15 Easy Upgrades That Transform Boxed Brownies

Make a brownie trifle

One of the most exciting ways to elevate your box brownie experience is by experimenting with how you serve them. Think about the versatile structure of an English trifle, which typically features layers of sherry-soaked cake, cream, custard, and fruit. In your brownie adaptation, use brownies as the cake layer, while rich pudding, whipped cream, fresh berries, or jam fill the other layers.

To create this dessert, simply bake your brownies according to the package instructions, cut them into bite-sized pieces, and choose your favorite mix-ins. I particularly enjoy a "chocolate-covered strawberry" brownie trifle, where sweet-tart macerated strawberries and light whipped cream (or Cool Whip for convenience) enhance the brownies' richness. However, you can easily substitute with other fruits like maraschino cherries, raspberries, or even bananas.

For an indulgent twist, consider adding vanilla or chocolate pudding as the custard layer and marshmallow crème for the whipped cream layer. Want to add a hint of alcohol like the original recipe? Brush your still-warm brownies with Kahlúa or Irish cream to infuse them with extra flavor and moisture. Even if you didn’t plan for your brownies to become a trifle, this is one of the most delicious and visually appealing ways to repurpose leftovers.

Give it a ganache topping

Some bakers enjoy slathering frosting or icing on their brownies to elevate them, but I believe ganache is the superior choice. Made from melted chocolate and heavy cream, ganache provides a luxuriously smooth truffle-like coating that enhances the texture of your brownies while sealing in moisture, much like frosting does. My introduction to this delightful topping came from the inspiration of the Barefoot Contessa, Ina Garten, who generously pours a rich ganache over her Outrageous Brownies.

I like to elevate my ganache even further by infusing it with various extracts or flavorings. A simple drop of mint, orange, or coffee extract can significantly enhance the ganache's flavor. Alternatively, you can infuse the hot heavy cream with whole spices, such as cinnamon sticks or cloves, or even a tea sachet. For a unique twist, a dash of cayenne or chili powder can introduce a different kind of heat, creating a sophisticated "hot hot chocolate" experience for your brownies.

Add some buzzy espresso

Chocolate and coffee create a perfect pairing, so think about adding coffee to your brownie batter in various ways. First, if the recipe requires water, substitute it with freshly brewed coffee or espresso. If you prefer not to use a liquid, try instant espresso powder to enhance the flavor. Start with two teaspoons and increase to a full tablespoon if you believe your brownies can handle it.

Alternatively, consider a latte-inspired frosting, perhaps infused with Kahlúa and espresso powder, for a delightful twist. If you want a simpler topping, mix some espresso and cocoa powder into a basic sugar glaze and drizzle it over the warm brownies (this allows it to melt slightly into the brownies, creating a wonderfully gooey texture). Lastly, check for gourmet chocolate bars that feature espresso flavors. Chopping them up and folding them into the brownie batter will add a delightful burst of coffee flavor to your treats.

Try the candy compost hack

Do you have leftover candy that would be better mixed into brownie batter than left sitting in a bowl? Toss it into your brownie mix for a delicious twist. Just keep the total amount of mix-ins between 1 to 1½ cups to avoid overpowering the batter. Other than that, feel free to get creative!

I particularly enjoy this fun trick during the holidays when extra candy is abundant. For Easter, I've incorporated Cadbury eggs to create a delightful egg-studded brownie, while Halloween brownies are perfect for using up leftover snack-sized candy bars and festive sprinkles. Even during Christmas, I've transformed leftover Santa cookies, red and green M&Ms, and extra eggnog frosting from previous baking sessions into a holiday favorite.

Explore other inventive ways to clear out your pantry. If you enjoy a salty-sweet brownie, consider adding the remnants of your favorite trail mix or pretzel blend. Potato chips and roasted nuts can also be great additions. And don’t forget, you can even use leftover coffee grounds, just like Christina Tosi does in her famous Milk Bar Compost Cookies!

Spike it with red wine

Chocolate baked goods are often paired with complementary liqueurs such as coffee-infused Kahlúa, nutty amaretto, or creamy Irish cream with hints of vanilla and cocoa. While these options are delightful, they don't fully capture the rich fruity notes that high-quality chocolate can offer. For that, I prefer to reach for a lovely bottle of red wine.

Typically, a boxed mix will require about ¼ cup of water. Instead, you can substitute it with straight red wine—opt for a fruity, full-bodied variety like merlot, Bordeaux, malbec, or a premium red blend. Alternatively, you can reduce a cup of wine down to the ¼ cup needed, which will enhance the flavor. Once incorporated, it introduces a sophisticated depth that lends a jam-like quality to the brownies. If you're making this during the holiday season, consider using mulled wine—essentially spiced hot wine—for an extra festive twist in your brownies.

Give it a cheesecake or peanut butter swirl

One of the quickest and simplest ways to elevate your brownies is by adding a visually appealing and delicious baked-in topping. This can take the form of a cheesecake or nut butter swirl, both of which enhance the flavor profile. The key to achieving this delightful twist is to incorporate a few ingredients into the nut butter or cream cheese swirl, ensuring it creates a stable, firm pattern within the brownie.

For the cheesecake swirl, mix cream cheese, eggs, and sugar to form a mini batter. You can enhance the flavor with vanilla or another extract, and if you want a chocolate twist, a touch of cocoa works beautifully. The egg will help set the mixture into a custardy cheesecake, while the sugar adds the perfect level of sweetness.

When it comes to the peanut butter swirl, the process is simpler. If you're using a smooth, creamy peanut butter or a Nutella-like spread, just microwave it if it's too thick to easily dollop and swirl into the batter. For natural peanut butter or chunky almond butter, consider adding an egg or a bit of flour to create a more stable swirl. A sprinkle of sugar can also enhance the flavor.

Make brownie cookies

If you're looking to transform the shape and texture of your brownies, why not consider making cookies instead? While brownie cookies have been popular for a while, you can save some time by starting with a boxed brownie mix. With just a few simple ingredient adjustments, you can create cookie dough instead of brownie batter.

First, gather some eggs, vegetable oil, and a bit of extra flour. The eggs and oil provide moisture and stability, while the additional flour converts your brownie batter into a true brownie cookie dough. From this point, you can either bake classic brownie cookies or get inventive with your choice of mix-ins. While chocolate chips or chopped chocolate are always great options, you might also try adding toasted nuts, crushed pretzels, mint candies, or candied orange zest for a unique twist.

Pour in some stout beer

Imagine a traditional Guinness chocolate cake, but now let's adapt that idea to create a fantastic brownie mix. Stout beers, such as Guinness, pair beautifully with chocolate due to their inherent cocoa and coffee notes. However, you’re not restricted to just stouts; complex porters, nutty brown ales, and rich cream ales also offer delightful aromatic qualities that complement brownies perfectly.

Instead of the usual ¼ cup of water in the mix, consider substituting it with an equal amount of beer or ¼ cup of reduced beer (try simmering a regular can down to just ¼ cup) for a more concentrated flavor without adding too much liquid. Want to elevate your brownies even further? Top them with a malted milk frosting (using Nestle or Carnation malted milk powder) to enhance the hoppy notes, or mix in a couple of tablespoons of stout into a vanilla frosting for an extra kick.

Take it down the rocky road

One of the greatest advantages of using a boxed brownie mix is the flexibility it offers for adding mix-ins. Take advantage of this by creating a brownie version of a beloved ice cream flavor. According to one account, this flavor was first introduced by Dreyer's in 1929, featuring chopped marshmallows and walnuts in a scoop of chocolate ice cream. Over the years, toasted almonds replaced walnuts, and various brands began to incorporate their own delightful variations.

To begin, think about adding 1 to 1½ cups of mini marshmallows and chopped almonds. If you want to enhance the chocolate flavor, feel free to toss in some chocolate chips as well. Aim to keep the total mix-ins under 2 cups, as adding too much can overwhelm the batter and alter the baking time. If rocky road isn’t your preference, consider a s'mores twist by substituting mini marshmallows and chopped graham crackers for the almonds.

Give it a brookie twist

The most exciting aspect of this hack is the ability to merge two beloved classics into one incredible dessert. In this case, you'll take your favorite store-bought cookie dough and blend it with your boxed brownie mix to create a delicious hybrid known as a Brookie. This treat features a fudgy brownie base topped with cookie goodness, resulting in a delightful combination of textures—both rich and chewy, with a satisfying crunch. The flavor is a perfect balance of deep chocolate and caramelized sweetness.

So, how does combining the batter and dough affect your baking time? Expect to add an extra 5 to 10 minutes, as the added weight and thickness of the cookie dough will slow down the brownie cooking process. The best approach is to check for doneness with a wooden skewer; it's fine if a few moist crumbs cling to it. Additionally, be sure to flatten the cookie dough pieces before placing them on top, as thick dough may not bake evenly. Feel free to experiment with different cookie dough flavors too—consider trying peanut butter or sugar cookie dough alongside the classic chocolate chip!

Go minty fresh

The invigorating taste of mint pairs beautifully with the rich, earthy notes of chocolate, so why not incorporate it into your box brownies? A few drops of mint extract, some chopped Thin Mint cookies, or a drizzle of melted Andes mints can transform your brownie mix into a delightful wintry dessert. You might also consider making a mint frosting and layering it with ganache, which is a classic choice. If you can't find Girl Scout Thin Mints, remember that you can create a delicious minty alternative using Ritz Crackers.

For those who prefer the more subtle, complex flavor of fresh mint, there are ways to include that as well. If you've wisely chosen to use melted butter instead of vegetable oil, try steeping some chopped fresh mint in the hot butter to maximize the flavor extraction. Alternatively, you can blend fresh mint to achieve a fine chop that can be easily folded into the brownie batter.

Make a truly fudgy brownie cake

Absolutely! With just a few ingredient adjustments, you can transform your reliable brownie mix into a fantastic chocolate cake mix. There are two primary methods to achieve this, both equally delicious.

First, if you enjoy that rich brownie texture and simply want to change its shape, fill an 8 or 9-inch round cake pan about two-thirds full with the standard brownie mix (to allow for rising). The brownies will bake more quickly, so start checking for doneness 5 to 10 minutes earlier than usual, and they should come out perfectly round and ready for frosting.

If you prefer a lighter, cake-like texture and flavor, you'll need to tweak the box recipe slightly. Start by reducing the fat content; for instance, if the recipe calls for ½ cup of vegetable oil, cut it down to ? cup. This will lighten the batter and create a less dense crumb. Additionally, add an extra egg for stability and a pinch more baking powder to enhance the rise. These three simple modifications will give your brownies a delightful cake-like quality.

Try your hand at DIY brownie brittle

For those who can't resist the edge pieces, there's no need to purchase brownie brittle to satisfy your cravings. By simply making your batter extra runny, spreading it thin, and baking it at the right temperature, you can easily create your own brownie brittle using a box mix.

Start by thinning your brownie batter with ½ cup of water, along with the recommended amount of vegetable oil from the mix. This added water will make the mixture more pourable, allowing it to bake up thin and crunchy. Additionally, reduce the number of eggs to just one; using too many will result in a chewy, cake-like brownie instead of the desired snap.

Next, pour your loose brownie batter into a rimmed baking sheet (be sure to line it with parchment paper to make removal easier), and spread it as thinly as possible. Finally, bake the brownies at 325 degrees Fahrenheit for about 30 minutes, giving them ample time to dry out and develop a crackly texture without burning.

Experience the gooey goodness of a German chocolate brownie

German chocolate cake serves as the ideal inspiration for elevating your boxed brownies. It's important to note that this cake should not be mistaken for the other German chocolate cake that includes sauerkraut. This Texas-style German chocolate cake gets its name from the use of Baker's German Chocolate, a semi-sweet variety. What truly defines this cake as a classic is its decadent frosting made from a rich, toffee-like blend of cooked coconut, pecans, and caramel.

To recreate this deliciousness, simply bake the brownies according to the package instructions, then generously spoon on the frosting. For a quicker version of the topping, you can melt caramels and mix in toasted pecans and shredded coconut, or you can opt to make it from scratch. This homemade approach involves carefully cooking evaporated milk, sugar, and egg yolks to create a creamy caramel sauce, which will taste far superior to the shortcut method. The end result will deliver the same delightful flavor as the cake, all wrapped up in a dense brownie form.

Look to halvah or tahini for sesame sweetness

While peanut butter is often the go-to choice for bakers looking to pair a nut butter with brownies, tahini, made from sesame seeds, can also enhance your brownie mix beautifully. There are two delightful methods to incorporate tahini into your brownies.

First, you can create a sweet tahini swirl, similar to how you would make a peanut butter swirl. To sweeten the tahini, mix in some powdered sugar, and consider microwaving it to ensure it’s liquid enough to create an appealing design on top of the brownie batter.

Second, try mixing in some chopped halvah, a sesame seed candy that offers a unique flavor reminiscent of Butterfinger. Halvah comes in various flavors, such as pistachio, white chocolate, chocolate, and plain, so feel free to experiment with different options. For an extra burst of tahini flavor, you can combine the halvah with the tahini swirl for a sophisticated brownie treat.