Use Higher Quality Ingredients
The simplest way to improve a boxed brownie mix is to substitute some of the lower quality ingredients with higher quality options. Here are some easy swaps to try:
- Replace the vegetable oil with melted unsalted butter. The butter will provide richer flavor.
- Swap out the water for milk. Milk adds moisture and a creamier texture.
- Use real vanilla extract instead of imitation vanilla. Real vanilla has a more nuanced flavor.
- Add an extra egg or egg yolk. This gives the brownies a fudgier, denser texture.
- Use high quality dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet. The darker chocolate has a more complex, intense flavor.
Enhance the Flavors
In addition to swapping ingredients, you can also add extra flavorings to take your mix over the top:
- Stir in a tablespoon of instant espresso powder. This will intensify the chocolate flavor.
- Add a teaspoon of cinnamon. Cinnamon nicely complements chocolate.
- Include a pinch of cayenne pepper. The subtle heat contrasts nicely with the sweetness.
- Fold in chocolate chips, chunks, or shards. The mix-ins provide pockets of chocolate in each bite.
- Top with flaky sea salt before baking. The salt balances and enhances the chocolate.
Change Up the Mix-Ins
The possibilities are endless when it comes to mix-ins for brownies made from a boxed mix:
- Nuts like pecans, walnuts, or hazelnuts add crunch and texture.
- Dried fruit such as cherries, cranberries, raisins, or apricots provide chew and sweet bursts.
- Candy pieces like chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, peanut butter chips, or toffee bits create pockets of additional flavor.
- Crushed cookies or graham crackers contribute crispy contrast.
- Marshmallows become ooey-gooey pockets when baked into the brownies.
Aim for about 1/2 to 1 cup total of mix-ins so they are evenly distributed throughout the brownies.
Make a Swirl
Adding a swirl of something delicious takes a boxed brownie mix to the next level. Here are some swirl options:
- Chocolate hazelnut spread – Swirl in Nutella for an irresistible flavor combination.
- Dulce de leche – The caramel swirl bakes up gooey and delicious.
- Jam – Swirl in a fruit jam, like raspberry or strawberry, for a fruity twist.
- Peanut butter – Ribbon peanut butter through the brownies for a peanutty surprise.
- Cream cheese – Cream cheese melts into delicious pockets of tangy creaminess.
Swirl in about 1/4 to 1/3 cup of your swirl ingredient after mixing up the brownie batter.
Get Creative with Shapes
Baking your brownie mix in creative shapes can transform the finished dessert:
- Use a brownie pop mold to make cute, single-serve brownies on a stick.
- Press the batter into mini muffin tins for bite-sized brownie cups.
- Cut shapes using fun cookie cutters like stars, hearts, or dinosaurs.
- Layer brownie mix with cookies in a loaf pan to create brownie cookie bars.
- Spoon batter into mini pie tins and top with crushed cookies or nuts for mini brownie “pies.”
Get the whole family involved by letting everyone choose their own brownie shape!
Frost and Finish
The final touch on your brownies made from a mix can be as simple or elaborate as you like:
- A dusting of powdered sugar or cocoa powder adds subtle sweetness or richness.
- Drizzle with caramel, chocolate, or peanut butter sauce for an effortless finish.
- Spread frosting on top such as cream cheese, chocolate ganache, or buttercream.
- Decorate with chocolate chips, crushed candy bars, nuts, coconut, or sprinkles.
- Top with whipped cream and fresh fruit like raspberries for contrast.
Feel free to get creative with your toppings to take your brownies over the top!
Conclusion
With a few simple ingredient swaps, flavor additions, mix-ins, shapes, and decorations, you can easily improve a basic boxed brownie mix. The possibilities are endless for transforming a boxed mix into a sensational, homemade dessert. Have fun getting creative, and enjoy your ultimate homemade brownies!