Question

Is is possible to use HTML in the email wizard without needing to load an HTML template?

Answer

This is possible and is relatively easy to do. All you need to do in the instance that you want to use HTML in the email wizard is to simply write the HTML code into the body of the wizard (Marked in red):

If you do want to use an already created HTML template you can use the Load HTML Template button (pointed out by arrow). After deploying your workflow and running a new item in your list or library the email that is sent should be formatted according to your HTML code.