How To Make Better Boxed Brownies

It’s pretty easy to make box brownies better! You’ll start with a box of brownie mix, just like you’re used to, but you’ll add in a few surprising (yet simple) extras. Homemade brownies are always a good idea. Here’s how to make them with brownie secrets and tips mixed in.

STEP ONE: Gather your ingredients. Be sure you’ve melted and cooled your butter and separated your eggs. You should also allow your egg yolks to come to room temperature (just leave them to sit on the counter for 20-30 minutes). Preheat the oven and line a baking dish with parchment paper so that it overhangs on the sides of the pan to make it easier to lift them out of the dish.

PRO TIP: Don’t toss out the egg whites! You can use them to make an omelette for lunch!

STEP TWO: In a medium mixing bowl, add the boxed brownie mix. This takes the place of all your dry ingredients. Add in the melted butter, half and half, egg yolks, instant coffee granules, and pure vanilla extract. Stir with a wooden mixing spoon until the ingredients are just combined.

PRO TIP: Don’t overmix your brownie batter. It’s a common mistake home bakers make. Once the ingredients look incorporated, stop mixing, or the brownies could end up tough.

boxed brownie mix, melted butter, half and half, egg yolks, instant coffee granules, and pure vanilla extract combined in a bowl

STEP THREE: Fold in 1 cup of chopped chocolate for added richness and texture. This is also when you want to fold in optional mix-ins like chopped walnuts or white chocolate chips.

STEP FOUR: Spread the brownie batter evenly into the prepared pan and bake in the fully preheated oven. Keep an eye on the brownies, as baking times may vary depending on your oven. To test for doneness, insert a toothpick into the center of the brownies; it should come out with moist crumbs, not raw batter.

PRO TIP: You can always sprinkle some extra chocolate chips on the top of the brownie batter for an even more prominent taste of chocolate.

brownie mixture placed into a parchment lined baking dish then baked

STEP FIVE: After baking, immediately sprinkle the remaining chopped chocolate over the hot brownies. This will create a deliciously melted chocolate topping that adds an extra layer of indulgence to the boxed mix.

STEP SIX: If desired, sprinkle the flaky sea salt or kosher salt over the top of the brownies. Allow the brownies to cool completely before slicing to ensure you can cut the brownies with clean edges.

PRO TIP: Letting the brownies cool completely in the pan will give you a delicious crinkly top and that crispy edge everyone loves.

STEP SEVEN: Once fully cooled, use the edges of the parchment paper to lift the brownies out of the baking dish. Carefully use a sharp kitchen knife to cut 4 slices x 4 slices. Enjoy your homemade box mix brownies as is or with optional garnishes like chopped walnuts, caramel sundae sauce, or chocolate syrup.

brownies sliced with a knife on a wooden cutting board

How To Serve Your Perfect Brownies From a Brownie Mix

Now that your homemade boxed brownies are ready to steal the spotlight, let us suggest some delicious ways you can serve this delectable treat.

Classic Presentation: Serve your boxed brownies on a simple dessert plate. These chewy brownies are so good, they’re a wonderful dessert all on their own. Dust with powdered sugar and drizzle with chocolate syrup for a bit of a special presentation.

à la Mode: Serve your brownies with a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream. The contrast of warm, fudgy brownies and cold, velvety ice cream creates a deliciously nostalgic experience!

Afternoon Snacks and Chats: Hosting a cozy afternoon gathering with friends? Treat them to a spread of better boxed brownies paired with a selection of teas and freshly brewed coffee. The combination of sweet treats and warm beverages is perfect for casual visits.

Family Gathering Favorite: Bring a batch of homemade boxed brownies to your next family gathering and watch them disappear within minutes. Arrange them on a tiered cake stand alongside other squares and cookies like brownie cookies, magic cookie bars, and 7-layer bars.

Brownie Recipes Galore: Take a tray of various kinds of brownies to your next party, including these doctored up chocolate brownies. Some of our favorites are buckeye brownies, coconut brownies, mint chocolate brownies, and strawberry shortcake brownies.

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How To Store These Better Boxed Brownies

After the first time you eat these delicious boxed brownies, you’ll definitely want to know the best way to store any leftovers so you can eat them again tomorrow! Here’s how to store your brownies, whether you plan to enjoy them over the next few days or save them for later.

MAKE AHEAD: If you want to get a head start on your dessert preparations, you can make the brownie batter ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Just cover the mixing bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the batter to an airtight container and refrigerate until ready to bake.

When you’re ready to enjoy freshly baked brownies, remove the batter from the fridge and allow it to sit for a few minutes to take the chill off. Spread it into the baking dish and bake as directed in the recipe. You can also freeze brownies to save them for a special occasion. See the instructions below.

IN THE FRIDGE: To store leftover brownies in the refrigerator, allow them to cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container. You can also wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. Properly stored, brownies will keep in the refrigerator for up to three to four days. Before serving, bring the brownies to room temperature or warm them briefly in the microwave or oven to restore their soft, fudgy texture.

IN THE FREEZER: For longer storage, you can freeze your boxed brownies for up to three months. Wrap individual brownies or the entire batch tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container or Ziploc bag.

HOW TO REHEAT: When you’re ready to enjoy your brownies, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature for a few hours (if they were frozen). To reheat, wrap the brownies in aluminum foil and warm them in the microwave for 10-20 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F for 5-10 minutes until heated through.

Why This Is The Best Box Brownie Recipe

Now you know how to make better brownies! This recipe takes a humble boxed mix and transforms it into a decadent delight that will have everyone asking for seconds. Get ready to fall in love with the simplicity and deliciousness of these better boxed brownies.

Reasons We Love This Recipe:

Convenience Meets Flavor: Add a few ingredients to a boxed mix for a convenient and affordable treat. It’s the perfect solution for when you’re short on time but still want to impress your guests with a homemade dessert.

Fudgy Perfection: These boxed brownies are all about that perfect fudgy texture, thanks to the addition of melted butter, half-and-half, and chopped chocolate. They’re incredibly moist and decadent.

Easy Cleanup: One of the often-overlooked benefits of this recipe is how easy it is to clean up. Since you’re using a boxed mix as the base, there’s minimal measuring and mixing involved, which means less time spent washing dishes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these boxed brownies gluten-free?

Yes, you can use a gluten-free boxed brownie mix for a gluten-free version of this recipe. Just be sure to check the ingredients list to ensure they are gluten-free.

Can I add frosting to these boxed brownies?

Absolutely! You can frost these brownies with your favorite frosting, like Oreo frosting, cream cheese frosting, or cool whip frosting for an extra indulgent treat.

Can I use instant espresso instead of instant coffee granules?

Yes, instant espresso can be used as a substitute for instant coffee granules. It will provide a more intense coffee flavor to the brownies.

Can I reduce the sugar in this recipe?

There is no added sugar in this recipe. If you need a low-sugar brownie recipe, you can look for a sugar-free box at the grocery store and doctor up brownie mix at home.

Can I use a different type of chocolate in this recipe?

Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different types of chocolate, such as milk chocolate or dark chocolate, to customize the flavor of your brownies to your liking.

Can I add nuts to the brownie batter?

Absolutely! Chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans can be added to the brownie batter for added texture and flavor. Fold them into the batter before spreading it into the baking dish.

Can I make brownies from a mix without eggs?

While eggs contribute to the structure and texture of the brownies, you can try using egg substitutes like mashed bananas, applesauce, or commercial egg replacers for a vegan-friendly version. You can also replace the eggs with flax eggs. To make 1 flax egg, mix 1 tablespoon of flax seeds with 3 tablespoons of water and allow it to thicken.

Now you know how to make the best brownies with brownie mix! With their rich, fudgy texture and intense chocolate flavor, they’re perfect for satisfying any sweet craving. Whether you’re looking for a quick and indulgent dessert or a crowd-pleasing treat to share with friends, these boxed brownies are the perfect choice.

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