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
for how to make box brownies taste better. Swapping the oil for butter, water for cream, and adding egg yolks will make the brownies extra fudgy, vanilla extract adds favorite, and espresso will enhance the flavors of the chocolate. I like to add bittersweet chocolate chips.
How to doctor up Betty Crocker brownie mix? ›
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.
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 to make box brownies more cakey? ›
Add an extra egg to your brownie batter to make more cake-like brownies. There are directions on the back of the box.
How do you upgrade a box of brownies? ›
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.
Is it better to use milk or water in brownie mix? ›
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!
Is Duncan Hines or Betty Crocker better for brownie mix? ›
If you like chewy, sticky brownies, I recommend: Betty Crocker Dark Chocolate Brownie Mix. If you like light, less dense brownies with a picture-perfect sugar top that flakes when sliced, I recommend: Duncan Hines Chewy Fudge Brownie Mix.
Can I put 3 eggs in my brownie mix? ›
On the other hand, too many eggs will yield brownies that are hard, heavy, and tough. Tip: When adding room-temperature eggs to the batter, do this one at a time and make sure it is thoroughly blended before adding another.
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.
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.
How to make brownies taste like bakery? ›
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.
How to doctor up box brownies? ›
Coffee enhances the chocolate flavor without making the brownies taste like coffee.
- Add 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract. ...
- Bake the brownies until the toothpick has moist crumbs, but no batter. ...
- Sprinkle flaky sea salt over the top of the brownies. ...
- Cut the brownies with a buddy knife.
How to make Box Brownies Better: Extra Ingredients You'll Need
- Add melted butter – makes the chocolate flavor richer compared to vegetable oil.
- Use buttermilk or whole milk – makes the brownie richer and taste more homemade.
- Add cocoa powder – adding additional cocoa powder makes the brownies more chocolate-y.
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.
Should I use milk instead of water for box brownies? ›
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? ›
Want Fudgy Brownies? Add an Extra Egg Yolk! As you may know, eggs not only act as a binding agent in baked goods, but they also add structure, richness, and enhance texture.
