For those days when you need a chocolate fix but don’t have the time (or energy) to bake, a good box brownie is always an option. They’re quick, easy and delicious — especially when you add a scoop of ice cream! But what if you could take those store-bought brownies to the next level? With a few simple hacks, you can transform that box mix into seriously fudgy, chewy, moist and bakery-style brownies. These are perfect for a movie night, girl’s night or just as an indulgent treat after a long day!
In addition to the standard ingredients called for on a brownie mix, here are a few other things you can do to make your boxed brownies taste even more homemade. 1. Use milk instead of water. This will give your brownies more flavor and richness, which will result in a much better texture.
2. Add a teaspoon of instant coffee to the batter. The caffeine will enhance the flavor of the chocolate, creating a more intensely chocolatey brownie. 3. Add a large handful of mini pretzels to the batter before baking. This will give your brownies a unique crunch that’s both sweet and salty. 4. Drizzle with a little sea salt on top of the cooked brownies. The salt cuts the sweetness and adds a touch of depth to the chocolate.
5. If your brownies aren’t quite done when you pull them out of the oven, leave them in for an extra five or seven minutes. This will allow the brownies to continue cooking and will result in a more gooey, dense and ultra-rich brownie.
To make your brownies a little more special, try swirling in a spoonful of peanut butter, Nutella, raspberry jam, cream cheese, or Marshmallow Fluff into the batter before you bake it! The results are delicious and they’ll still be super moist and fudgy.
6. If you’re feeling ambitious, try adding a layer of whipped cream on top of your finished brownies. This will elevate them to a dessert-level status. And, it’s a great way to use up any leftover whipping cream from making those easy pancakes!
7. Once you’re ready to enjoy your brownies, be sure to store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They will keep for up to two days. To reheat, just pop in the microwave for a few seconds until warm and gooey again.
8. If you want to freeze your brownies, be sure to wrap them tightly in aluminum foil and then place them in a freezer-safe plastic storage bag or an airtight container. They can be frozen for up to three months.
9. To thaw them, either let them sit at room temperature or pop them in the fridge overnight. You can also re-heat them in the microwave for a few seconds on high.
Do you have any other hacks for taking a boxed brownie to the next level? Share them in the comments below! brownie box