10 hacks to make boxed brownie mix taste gourmet

  • Boxed brownie mix is a staple, and there are ways to hack it to make more gourmet creations.

  • Transform it by turning it into a crust for a dessert pizza or adding it to rice-cereal treats.

  • Adding beer, mint candy, or salty snacks to your batter can take your brownie mix to the next level.

With a prepackaged brownie mix and some kitchen staples, you're about an hour away from sinking your teeth into a luxurious treat.

Here are some simple baking hacks to elevate box brownies.

An additional egg turns brownie mix into a chocolatey waffle mix.

eggs cracking egg
An extra egg makes the batter perfect for a waffle maker.Shutterstock

Adding one more egg than what your boxed mix calls for will make the batter slightly thicker, making it sturdy enough to withstand the heat of a waffle iron.

Whether you decide to dress up your chocolaty waffles with whipped cream, fruit, or more chocolate, bookmark this easy recipe from the Food Network as a reference.

Take your s'mores game to the next level with gooey s'mores brownies.

campfire camp roasing toasting marshmallows fire
Brownies and s'mores are a sweet combination.Phil McDonald/Shutterstock

S'mores are delicious on their own, but they're even better when you add brownies in between layers of graham crackers and marshmallows.

According to a simple recipe on Delish, you don't even need a campfire to make this decadent snack. You just need a box of brownie mix (and the ingredients it calls for), chocolate bars, marshmallows, and graham crackers.

Turn your brownie mix into the crust of a dessert pizza for endless sweet possibilities.

Dessert Pizza
You can add all sorts of toppings to your dessert pizza.INSIDER

Think outside the box with your brownie mix by turning it into the crust for a build-your-own dessert pizza. As for toppings, you can make your favorite cream-cheese or whipped-cream frosting and pile it high with fruit, candy, sprinkles, or nuts.

All you need for this crust recipe from Taste of Home is the prepared brownie-mix batter, some almonds, and almond extract.

Transform your brownie mix into a crunchy brittle fit for a celebration.

Brownie batter with butter on spoon
You can even add alcohol for a boozy adult treat.Sydney Kramer/INSIDER

Not in the mood to cut a dozen slices of cake at your next party? Serve this brownie brittle from Tablespoon instead.

All you need is the mix, an egg, some melted butter, and a large baking pan to spread the batter extra thin.

If you want to make it an adults-only treat, you can also add some cake-flavored vodka.

Combine two iconic desserts with these cookie-dough brownies.

Brookie 1
You can combine two classic desserts.Paige Bennett for Insider

It's hard to decide between cookies and brownies, but with this recipe from food blogger Lindsay Ostrom, you won't have to.

Dollop some homemade or store-bought cookie dough on top of your prepared brownie batter mix before baking.

Combine rice cereal with brownies for a crunchy and delicious treat.

rice krispy treats
You can add chunks of graham crackers for a s'mores twist.Bhofack2/Getty Images

This hack combines an entire box of brownie mix with marshmallows and rice cereal, plus, cooked brownies are folded in to give the dessert some extra decadence.

The recipe from the food blog Cookies and Cups with Shelly Jaronsky is a little more involved than others on the list, but all you'll need in addition to the brownie mix is mini marshmallows, rice cereal, and butter.

You can either make your own brownie pieces with the rest of the mix or buy some store-bought brownies to fold through the treat.

Make these Andes brownies for a minty twist.

andes mints
You can mix in your favorite mint candies.taffpixture/Shutterstock

Don't be afraid to experiment with flavor combinations with your boxed brownie mix.

The Andes brownies from the lifestyle blog Making Lemonade combine the chocolatey dessert with the refreshing taste of mint.

To make them, all you'll need is a prepared box of brownie mix batter and a package of Andes chocolate mints.

Create a sweet and salty masterpiece by adding your favorite chips and pretzels.

Pretzels and chips
It's a tasty mix of sweet and salty.mrsnstudio/Shutterstock

Delight both sweet and savory cravings by making use of that half-eaten bag of chips or pretzels in your cabinet.

This recipe from Tablespoon can help you get started, but really the possibilities are endless if you're looking to clear out your pantry.

Turn brownie mix into a flavorful, adults-only treat by adding stout beer.

Guiness beer on table
Most types of stout will work.Frantisekf/Shutterstock

Dark stout beer has so much savory depth, which makes it the perfect addition to chocolaty brownies.

Elevate your mix's flavor profile by adding your favorite stout brew to the boxed brownies.

According to a recipe on Tip Hero, in addition to the beer, you'll need some extra dark chocolate to round out the flavors.

Brownies can also serve as the base for an ice cream cake.

oreos
You can also just stir in pieces of your favorite cookies.Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

This easy boxed-mix hack from the food blog Chelsea's Messy Apron marries brownies, cookies, and ice cream to create a tasty cake.

Bake the brownies as instructed, layer them with ice cream and Oreos (or your favorite store-bought cookies), and top everything with whipped topping for an easy, delicious, ice-cream cake.

This story was originally published in September 2018 and most recently updated on December 12, 2024. 

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