I remember the time when I was craving a sweet treat, but I didn’t have all the ingredients needed for a traditional batch of brownies. I looked in my pantry and found that I was out of vanilla extract, a key ingredient in most dessert recipes. But that didn’t stop me from satisfying my sweet tooth. I decided to experiment and create a recipe for easy microwave brownies without vanilla extract. And let me tell you, the results were delicious!
Why Microwave Brownies?
Microwave brownies are a fantastic option when you’re in the mood for something sweet and don’t want to spend hours baking in the oven. Not only are they quick to make, but they also require minimal cleanup – an added bonus for those who don’t enjoy doing dishes. This recipe is perfect for people living in dorms, small apartments, or anyone who wants a quick dessert fix without all the hassle.
The Ingredients
To make these easy microwave brownies without vanilla extract, you’ll only need a handful of ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. Here’s what you’ll need:
– 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup of cocoa powder (unsweetened)
– 1/2 cup of granulated sugar
– 1/4 teaspoon of salt
– 1/4 cup of vegetable oil
– 2 tablespoons of milk
– 1/2 teaspoon of instant coffee (optional)
– 1/4 cup of chocolate chips (optional)
– 1/4 cup of chopped nuts (optional)
The Method
Now that we have all the ingredients ready, let’s get started on making these easy microwave brownies without vanilla extract:
Step 1: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the flour, cocoa powder, sugar, and salt. Mix everything together until well combined.
Step 2: Add in the vegetable oil and milk to the dry ingredients. Stir until the batter is smooth and free of any lumps. At this point, you can also add in the instant coffee if you want a hint of coffee flavor in your brownies.
Step 3: If you’re feeling adventurous, add in some chocolate chips or chopped nuts to the batter. This will give your brownies an extra layer of flavor and texture. Mix them in gently so they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Step 4: Once your batter is ready, place the bowl in the microwave and cook on high for around 2 minutes. Cooking time may vary depending on the wattage of your microwave, so keep an eye on it. You’ll know the brownies are done when the top is set and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
Step 5: Remove the bowl from the microwave and let the brownies cool for a few minutes. They will continue to firm up as they cool, so don’t worry if they seem slightly undercooked when you first take them out.
Step 6: Once the brownies are cool enough to handle, cut them into squares or rectangles. Serve them warm with a scoop of ice cream or a dusting of powdered sugar for an extra touch of sweetness.
In Conclusion
Creating these easy microwave brownies without vanilla extract was a game-changer for my dessert cravings. They are moist, fudgy, and bursting with chocolatey goodness. Plus, the fact that they only require a few basic pantry ingredients makes them a go-to recipe in a pinch. So, next time you’re in the mood for a delicious treat but find yourself lacking vanilla extract, give this recipe a try. I guarantee that you won’t be disappointed!