Bored with those basic box brownies? Get ready to have some sweet fun in the kitchen transforming your desserts into scrumptious, show-stopping treats with a few easy and tasty upgrades!
Tips on How to Make a Box Brownie Mix Better
Boxed brownie mixes are super convenient, but let's be honest, they can sometimes miss the mark. Ever noticed how they can all taste the same? Plus, they often come out dry or crumbly, which isn't exactly the gooey goodness you’re looking for.
Elevate your baking game and see how even a few small changes can make your brownies taste like they were made from scratch.
Try Recipe Adjustments
An effortless way you can elevate your brownies is by mixing in vanilla extract, a sprinkle of instant coffee or a swirl of peanut butter. These small additions can significantly enhance the flavor of your treats.
Don’t be afraid to play around with your oven settings to get the perfect brownie consistency. Lower temperatures can make for fudgier brownies, while higher temperatures can create a chewier texture. You can switch things up even more by trying microwave brownies for a quick dessert or skillet brownies for a deliciously crispy edge!
Taking your box brownies from good to amazing is easier than you think! These simple tweaks can boost the flavor, get the perfect texture and making experimenting with different methods and ingredients deliciously fun.
Enhance with Flavor
So, you've got the consistency you want but lacking in flavor? Don’t worry. We’ve got some of the best ways to take those brownies from bland to breathtaking.
Instead of water, try a one-to-one substitution of milk for a creamier texture, flavored coffee creamers for extra richness or brewed coffee for a mocha flavor. These swaps can really turn up the taste without a lot of effort. You can also try adding spices to your brownie mix! A dash of cinnamon adds some sweet spice, chili powder brings a fun kick and a sprinkle of sea salt enhances that chocolatey goodness.
Make your brownies even more fun with mix-ins like nuts, fruit and small pieces of chocolate. Walnuts or pecans add crunch, HERSHEY’S Milk Chocolate Chips or chopped REESE’S Milk Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups melt into gooey pockets of deliciousness, and dried fruits like cherries or cranberries give little bursts of sweetness. Just fold your choice of mix-ins into the batter before baking to get that extra indulgence.
A sprinkle of extract, like vanilla, orange, walnut or raspberry, can make a world of difference in the flavor of your brownies. And for the ultimate decadence, spread creamy peanut butter onto the top of your brownie batter before popping it in the oven. The result? Swirls of rich, nutty deliciousness in every bite.
Change the Texture
If you want your brownies to rival Grandma's famous recipe, we’ve got ways to change the texture of your boxed brownie mix to get that sweet, made-from-scratch taste.
Fat content plays a crucial role in brownie texture, think fudgy versus cakey. Butter or oil gives that melt-in-your-mouth texture, but if you're looking to lighten things up, swap some or all of the fat with applesauce or yogurt. Want a protein boost? Try incorporating cottage cheese for a moist, protein-packed treat.
Melted butter versus vegetable oil? The choice affects both flavor and texture. Butter will give your brownies a rich, buttery taste and slightly denser texture, while vegetable oil keeps things moist and lighter. For a healthier twist, use oils like coconut or olive oil for a better-for-you option, or substitute all oils for pureed avocado or applesauce for a softer, cakier brownie.
Eggs aren't just for binding, they also impact the richness and density of your brownies! Adding an extra egg can make your brownies dense and more decadent. For vegan-friendly options, try using flax eggs (made from ground flaxseed and water) or vegan egg replacers. These alternatives will keep the moisture and structure of your treats without changing the flavor.
Get Creative with Toppings
Turn your boxed brownies into the dessert of your dreams with our favorite majorly delicious mix-ins and totally awesome toppings.
Turn your brownies into a work of art with simple yet sweet toppings! Use a little whipped cream for a light, airy garnish, a drizzle of HERSHEY’S Caramel Syrup for extra sweetness, a dusting of powdered sugar for a classic touch or swirls of Creamy Brownie Frosting for an extra chocolatey touch.
You can also try spreading creamy nut butters like REESE’S Creamy Peanut Butter or hazelnut spread over the top. The nuttiness pairs perfectly with the chocolate to create a treat that's hard to resist.
The perfect addition to a warm brownie? Ice cream, of course! Transform your dessert by serving your brownies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for brownie à la mode, or go all out with brownie sundaes layered with hot fudge, nuts and whipped cream.
If you’re going for a more aesthetic look, make your brownies Instagram-worthy with decorative techniques. Swirl batter with a toothpick before baking for a marbled effect, dust the top with cocoa powder for a sophisticated finish or get creative with more advanced decorations for special occasions, like chocolate shavings, edible flowers or even personalized designs with Vanilla Buttercream Frosting or “Perfectly Chocolate” Chocolate Frosting.
FEATURED RECIPE
REESE'S Caramel Cup Brownies
Create the perfect dessert that blends brownies, peanut butter and REESE’S Caramel Big Cups into this heavenly recipe for caramel cup brownies.
