How to Hack a Box of Brownie Mix

This is a recipe from my college days that I could pull together in a pinch for anything from a movie night with friends to a sorority event. And it all starts with a box of brownie mix. Much like my pumpkin cupcakes, which are also semi-homemade, these brownies are so dang good that I have never bothered with going the scratch route. I know, I know: shame on me, right? Anyway, the brownies come out dense and decadent every. single. time. Plus, they just look so gorgeous that you’ll get all the presentation points before anybody even takes a bite. This is the dessert you whip up when you want to impress but are short on time. With the hacks in this post, nobody will ever even suspect that the recipe wasn’t passed down from your great granny and created with the purest, most indulgent ingredients…unless, of course…they also read this post! 🙂

I hadn’t made these brownies in a while (I’m talking years, y’all.) and decided to dust off the technique for my housewarming party this past weekend. The brownies did not disappoint one bit. This recipe is a super simple one that anybody can slay with just a few ingredients. All you need to do is take 2 boxes of brownie mix and the corresponding ingredients (eggs, etc.) per to the package directions, melted butter in place of oil, chopped and sugared strawberries, and a bar of dark chocolate then prepare for magic. Feel free to scale back this recipe accordingly to just one box of brownie mix if you’re serving a smaller crowd…or just yourself. 🙂

I recently discovered this 70% cacao dark chocolate with sea salt from Green & Black’s in my February Degustabox. My rundown of Degustabox is here as well as a code for 50% off your first box!

My preference when it comes to chocolate is the darker the better and the sea salt adds the perfect touch. Also, you can use any old box mix. I’ve tried this with fancy brands as well as budget store brands with no issues. Get into the easy recipe and a couple more drool-worthy pictures below.

Do you have a go-to recipe shortcut? More ways to jazz up a box brownie mix? Let me know in the comments below. Thanks for reading!

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Best Box-Mix Brownies

Prep Time

5 mins

Cook Time

40 mins

Total Time

45 mins

 

An easy spin on boxed brownie mix that takes dessert to the next level with fresh, sugared strawberries and dark chocolate.

Servings: 12 brownies

Ingredients

• 1 pint strawberries chopped
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 2 boxes brownie mix 1 "fudge-like" and 1 regular for best results
• 3 ounces dark chocolate
• butter per brownie mix directions in place of oil
• eggs per brownie mix directions
• water per brownie mix directions
• sea salt to taste, optional

Instructions

1. Preheat oven per brownie mix directions. Add chopped strawberries and sugar to a bowl and mix to coat all berries then place in fridge.
2. Melt the butter then combine contents of and corresponding ingredients for both boxes of brownie mix in a large bowl and mix well.
3. To a square, nonstick pan or one lined with parchment paper, add the brownie batter and bake. Due to doubling the recipe and switching out the oil for butter, the cooking time will probably vary, so start with the original baking time for one batch. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the brownie. Bake until it comes out clean.
4. While still warm, break up bar of chocolate and place the pieces on top, allowing to melt. If your chocolate of choice does not have sea salt, add a sprinkle of sea salt over top at this point.
5. Once slightly cooled, top the brownie with the chopped strawberries. Serve warm.