Brownies from boxed brownie mix are what my childhood was built on. Now that I’m a bit older, as much as I still appreciate basic boxed brownies and the nostalgia that comes with them, I want something with a bit more depth and flavor. This convenient treat deserves some extra care and can absolutely be improved upon. With a few simple additions and tricks, you can turn ordinary boxed brownie mix into a decadent treat.
Here are six ways to upgrade boxed brownie mix to make a deliciously simple yet extravagant treat.
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Coffee
The first and easiest upgrade you can give to your boxed brownie mix is to add a tablespoon of instant coffee to the batter. Adding coffee to your brownies boosts their flavor because its bitter quality balances out sweetness, making it less overpowering. It allows that delicious chocolate flavor to really shine.You can also switch out the water called for in the batter with brewed coffee.
Your favorite spread
Try swirling in half of a cup of strawberry jam or caramel sauce into the batter. To do this, once you have your batter into your pan, add two to three spoonfuls of jam or sauce in separate corners. Then, swirl your spoon all around to mix that delicious flavor into each bite.
Adding a layer of cream cheese, marshmallow fluff, caramel, or peanut butter goes a long way towards turning a mix into something special. You can add this layer before or after baking the brownies. If you want to add it before baking, spoon half of the brownie batter into the baking dish, top it witha thin layer of your choice in the middle, then spread the rest of the batter on top and bake as usual. Whatever you’re adding will melt and spread into the brownies, making them extra rich and creamy.
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Graham crackers
Layers don’t have to just be reserved for sweetened spreads; you can also create a fun base. Try covering the entire bottom of your baking dish with graham crackers to create a crunchy crust with hints of honey and cinnamon.
Cookie dough
I personally love mixing boxed brownie mix with a package of pre-made cookie dough to make a brookie (brownie cookie). You can do this by lining the bottom of your baking dish with cookie dough and spreading the batter on top. Baking the brookies per the brownie mix instructions. These two delicious treats are great on their own, but when combined makes for a delicious yet low-effort treat.
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Milk
Most brownie mixes call for water. While water does the job, you can add some extra flavor and moisture by mixing some of that water with something richer, like milk. If you want to swap it out completely, be prepared for a more chewy and fudge-like brownie from the extra fat. Otherwise, as most brownie mixes require anywhere from half cup to a quarter cup of water, add an equal water-to-milk ratio for a boost of extra flavor and rich texture.
All the mix-ins
For an easy boost to your boxed brownie mix, sprinkle in about a half cup of add-ins to give brownie batter a personal touch. Although nuts, chocolate and peanut butter chips, and mini marshmallows are easy wins here, this method invites creativity, and the options are truly limitless. Experiment with pretzels, candy, or even potato chips (trust me, the salty crunch really is so good here) to add an extra boost of flavor and a crunchy texture. For a really fun addition that adds a ton of color, stir some strawberries or blueberries into the batter.
It's already easy to love brownie mix, but with these tips, it's even easier. Next time you make some boxed brownies, consider these ideas to add some extra flavor and love to your baking project.
FAQs
Add nuts – Add a handful of finely chopped pecans or walnuts if you love brownies with nuts. Add mix ins – Jazz up a basic brownie mix with chopped mini peanut butter cups, white chocolate chunks, or your favorite chopped up candy bar. Add a swirl – Swirl in spoonfuls of peanut butter or Nutella before baking.
What are the ingredients in box brownies? ›
Sugar, Enriched Bleached Wheat Flour (Wheat Flour, Niacin, Reduced Iron, Thiamin Mononitrate, Riboflavin, Folic Acid), Cocoa Processed With Alkali, Contains 2% Or Less Of: Canola And/Or Soybean Oil, Corn Starch, Salt, Baking Soda, Natural And Artificial Flavor. Contains Wheat Ingredients.
What can I add to brownie mix to make it taste better? ›
Six Sneaky Ways To Make Brownie Mix Taste Homemade
- Use melted butter instead of oil.
- Use milk, flavored creamers, or brewed coffee instead of water.
- Add extracts or flavorings.
- Add mix-ins like cookies and candies.
- Underbake, just slightly.
- Toppings.
- My Favorite Mix-Ins and Toppings.
One change is to use milk or heavy cream instead of water. This change will make brownies more moist and gooey since milk is more fatty and flavorful than water. A second change is to use butter instead of oil. For similar reasons to using milk, butter adds a rich and more decadent quality to the batter.
What happens when you add an extra egg to brownie mix? ›
If you want to get a little more creative with your brownie mix hacks, add an extra egg to the batter. The extra protein will help thicken up the batter and make it fluffier, creating a more decadent, fudgy texture. You can also add the yolk by itself in addition to the 2 eggs a box brownie mix typically calls for.
Can I use butter instead of oil in brownies? ›
You can absolutely substitute butter for the vegetable oil. Use the same quantity specified in the directions (for example, if it calls for 1/3 cup of oil, use 5 1/3 tablespoons of butter). Melt it down, then let it cool a bit. You might not ever go back to oil!
Can I bake brownies at 350 instead of 325? ›
Most recipes call for baking brownies at 350°. If a fudgy inside and crackly top is your goal, stick with that temperature. Brownies baked at 325° will take longer to bake and will become chewier in texture.
Can you substitute eggs in box brownies? ›
Egg Substitutions That Worked
¼ cup yogurt: I used 2 percent plain Greek yogurt. I was wowed. By far my favorite! ¼ cup applesauce: The texture of the brownies wasn't compromised.
What makes brownies fudgy or cakey? ›
Fudgy brownies have a higher fat-to-flour ratio than cakey ones. So add more fat—in this case, butter and chocolate. A cakey batch has more flour and relies on baking powder for leavening. The amount of sugar and eggs does not change whether you're going fudgy or cakey.
Should brownie mix be thick or runny? ›
The ideal consistency of brownie mix is thick and gooey, similar to a thick cake batter. When you mix the ingredients together, the batter should be smooth and free of lumps, with a slightly sticky texture. This consistency is important for achieving moist and fudgy brownies that are rich in flavor.
Add a teaspoon of instant coffee or espresso powder. Throw in a handful of nuts—pecans, walnuts, macadamia, whatever you have on hand. Scoop in a palmful of dried or frozen fruit. Add an extra splash of the top-shelf vanilla extract, or a dab of vanilla paste, or a dash of vanilla powder, to the batter.
How to make boxed brownies chewy? ›
- Swap the water for milk or heavy cream. This will help make a fudgy texture because milk has fat and water doesn't. - Most brownie mixes require two eggs. Swap one of the eggs for two egg yolks and still use one whole egg.
What does adding coffee to brownies do? ›
Adding coffee to your brownies boosts their flavor because its bitter quality balances out sweetness, making it less overpowering. It allows that delicious chocolate flavor to really shine. You can also switch out the water called for in the batter with brewed coffee.
Can I use butter instead of oil in brownie mix? ›
You can absolutely substitute butter for the vegetable oil. Use the same quantity specified in the directions (for example, if it calls for 1/3 cup of oil, use 5 1/3 tablespoons of butter). Melt it down, then let it cool a bit. You might not ever go back to oil!
How do you doctor up boxed cake mix? ›
6 Easy Ways To Upgrade Your Boxed Cake Mix
- Add an Extra Egg.
- Add Milk, Coffee, or Soda.
- Use Butter Instead of Oil.
- Add Instant Pudding.
- Up the Flavor with an Extract or Citrus Zest.
- Top the Cake with Homemade Frosting.
Adding baking powder or a combination of baking soda and cream of tartar to a brownie recipe makes it much more like chocolate cake, creating a lighter and airier texture.
