Elevated Boxed Brownies
Transform your favorite boxed brownie mix into incredibly decadent and show-stopping brownies with a few simple ingredient upgrades.
Equipment
- 8x8 inch baking pan Greased and floured or lined with parchment paper.
- Large bowl
- toothpick For checking doneness.
Ingredients
Brownie Base
- 18.4 ounces boxed brownie mix Grab your favorite brand.
- 0.67 cup salted butter Melted and cooled slightly.
- 0.25 cup half and half
- 4 large egg yolks Room temperature.
- 1 teaspoon instant coffee granules To intensify chocolate flavor.
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Add-ins & Garnish
- 1 cup chopped semi-sweet chocolate baking bar or semi-sweet chocolate chips For folding into the batter.
- 0.25 cup chopped semi-sweet chocolate baking bar or semi-sweet chocolate chips For sprinkling on top.
- 0.75 teaspoon flaky sea salt or kosher salt Optional, for sprinkling on top.
- chopped walnuts Optional, for folding into the batter.
- caramel sundae sauce Optional, for garnish.
- chocolate syrup Optional, for garnish.
Instructions
- Prep your oven and pan: First things first, preheat your oven to the temperature specified on your brownie mix box. While it's heating up, get your 8x8 inch baking pan ready. You can grease and flour it, or my personal favorite, line it with parchment paper, leaving some overhang. This makes lifting the brownies out later a breeze!
- Mix the magic: In a big bowl, combine the entire box of brownie mix. Then, add the melted and cooled butter, the half and half, those precious egg yolks, the instant coffee granules, and the vanilla extract.18.4 ounces boxed brownie mix
- Gently combine: Now, mix everything together until it's just combined. Seriously, resist the urge to overmix! We want tender brownies, and overmixing can lead to a tougher texture. A few streaks of dry mix are okay at this stage.
- Fold in the good stuff: Gently fold in 1 cup of your chopped semi-sweet chocolate or chocolate chips. If you're adding those delicious walnuts, now's the time to fold them in too!18.4 ounces boxed brownie mix
- Spread the love: Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan and spread it out evenly. Make sure to get into all the corners for perfectly uniform brownies.
- Top it off: Sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup of chopped semi-sweet chocolate or chocolate chips evenly over the top of the batter. This will create those irresistible, melty chocolate pockets.18.4 ounces boxed brownie mix
- A touch of sparkle (optional): If you're using the flaky sea salt or kosher salt, sprinkle it over the chocolate chips. Trust me on this one!18.4 ounces boxed brownie mix
- Bake to perfection: Pop the pan into your preheated oven and bake for the time recommended on your brownie mix box. The best way to check for doneness is with a toothpick – insert it into the center, and it should come out with moist crumbs attached, not completely clean.
- Cool down: This is the hardest part – letting them cool! Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before cutting into them. This allows them to set up properly, ensuring clean slices.
- Garnish and enjoy!: Once cooled, you can lift them out of the pan using the parchment paper. If you're feeling fancy, drizzle them with caramel sundae sauce and/or chocolate syrup. Slice, serve, and prepare for compliments!18.4 ounces boxed brownie mix
Notes
For best results, do not overbake. Ensure egg yolks are at room temperature. Using quality ingredients like pure vanilla extract and good chocolate will enhance the final taste.