How To Make Better Boxed Brownies

Learn how to make better boxed brownies and take your box mix to the next level! With this simple recipe, you can make boxed brownies that taste like you baked them from scratch! Perfect for any occasion, these fudgy brownies are sure to impress.

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Prep Time10 minutes mins

Cook Time35 minutes mins

Total Time1 hour hr 15 minutes mins

Servings16

Wish you knew how to make better boxed brownies? This easy boxed brownie recipe uses a few extra ingredients, but elevates your brownie game so your boxed brownies taste just like you made them from scratch.

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This recipe for better box brownies boasts a rich, chocolatey flavor with a moist and fudgy texture that’s absolutely irresistible. With a hint of coffee to enhance the chocolate flavor and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt for a perfectly balanced flavor, these brownies are a crowd-pleaser (an no one will know you started with a box mix!). 

Ingredients to Make Brownie Mix Better

Take your boxed brownies to the next level with our expertly crafted recipe full of brownie hacks. Say goodbye to ordinary brownies and hello to a fudgy, chocolatey sensation that will have you reaching for seconds.

Doctored Brownie Mix Substitutions and Additions

Flexibility is key in the kitchen, and our boxed brownie recipe is no exception. Whether you’re catering to dietary restrictions, experimenting with flavors, or just working with what ingredients you have on hand, these substitutions and additions will help you customize your brownies to perfection.

Boxed Brownie Mix: Experiment with different brands or varieties of boxed brownie mixes to discover new flavor combinations. We recommend buying a high-quality mix for the best results. You can also doctor up a gluten-free or keto-friendly mix if you have dietary restrictions.

Salted Butter: Using butter instead of water is how to make brownies more moist! If you prefer to control the saltiness of your brownies, substitute unsalted butter. If you can’t use butter, you can also try coconut oil, vegetable oil, or vegan butter for dairy-free options.

Half and Half: Replace with whole milk for a lighter texture, or use heavy cream for an indulgent twist. For a dairy-free alternative, try almond milk or coconut milk.

Egg Yolks: For a vegan option, substitute each egg yolk with one tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with three tablespoons of water. This will allow the brownie mix to bind similarly to egg yolks.

Instant Coffee Granules: Instant coffee is one the secret ingredients to this better box brownie mix recipe. You can also enhance the chocolate flavor with a dash of cinnamon or espresso powder. If mocha isn’t your favorite flavor, you can omit the coffee granules for a purer chocolate taste.

Chopped Semisweet Chocolate: Swap semisweet chocolate for milk chocolate or dark chocolate chunks. Alternatively, add a handful of white chocolate chips for a creamy contrast, butterscotch chips for a caramel flavor, or peanut butter chips for a Reese’s-inspired chocolate brownie recipe.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

MORE BROWNIE RECIPES

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Chocolate Peanut Butter Brownies

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.

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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How To Make Better Boxed Brownies

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Learn how to make better boxed brownies and take your box mix to the next level! With this simple recipe, you can make boxed brownies that taste like you baked them from scratch! Perfect for any occasion, these fudgy brownies are sure to impress.

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time 35 minutes minutes

Total Time 1 hour hour 15 minutes minutes

Servings 16

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Ingredients

  

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• 18.4 ounces boxed brownie mix (We used Pillsbury chocolate fudge brownie mix)
• ⅔ cup salted butter, melted and cooled
• ¼ cup half and half
• 4 large egg yolks, room temperature
• 1 teaspoon instant coffee granules, We used Taster’s Choice
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 ⅓ cup chopped semisweet chocolate baking bar, or 1 ⅓ cups semisweet chocolate chips (divide into 1 cup and ¼ cup)
• ¾ teaspoon flaky sea salt, or ¾ teaspoon kosher salt (optional)
• chopped walnuts, optional
• caramel sundae sauce, optional garnish
• chocolate syrup, optional garnish

Instructions

 

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Line a 9×9 baking dish with parchment paper. (You can use small binder clips to fasten the top edge of the parchment paper to the baking dish. That will help ensure the parchment paper does not fold over on top of the brownies as they bake). Lightly spray with nonstick cooking spray.
• Add the boxed brownie mix, melted butter, half and half, egg yolks, instant coffee and vanilla extract to a medium (2-3 quarts) sized mixing bowl. Stir just until the brownie batter is incorporated, do not overmix. (If you overmix the brownie batter it won’t be as fudgy. It’s ok if just a few lumps remain).
• Fold in 1 cup of the chopped chocolate.
• Evenly spread the brownie batter into the parchment paper lined baking dish. Bake for 35-40 minutes(Keep in mind that all ovens bake differently, so check the brownies at 30-35 minute mark) until a toothpick inserted comes away with moist crumbs.
• Immediately sprinkle the remaining chopped chocolate over the hot brownies. Allow the brownies to cool completely, and If desired, sprinkle the flaky sea salt or kosher salt over the top of the brownies.
• 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. Keep the brownies covered or in an airtight container, at room temperature for up to 3 days.
• Don’t toss out the egg whites! You can use them to make an omelette for lunch!
• 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.
• You can always sprinkle some extra chocolate chips on the top of the brownie batter for an even more prominent taste of chocolate.
• Letting the brownies cool completely in the pan will give you a delicious crinkly top and that crispy edge everyone loves.

Notes

• Don’t toss out the egg whites! You can use them to make an omelette for lunch!
• 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.
• You can always sprinkle some extra chocolate chips on the top of the brownie batter for an even more prominent taste of chocolate.
• Letting the brownies cool completely in the pan will give you a delicious crinkly top and that crispy edge everyone loves.

Nutrition

Calories: 318kcal | Carbohydrates: 33g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 19g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 0.3g | Cholesterol: 68mg | Sodium: 272mg | Potassium: 119mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 20g | Vitamin A: 317IU | Vitamin C: 0.03mg | Calcium: 23mg | Iron: 3mg

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