How to Improve Box Brownies (16 Simple Hacks to Try at Home)

There are times when you want to (or need to) make brownies, but starting from scratch takes too long. Fortunately, there are several box mixes available that produce wonderful brownies in approximately half the time!

The only problem is that box mix brownies are never as good as totally handmade brownies. You can always tell when a brownie is made from a box rather than from scratch. Yet this is about to change.

You’ll be able to create brownies from a box mix that taste out of this world with these techniques and tactics. So, take that box mix of brownies, experiment with some of these suggestions for enhancing the mix, and get baking! Box brownies just got a whole lot better.

1 – Add Candy

Imagine biting into a brownie only to discover it is also a mushy, melting candy bar. Doesn’t it sound incredible?!?

Tossing in some of your favorite cut up candy bars is a definite way to make box mix brownies taste better. Adding around a cup of candy bits will not change the recipe, so the brownies will bake the same, but they will be packed with candy!

Chocolate candy bars work well for this since they provide some extra chocolate. Caramel candies are also excellent since they will melt and become soft within the brownie. Avoid fruity or hard candies since they will not function properly.

2 – Use Vanilla Extract

One component that is nearly always absent from brownie box mixes is vanilla extract. Vanilla essence is included in almost every homemade brownie recipe, and although you would not think a teaspoon of anything would make a large impact, it does.

Vanilla essence offers a warm, rich undertone to a dish, enhancing the chocolate taste and just making everything better! A teaspoon of vanilla extract in your brownie batter will make all the difference!

To build on this concept, you may experiment with other types of extracts to make your brownies more fascinating. Almond extract, coconut extract, and anise extract may all be used to lend a mild flavor to your brownies.

People will be asking how they made these brownies so distinctive after just one bite! These will not taste like they came from a box mix!

3 – Add Chocolate Chips

A hefty scoop of chocolate chips added to the mixture before the brownies bake is an easy method to increase the taste of box mix brownies. Of course, adding extra chocolate to a brownie will improve it!

A cup of chocolate chips put into the brownie mixture will result in patches of warm, melted chocolate throughout the brownies, instantly improving the box mix.

4 – Put Chocolate on Top

If you don’t want to add more chocolate chips to the brownie mixture (or if you forget to add the chips before baking the brownies), sprinkle the chocolate chips on top of the brownies as soon as they come out of the oven.

Let the chips to rest on top of the heated brownies for about two minutes. Next, distribute the melted chocolate chips over the top of the brownie using a tiny offset spatula or the back of a spoon.

The warm chocolate will coat the box mix brownies, creating a decadent chocolate topping that will make your mouth water.

5 – Try Extra Toppings

Sprinkle peanut butter chips, white chocolate chips, or even mint chocolate chips on the top of the hot brownies just after they come out of the oven to add a unique taste.

Let the topping to set before spreading it over the brownies. Your box mix brownies have just gone gourmet.

To make the brownies even more visually appealing, add some sprinkles to the topping. To complement every festival or occasion, choose precise color sprinkles.

Your brownies will look so good that no one will believe they were made from a box mix!

6 – Use Frosting

If you want to top your box mix brownies, the simplest option is to purchase a jar of frosting and put it over your cooked and cooled brownies.

Not only does this involve very little work (the frosting is generally on the same aisle as the brownie box mix! ), but it quickly transforms your brownies from box to bakery. Simple, tasty, and flawless.

7 – Use Cookie Cutters

When your box mix brownies have cooked and cooled, add a customized touch by cutting them using fun shaped cookie cutters. Make a festive treat using seasonal cookie cutters, or simply use some attractive stars, hearts, or animal shapes.

When people see brownies in unusual shapes, they will assume you cooked them from scratch (remember to toss away the empty brownie mix box!).

8 – Add Marshmallows

One cup of micro marshmallows will transform your box mix brownies from ordinary to extraordinary. While the brownies bake, the marshmallows melt and become gooey and scrumptious, transforming them from ordinary to extraordinary.

To take this method a step further, press a graham cracker crust into the brownie pan before pouring in the brownie batter with marshmallows. Bake as normal, then enjoy a smores-inspired delight. Absolute perfection!

9 – Add Cookie Pieces

Wouldn’t it be bliss if you could have a cookie and a brownie at the same time? With a box mix of brownies plus a handful of your favorite baked cookies, you can take a bite out of paradise!

Break a few cookies into the batter and stir them in. Bake the brownies according to the package directions, and you’re done! Chocolate chip cookies work well, and Oreos are a nice complement to brownies.

Rather of combining the cookie bits, arrange them into the brownie to create a surprise cookie center. Pour half of the brownie batter into the pan, sprinkle with cookie bits, and then pour the remaining batter on top.

10 – Add Caramel Syrup

Pour around a cup of caramel syrup over the brownie batter (or create your own if you’re feeling adventurous!). Swirl the caramel sauce into the batter with a knife. Bake the brownies according to package directions, then cut into them to reveal a delicious chocolaty caramel delight.

If you want to create a turtle-style dessert, add some chopped nuts to the brownie mixture as well.

11 – Use Pie Filling

A container of pie filling may dramatically convert boxed brownies into something spectacular.

Spoon the prepared brownie batter into the pan, then equally divide 1 cup of readymade pie filling over the top. Swirl in the pie filling with a knife, then bake as recommended. Your brownies have received a fruity surprise!

Consider what works well with chocolate when deciding on a pie filling. Pie fillings such as strawberry, cherry, or raspberry work well. Pineapple pie filling with crushed coconut would also be delicious!

Peach and apple filling may not work as well, but you should always give it a go! Give it a try if it sounds yummy to you! That will undoubtedly liven up your box brownies.

12 – Make Box Brownie Muffins

This is an excellent way to improve your box brownies without adding any more ingredients. Instead of using a standard brownie pan, bake your brownies in a muffin tin coated with parchment paper.

Fill each muffin liner halfway and bake for 5-10 minutes shorter than the package directions. Remove the brownie muffins from the oven after the batter has set. Let to cool slightly before serving.

Not only will this save you time since you will not have to cut the brownies, but they will also appear really sophisticated as if you spent hours making these small sweets. Prepare one bite brownies using a little muffin tray to make them even more unique.

13 – Add Coffee

Adding coffee to your brownie batter may seem unusual, but it will convert your brownies into something spectacular. If your brownie box mix calls for water, leave it out and replace it with iced black coffee.

The coffee will complement the chocolate flavor and offer a rich flavor that cannot be matched. And don’t worry, your brownies will not taste like coffee! That is a genuinely amazing tip to make your basic brownies taste more fudgy.

If you don’t have any brewed coffee on hand, you may use one teaspoon of espresso powder or instant coffee powder for the similar effect. Stir well, and your chocolate-enhancing ingredient will go to work, transforming your brownies into something spectacular.

14 – Use Sea Salt

If you want sweet and salty taste combinations, a pinch of sea salt is all you need.

Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt over the top of your brownie batter when it’s ready to go in the oven. Not too much, as you don’t want your brownies to be too salty, but just enough to give each bite a hint of salt. Bake as normal, then serve!

The addition of a pinch of salt will enhance the flavor of the brownies and provide that salty flavour that everyone likes.

15 – Add Nuts

Everyone like chocolate and nuts together! Not only does adding nuts to your brownie mix make for a wonderful addition, but it also gives the brownies a great crunch.

One cup of chopped nuts incorporated into the brownie mixture will add flavor and texture to your brownies- a complete win! You may use whatever kind of nut you like, from almonds to pecans, walnuts to peanuts- the option is yours!

Put a handful of the nuts on top of the brownies before baking to make them seem even more appealing.

16 – Under Bake

When in doubt, the simplest approach to improve your box mix brownies is to slightly underbake them. A dry brownie is not something you desire, yet a chewy, squishy brownie is perfect dessert delight.

Set your oven timer for 5 minutes less than the recipe calls for. Let the brownies to cool fully (you can even put them in the fridge to thoroughly solidify the batter), then slice and serve.

The soft core is entirely safe to eat (they will still be cooked!) and tastes like the greatest, fudgiest brownie you’ve ever eaten! You are now completely prepared to transform that box mix of brownies into something outstanding.

Box mix brownies don’t have to be boring, and with a few adjustments, they can be transformed into a world-class dessert. There’s no need to start from scratch when you can whip up a box of brownies in seconds!

So get that box mix, choose one, two, or three of these recipes to test, and get baking! Please let me know how it works in the comments section below!

And if you make more brownies than you and your guests can eat (hard to believe), try out these leftover brownie recipes!