6 Ingredients That Will Make Boxed Brownies Taste Homemade

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 baking 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 with a 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 be reserved for sweetened spreads. 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. Bake the brookies per the brownie mix instructions. These two delicious treats are great on their own, but they make a delightful, low-effort treat when combined.

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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 replacing 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 a half cup to a quarter cup of water, add an equal water-to-milk ratio for extra flavor and a richer texture.

All the mix-ins

For an easy boost to your boxed brownie mix, sprinkle in about a half cup of add-ins to personalize your treats. Although nuts, chocolate, peanut butter chips, and mini marshmallows are easy wins, this method invites creativity, and the options are 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 fun, colorful addition, stir some strawberries or blueberries into the batter.

It's already easy to love brownie mix, but it's even easier with these tips. Next time you make some boxed brownies, consider these ideas to add some extra flavor and love to your baking project.