Learn How to Make Box Brownies Better with a few tips and tricks. Transform a box mix with a few simple additions for the absolute best brownies.
These easy hacks will elevate a simple box of brownies into something super special and indulgent. The results taste like the best homemade brownies.
Just use your favorite brand of brownies and combine with a few extra ingredients for a tasty treat. It is such an easy Brownie Recipe. We have been jazzing up plain brownies for years with these tricks and its always a hit.
Table of contents
Why We Love This
This recipe is inexpensive and easy to make since it starts with a box mix. The brownies taste fudgy and rich with tons of chocolate flavor. The entire recipe takes very little time to make, and they are special enough for a bake sale.
With a few extra ingredients, the taste and texture will be elevated and taste like a homemade brownie recipe. They are the best fudgy brownies using simple brownie hacks.
Ingredients
- Box Brownie Mix. Make sure to use a box mix that is 18.3 ounces but you can use any brand you love.
- Unsalted Butter. Melted and slightly cooled before using. This gives the brownies a fudgy texture instead of using vegetable oil.
- Buttermilk. Balances the sweetness and adds a slightly tangy flavor. It also makes the brownies richer than using water.
- Large Eggs. Room temperature eggs help the brownies to bake evenly.
- Instant Coffee Granules. Enhances the chocolate flavor. You can also use instant espresso powder.
- Vanilla Extract. Pure vanilla extract is recommended.
- Salt. Acts as a flavor enhancer.
- Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips. Use a good quality brand of chocolate. I like Ghirardelli.
Variations
- Nuts. Chopped pecans, sliced almonds, peanuts or walnuts are delicious added into the brownie batter.
- Peanut Butter Flavor. Instead of chocolate chips, use peanut butter chips in the batter. You can also use peanut butter cups.
- Nutella. Swirl in Nutella for even more decadence.
- Sprinkles. Top with sprinkles in your favorite color.
- Cocoa Powder. You can add cocoa powder to make them even move chocolaty.
- Mint Flavor. Add peppermint patties, crushed Andes mints or peppermints.
- Potato Chips. Crushed potato chips add a sweet and salty element.
- Extra egg yolk. You can add an extra egg yolk to the recipe. Egg yolks make the brownies fudgier. Also, you can just use egg yolks instead of a whole egg in the recipe.
- Pretzels. Crushed pretzels give the brownies a bit of crunch and saltiness.
Step By Step Instructions
- Step 1. First, preheat the oven to 325 degrees. Then grease and line an 8X8 baking pan with parchment paper.
Step 2. Use a large mixing bowl and stir together the brownie mix, melted butter, buttermilk, eggs, coffee granules, vanilla extract and salt until combined.
Step 3. Next, fold in the chocolate chips.
Step 4. Spread the batter into the prepared pan.
Step 5. Top with the additional chocolate chips.
Step 6. Finally, bake for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the brownies comes out clean or just with a few crumbs.
Step 7. Allow the brownies to cool completely and remove from the pan using the parchment paper. Then slice and enjoy.
Pro Tips
- Testing for doneness. When testing the brownies for doneness make sure that the toothpick is not inserted into a chocolate chip to ensure that the brownie portion is cooked through.
- Thinner Brownies. These brownies can be made in a 9X13 pan instead of an 8X8 pan. The brownies will not be as thick and bake for 25-30 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Allow to cool before cutting. The brownies will be easier to cut and look prettier if they are completely cool.
- Don’t overbake. Overbaking the brownies will make the brownies more cake like and less fudgy.
Storage
Store any leftover brownies in an airtight container or bag at room temperature up to 5-6 days.
If you need to store the brownies longer, freeze inside a freezer container up to 3 months.
Serving Suggestions
- Caramel Sauce. Drizzle Homemade Caramel Sauce over warm brownies.
- Ice Cream. Top with No Churn Vanilla Ice Cream.
- Chocolate Sauce. For more chocolate flavor, drizzle Hot Fudge Sauce on top.
More Easy Brownie Recipes
Easy Brownie
S’mores Brownies Recipe
Easy Brownie
Buckeye Brownies Recipe
Cookies
Brownie Cookies Recipe
Easy Brownie
One Bowl Brownies
Try some of these brownie hacks today. Once you try them, leave a comment and star rating.
How to Make Box Brownies Better
Ingredients
- 1 box Brownie Mix 18.3 ounces
- 1/2 cup Unsalted Butter melted and slightly cooled
- 1/4 cup Buttermilk
- 2 Large Eggs
- 1 Tablespoon Instant Coffee Granules
- 2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
- 1 cup Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips plus more for topping
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Grease and line an 8X8 baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a large mixing bowl, stir together the brownie mix, melted butter, buttermilk, eggs, coffee granules, vanilla extract and salt until combined.
- Fold in the chocolate chips.
- Pour into the prepared pan and top with additional chocolate chips if preferred.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes until a toothpick inserted into the center of the brownies comes out clean.
- Allow the brownies to cool completely.
- Remove the brownies from the pan using the parchment paper. Slice and then the brownies are ready to serve and enjoy!
Recipe Video
Love these tips to make box mix brownies taste better. It turned out great.