)

      Reply

  11. Good for you! There’s nothing wrong with being single or not single or any other state that’s correct for your life right now. Make yourself happy first and always. Of course, if you were to make two of these brownie treats and bring one over to me, we could be each others Valentines. :) By the way, ‘single awareness day’ is funny but not being single doesn’t always mean you get stuff on Valentine’s Day because men can be…..men!

    Reply

    • Or in my case, being single may mean having two packages show up with a third one on the way without saying anything to anyone about Valentine’s Day. I bet I’m luckier than most couples this week!

      Reply

  14. It sounds like you are at such a great place of happiness and still openness…I’ve known too many single people who are bitter and fail to enjoy the beauty of it – beauty like no-share desserts! This is so fantastic!

    Reply

    • I used to be bitter and miserable about it, but then I realized I wasn’t pleasant to be around at all. Plus the negative thoughts were getting a bit too negative in my head, so I needed a change. Embracing the freedom and “extra time” as a single really changed my life around. Plus no sharing desserts ;)

      Reply

  15. Booo for sharing. Boo for letting this cool. I’m with you, there is no way I’d let this melt. Also if we come home for dinner tonight and Braden wants some dessert, I absolutely know what I’m going to whip up! Forget our tradition of ice cream sundaes. Hot s’more pb cup brownies it is! Also you are doing the right thing ignoring everyone. It’s none of their business, they don’t know what goes on behind the scenes and they don’t need to know.

    Reply

  18. I am also single.. and that is all I hear about: my family is constantly telling me that I need to do online-dating, that a man and relationship will solve all my problems… and that especially since I am domestic, work a job, and workout, that I ‘should’ be a with a man who can appreciate my domesticity…

    I don’t know about you, but I kind of like not sharing my desserts some days. And i kind of like having breakfast for dinner some days.

    Reply

    • Ugh you poor girl. Fortunately my parents don’t say anything about it and support me in whatever I do (even though they don’t “get” blogging but are happy to eat the leftovers). I’m not a huge breakfast person, but I do eat eggs and bacon for dinner sometimes ;)

      Reply

  19. Why are people so dang mean? I mean, mind your business, folks. I’m married and don’t celebrate. Being married doesn’t mean you can’t have your own life and hobbies. I keep myself busy with my site, and I love it. I’m forever craving sweet chocolate goodies, and, even better, a treat that can be whipped up in no time.

    Reply

  20. You reminded me of when I was working in an IT shop where we had all been notified we’d be laid off when our office moved several states away (unless we took a position in the new location). I tend to be the kind of person who is sure there’s got to be a pony somewhere in that big pile of horse manure, and among my coping mechanisms was organizing workshops with my fellow ITers for resume-writing and knowledge-exchanging.

    One of my less optimistic co-workers gave me a hard time, saying I had it easy because I didn’t have a spouse and kids depending on my soon-to-be-disappearing salary — all I had to think about was myself.

    I laughed. “I have it easy? At least you have a spouse, someone who can potentially get a job to help pay the bills, someone with whom you can share the emotional burdens of being laid off, and if you lose your house, having kids guarantees you’ll find shelter someplace. Me? I got no one. No shoulder to cry on and nobody to chip in a few bucks, so if I can’t pay my mortgage I’ll be on the street.”

    Gee. He had never thought about it that way. I felt like adding, “Tell me again how selfish single people are. All you want to do is throw a pity party, and I’m trying to make sure we will all be more employable when this whole thing is over. ”

    Anyway, more to the point: I love your recipes. Thanks!!!

    Reply

    • I just want to give you a big hug! I remember one time my previous company was contemplating moving our new training center to a new city, meaning all of us would have to relocate. My boss and I were talking, and he talked about how I would have it easy since I would just move to the new location. Um excuse me? Just because I’m single doesn’t mean I’m going to magically get up and move to where we are going, not to mention I’m still under contract with my landlord. All because I didn’t have a husband and kids to worry about. A lot of my coworkers didn’t know how to handle me because they were all very traditional and weren’t used to an independent lady living on her own without family near by (and even though now I live closer to family, I still support myself without anybody’s help). High five to us single ladies making it in this world :)

      Reply

      • Yes: “easy” is a relative term. It’s more like “different,” as in “you have different worries!”

        I’m married now, but I was widowed for ten years, and i know that life being what it is, I could be in that position again. Nothing is forever, except the love of God. And I tend to relate better to single women than married ones, especially married women who seem to love to complain about their husbands. :-)

        Hugs back at ya!

        Reply

        • Exactly. Maybe I don’t have to deal with hectic schedules or feeding picky eaters, but I do have my own struggles. Wish more people understood that :)

          Reply

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