In this recipe we offer a small and tasty "invention" that will be an absolute delight to anybody with a sweet tooth! What is it? A fabulous ‘brownie in a cup’, to be served with a nice scoop of ice cream in the middle. Making this dessert honestly takes less than five minutes ..... In short, a dessert that is no sooner said than done! It is really delicious and is perfect for those times when you suddenly have your children’s friends visiting (and not just one, but a crowd of them!). You want to offer something special at the last minute ... and who doesn’t have some cocoa powder and flour in their store cupboard? If you don’t have any ice cream you can serve them without, or replace it with whipped cream. Here’s the recipe: you only need to prepare the flour, cocoa, sugar, oil and a little water. And to complete, vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
* approximate values per serving
Pour all the dry ingredients into a cup, then add the oil and the water. Stir vigorously with a spoon until the mixture is thick but not overly so (if necessary add more water). Put in the microwave at medium power for 2 minutes. Add a scoop of ice cream of your preferred flavour.
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Add the flour
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Add the cocoa
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Also add a pinch of salt
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Add the oil
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Add the water
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Mix vigorously with a teaspoon until you have a thick mixture but not overly so (add a little more water if necessary)
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Put in the microwave on medium power for 2 minutes
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Preferably serve warm but if you wish you can let it go cold
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Add ice cream of your preferred flavour
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One of the most delicious variations of the classic brownie in a cup is definitely the one with hazelnuts. To prepare this recipe, simply add a handful of chopped hazelnuts to the base mixture before microwaving. The hazelnuts not only provide a rich, toasted flavor but also a crunch that pleasantly contrasts with the softness of the brownie. Once baked, the brownie can be served with a scoop of hazelnut ice cream for a perfect pairing. This version is ideal for those who love bold flavors and want to enhance their dessert experience with simple yet tasty ingredients.
The brownie in a cup with ice cream represents a typically American preparation, perfect for a tasty snack or a quick dessert. This recipe is the simplified version of a classic American sweet, combining the moist and melting texture of the brownie with the freshness of ice cream. In this variation, vanilla ice cream is used, which enhances the chocolatey flavor of the brownie, creating a contrast of temperatures and textures. The preparation is quick and does not require special equipment, making it accessible to everyone, even those who are new to cooking.
For those who want to enjoy a brownie in a cup with ice cream without feeling weighed down, there is a light version that eliminates butter. In this preparation, extra virgin olive oil replaces the butter, still maintaining a soft and moist consistency. Additionally, one can opt for light ice cream, made with lower-calorie ingredients, for a lighter dessert. This version is perfect for those following a controlled diet but who do not want to give up the pleasure of a sweet treat. With a few adjustments, it is possible to enjoy a brownie in a cup that satisfies the sweet tooth without guilt.
Unsweetened cocoa, the main ingredient in brownie in a cup, is rich in antioxidants and beneficial nutrients. It contains flavonoids, which can help improve cardiovascular health and reduce inflammation. Additionally, unsweetened cocoa is known for its positive effect on mood, thanks to the presence of compounds that stimulate the production of endorphins. In terms of calories, a brownie in a cup made with unsweetened cocoa and served with a scoop of ice cream can contain about 300-400 calories, depending on the ingredients used. Choosing a low-sugar ice cream can further reduce the caloric intake without compromising taste.
Freezing brownie in a cup with ice cream is not recommended, as the texture of the ice cream may be compromised once thawed. However, the brownie itself can be prepared in advance and frozen without issues. It is advisable to let it cool completely before storing it in an airtight container. When you want to enjoy it, simply thaw it at room temperature and serve with a scoop of fresh ice cream. This way, you can enjoy a dessert always ready to satisfy an unexpected chocolate craving, keeping the flavors and textures intact.