How to Make Boxed Brownies Better
Boxed brownie mix is a convenient shortcut to deliciousness, but with a few simple tweaks, you can elevate these brownies into something extraordinary. How to Make Boxed Brownies Better will show you how to enhance their flavor, texture, and presentation, transforming them into homemade-tasting treats that are better than ever!
There are so many Creative Ways to Make Any Brownie Special to take your desserts to the next level. Whether you want to add a twist with unique ingredients or perfect your favorite recipes, this post has all the tips you need!
How to Make Boxed Brownies Better Recipe
Boxed brownies are already a convenient way to enjoy a chocolatey treat, but with a few simple tweaks, you can elevate them to bakery-quality desserts. From enhancing the flavor with pantry staples to adding your favorite mix-ins, these easy upgrades will take your brownies to the next level.
Start with the basics by following the instructions on the box, but don’t stop there. Swapping out the oil for melted butter or extra virgin olive oil can add richness and moisture.
For those who love texture, mix-ins like chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruit are great additions to your batter. Alternatively, you can sprinkle your favorite toppings, such as crushed cookies or a drizzle of caramel sauce, over baked brownies for a fun and customizable dessert!
How To Make Boxed Brownies Fudgy
Before diving into enhancements, ensure your brownies have a solid foundation. Follow the boxed mix instructions, but elevate them with a few easy swaps that make a big impact on flavor and texture.
Upgrade the Fats
Swap the oil for melted butter or try extra virgin olive oil for a subtle, fruity richness. These changes not only enhance flavor but also add a velvety texture to your brownies.
Replace the Liquid
Ditch the water in the recipe and use milk for creamier brownies or coffee for a deeper, more sophisticated chocolate flavor.
Adjust the Eggs
Adjust the number of eggs depending on your texture preference. Want fudgy brownies? Stick with the original instructions. Craving something fluffier? Add an extra egg for a more cake-like consistency.
Add Flavor
Mix in a teaspoon or two of instant coffee powder to amplify the chocolate flavor without making the brownies taste like coffee.
Reduce Baking Time
Check the brownies 5 minutes before the suggested baking time. Slightly underbaking them keeps the center soft and fudgy. You should remove them from the oven when a toothpick inserted into the middle comes out with a few moist brownie crumbs, not wet batter.
How To Add Flavor to Boxed Brownies
Adding flavor to boxed brownies is simple yet transformative. These ideas work beautifully:
Espresso Powder
A teaspoon of espresso powder intensifies the chocolate flavor without making them taste like coffee.
Vanilla Extract
Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract to round out the sweetness and make the brownies taste more homemade.
How To Add Texture to Boxed Brownies
Take your brownies to the next level with these mix-ins:
Chopped Nuts
Fold in walnuts, pecans, or almonds for crunch.
Dried Fruit
Dried cranberries, cherries, apricots, raisins or coconut flakes add a chewy, sweet contrast to the rich chocolate flavor. Make sure to roughly chop them up before folding them in the brownie batter.
Candy Pieces
Stir in M&Ms, crushed Oreos, or caramel bits for a playful and colorful touch. The kids will love these!
How to Add Toppings to Boxed Brownies
Presentation is everything! Try these toppings:
Salted Caramel Drizzle
Pour caramel sauce over cooled brownies and sprinkle with flaky sea salt.
Peanut Butter Swirl
Drop spoonfuls of creamy peanut butter on top of the brownie batter before baking. Use a knife or skewer to swirl the peanut butter into the batter for a marbled effect.
Fresh Fruit and Whipped Cream
Top cooled brownies with a dollop of whipped cream and slices of fresh fruit like strawberries, blueberries, raspberries for a refreshing touch.
What’s the best way to store boxed brownies?
Store cooled brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze them for up to 3 months.
With these festive and fun options, you can effortlessly transform simple store-bought brownies into a holiday treat that’s as delightful to look at as it is to eat. Whether you keep it simple with a snowy coconut topping or go all out with trail mix-inspired designs, these ideas are sure to impress your guests and add a touch of holiday magic to any gathering!
How to Make Boxed Brownies Better
Transform boxed brownies into a decadent treat with these easy tips! Elevate flavor, texture, and presentation for brownies that taste homemade and irresistible.
Ingredients
- 1 (18.4 oz) box chocolate brownie mix
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) melted unsalted butter
- 1/3 cup 80ml extra virgin olive oil or vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs, at room temperature
- 2 tsp espresso powder
- Optional mix-ins such as chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat & Line Pan: Set your oven to 356ºF (180ºC) fan-forced. Line a 9x9 inch square baking pan with parchment paper and set aside.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the brownie mix and pour in the melted butter, oil, eggs, and espresso powder. Stir the mixture until combined, being careful not to over-mix.
- Mix-Ins: Fold in your desired mix-ins such as chocolate chips, chopped nuts, or candy pieces for added texture and flavor. Ensure the mix-ins are evenly distributed throughout the batter.
- Transfer into Pan: Pour the batter into the lined pan and smooth out the top evenly using a spatula.
- Toppings: If using pre-baking toppings like peanut butter or extra chocolate chips, add them over the surface of the batter before placing it in the oven.
- Bake: Bake according to the times listed on the box. Keep an eye on the brownies in the final minutes to avoid over-baking. Look for a crinkly crust on top and a toothpick with a few moist crumbs when inserted in the center. Be careful not to overbake to retain a fudgy texture.
- Cool in Tin: Remove from the oven and let the brownies cool in the pan for 10 minutes to allow them to set.
- Transfer to Rack: Move the brownies to a wire rack to cool completely before cutting or decorating.
- Decorate: Decorate brownies with optional toppings like frosting, drizzles, or sprinkles to customize for any occasion. Enjoy!