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    Best Ever Boxed Brownies

    Sep 24, 2018 · 14 Comments

    Jump to Recipe

    There is no brownie easier to make than a box brownie, and a few simple changes will turn them into the most delicious dessert! These are rich and chocolatey, dense and fudgy, and have the perfect crinkly top and chewy texture. So good, people will think they're from scratch!

    stacked brownies

    Hear me when I say I have nothing against boxed brownies. They actually are a staple on my grocery list.

    Is this a weekly grocery list?, you ask. Yes. Because a typical week in our household involves making and consuming a batch of brownies in a matter of days, and I see nothing wrong with this.

    baked brownies in pan

    Even when it isn’t on the list, brownie mix always makes it into my cart. Why? Because it’s nice to have something on hand just in case we find ourselves needing to throw together a quick and easy dessert with minimal effort and no extra errands.

    I know I made it sound like I buy these for company, but really they’re for us.

    But also, if you’re coming over, we’re probably having brownies.

    stack of brownies

    After years of regular consumption of boxed brownies, I've found a few simple alterations to the recipe on the box that make a huge impact on the final brownie product. A chewy, rich, chocolatey brownie that could not be easier to make.

    HOW TO MAKE BOX BROWNIES BETTER

    Just a few simple additions/substitutions make all the difference!

    Use coffee instead of water.

    Coffee in brownies makes the chocolate flavor more intense. It's the same trick used for this chocolate cake. You won't be able to taste the coffee in the final product, but it makes a big difference in the overall flavor.

    If you don't have coffee on hand or prefer not to use coffee, you can use milk or heavy cream instead. The extra richness makes mixes taste homemade.

    Add an extra egg.

    This is key for making box brownies chewy. However, whether or not this is an "extra" egg depends on the mix you're using - some call for one egg, some call for two. This recipe uses two eggs.

    Add chocolate chips.

    The best brownies are loaded with real chocolate, and brownies from a mix are no exception! Adding chocolate chips is an easy way to make brownies ultra rich and dense. If they're warm, the chocolate will melt right into the brownie, and if they're chilled or room temperature, they'll add really good texture.

    Add vanilla.

    Vanilla rounds out the chocolate flavor in brownies really nicely. While not an essential addition, I think the vanilla adds some nuance to the flavor of these brownies!

    HOW TO CUT BROWNIES

    To cut these fudgy brownies cleanly, wait for them to cool completely, then slice straight down with a sharp knife - don't saw back and forth. Wipe your knife clean with a warm, damp towel between each cut to prevent sticking.

    cut up brownies
    stack of brownies with chocolate chips
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    5 from 2 votes

    Best Ever Boxed Brownies

    A few simple changes make box brownies the most delicious dessert! These are rich and chocolatey, dense and fudgy, and have the perfect crinkly top and chewy texture. So good, people will think they're from scratch!
    Prep Time10 mins
    Cook Time40 mins
    Course: Dessert
    Cuisine: American
    Servings: 24
    Author: Mandy Jackson

    Ingredients

    • 1 (18.3 ounce) box brownie mix
    • 2 eggs
    • 1/3 cup vegetable oil
    • 1/3 cup prepared coffee, at room temperature (see note)
    • 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla (optional)
    • 2 cups semi sweet chocolate chips

    Directions

    • Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Grease a 9 by 13 inch pan.
      Combine the mix, eggs, oil, coffee, and vanilla in a large bowl. Fold in the chocolate chips. Pour into the prepared pan. Batter will be thick - so press into corners if needed.
      Bake 40-45 minutes. Cool completely before slicing.

    Notes

    If you're using a metal baking pan, check for doneness after 30 minutes.
    You can substitute milk or heavy cream for the coffee if you don’t have any or prefer not to use coffee. 
    Did you make this recipe?Mention @itsmandyjackson on instagram so I can admire + share it!
     
    stack of brownies with chocolate chips

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Barbara Renkert says

      January 14, 2019 at 3:08 pm

      My "tip" on the coffee: I keep frozen coffee "ice cubes" on hand for adding to Irish Creme drinks, Kahlua drinks, etc. I just melted 3 of the "cubes" to have my 3 oz of coffee....since we had already drunk our coffee for the day!
      I'm so excited to take these brownies to our construction crew!!

    2. Mandy Jackson says

      January 15, 2019 at 8:44 am

      Love this tip! I usually use this recipe as an excuse to make afternoon coffee 🙂
      Hope the crew enjoys these!!

    3. Jennifer says

      May 25, 2019 at 11:37 am

      I keep instant espresso powder on hand for baking, like this recipe. I can add it to any liquid in a recipe when water isn't ideal.

    4. Mandy Jackson says

      May 26, 2019 at 10:48 am

      Great idea!! 🙂

    5. Michelle says

      June 15, 2019 at 4:16 pm

      Can these substitutes be made for a double batch? Also, do you recommend a bigger pan for a double batch or stick to a 9x13 and make them thicker? Can't wait to try this recipe!

    6. Mandy Jackson says

      June 16, 2019 at 12:05 am

      Yes! Substitutes will work for a double batch. I’ve never tried making a double batch In a 9 x 13, so I can’t say for sure. I’d do two pans. Hope you enjoy them! Let me know how they turn out 🙂

    7. Marilyn says

      September 12, 2019 at 7:11 pm

      Extra eggs make brownies more cake like, definitely not more chewy or fudge like? Though I like all the other add ins

    8. Mandy Jackson says

      September 12, 2019 at 8:31 pm

      Hi, Marilyn! Two eggs are used for this recipe, so only an extra egg if you have a mix that calls for one egg. I originally tested this using double the number of eggs called for and it made a really tough and crumby brownie, so you are right that eggs can do that! Two eggs seem to be the sweet spot and make a rich, moist brownie.
      Let me know how these turn out if you decide to make them 🙂

    9. Darlene says

      April 17, 2020 at 5:44 pm

      My box of brownie mix calls for 3 eggs, do I add 1 more? (For a total of 4?) I’m using Duncan Hines. Thanks
      Darlene

    10. Mandy Jackson says

      April 17, 2020 at 6:44 pm

      Hi Darlene! I haven't ever used that brand, so can't say for certain but I would stick with the 3 eggs listed - 4 seems like it would be too many. Let us know how they turn out in case others have the same question! 🙂

    11. Stephanie says

      April 30, 2020 at 8:28 pm

      I’m looking forward to trying this recipe, but I mistakenly bought milk chocolate chips. Will they work too? Thanks!

    12. Mandy Jackson says

      May 01, 2020 at 7:25 am

      Yes! Milk chocolate will work. Your brownies will just be sweeter than if you used semi-sweet.

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    Mandy Jackson

    hi, i'm mandy.

    A regular Midwest homebody. Here, I share recipes we love, and how we're thoughtfully renovating our 100-year-old American foursquare.

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