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
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 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.
How do you doctor up a box brownie mix? ›
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 does adding an extra egg to brownie mix do? ›
If you opt to add more eggs, say double the amount, something interesting happens. Even though you are adding more moisture, the air bubbles that you catch in the extra eggs add volume, which decreases the density of your final product. This makes your brownies rise and gives them a much more cake-like texture.
Should I use milk instead of water for box brownies? ›
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.
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!
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.
Can you use olive oil instead of vegetable oil in brownies? ›
Yes, you can use olive oil in brownies!
Olive oil has been gaining popularity in recent years as a substitute for butter and other vegetable oils in baked goods. Not only is it delicious but a healthy alternative cooking fat that can be used in most traditional baking recipes.
How to make a box cake taste homemade? ›
8 Simple Tips and Tricks to Make Box Cake Better
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients. ...
- Replace Water with Milk or Buttermilk. ...
- Substitute Sour Cream in the Mix. ...
- Substitute Oil for Butter. ...
- Use More Eggs. ...
- Add Vanilla Extract. ...
- Make It a Chocolate Lovers' Cake. ...
- Decorate Your Cake Like A Pro.
Use a dash of vanilla.
Adding a teaspoon of it to your batter won't make it taste like vanilla, but it will give your brownies an extra layer of flavor. You can also swap the vanilla for something more potent, like almond extract or mint extract.
What can you add to your brownie mix to pump up the chocolate flavor? ›
Add coffee or instant espresso powder to your brownies for an even deeper, more complex chocolate flavor. Swirl them with peanut butter, cream cheese, or even pumpkin filling to mix things up.
What makes brownies fudgy vs 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.
What happens if I don't add eggs to brownies? ›
Is it okay to make brownies without eggs? Without eggs, baked goods will become a little thinner and not rise as much in the oven. As long as you replace the moisture from the egg with milk, banana or applesauce, you can make brownies without eggs. And yes, this recipe makes thinner brownies than normal.
What makes brownies fudgy instead of 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.
How do you package brownies nicely? ›
Don't hesitate to pack each brownie you sell individually. You can use small and clear cellophane bags to do that. Another option is to use mini boxes, which may cost you a bit more (but will bring better results). It is one of the brownie packaging ideas that demands more time and patience.
