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How to Make Box Brownies Better

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4.98 from 151 votes
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How to Make Box Brownies Better: a few simple ways to make your boxed brownies taste like they’re made from scratch. Moist, fudgy, chocolate-y, and so easy!

brownie held

Everyone loves the ease of boxed brownies — in basically no time you can have a fresh pan of warm and gooey brownies in front of you.

Now. Boxed brownies are good, but sometimes you can tell they’re boxed…

So what can you do to make your box brownies taste homemade? These simple steps add virtually no time, but really take boxed brownies to the next level.

How do you make boxed brownies better?

These 5 easy tricks are sure to make that boxed brownie mix taste like made-from-scratch brownies. No one will know they’re not. 😉

  1. Use milk instead of water. Milk contains more fat and flavor than water so the brownies are even more moist, gooey, and delicious.
  2. Add coffee. Adding instant coffee doesn’t make the brownies taste like coffee — it just enhances the flavor of the chocolate!
  3. Give them texture. Stir in chocolate chips or chunks. Not only does it give the brownies a more intense chocolate flavor, it also adds a gooey, melty, ultra rich texture.
  4. Add vanilla. This might not seem that important, but trust me. Adding vanilla adds another layer of flavor and really gives your boxed brownies that homemade touch.
  5. Add salt. Salt enhances the chocolate flavor and balances out the sweetness from the sugar.
Pro tip
Play around! Don’t want to use chocolate chips? Try peanut butter chips, white chocolate chunks, or even M&Ms!

Ingredients

Only 5 extra ingredients necessary to take your boxed brownies from “EH” to “OH YEAH”!

  • Chocolate Brownie Mix – a mix of flour, sugar, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder. Serves as a base for these brownies. Use your favorite brand, but make sure it’s an 18.4 oz box.
  • Canola Oil and Eggs – brownie mix typically calls for oil and eggs, so these are two standard ingredients needed for boxed brownies. Both add moisture and help create a fudgy brownie.
  • Buttermilk – standard brownie mix calls for water, but using buttermilk instead takes these brownies to another level, giving them a richer texture and flavor.
  • Instant Coffee – enhances the chocolate flavor for a more chocolate-y brownie.
  • Vanilla Extract – adds depth of flavor and a touch of extra sweetness.
  • Salt – cuts the sweetness and brings out the flavor of the brownies.
  • Chocolate Chips/Chunks – add more chocolate flavor and helps create an ultra ooey-gooey texture.
Pro tip
Want to get fancy? Sprinkle maldon sea salt over the cooked, but still warm brownies!

How to make

This semi homemade brownie recipe takes 10 minutes to prep!

  1. Place brownie mix, oil, buttermilk, eggs, instant coffee, vanilla, and salt into a large bowl then stir until well combined. Fold in chocolate chips or chunks.brownie batter in mixing bowl
  2. Pour the batter into a greased square pan then top with additional chocolate. Bake for 40-45 minutes or until a toothpick comes out kind of gooey.brownie batter in baking dish
  3. Cool for 30 minutes, cut, then serve and enjoy!finished brownies on cutting board
Pro tip
You really need to cool for at least 30 minutes or the brownies will crumble to pieces, because they’re so moist!

Can you frost the brownies?

Absolutely! You can either use a store-bought frosting or whip up a homemade batch to give your boxed brownies even more of that homemade touch.

Pro tip
Make sure the brownies cool completely before frosting them, otherwise the frosting will melt.

Variations

These semi-homemade brownies are delicious but if you want to play around with your boxed brownies even more here are some ideas!

  • Add nuts. Mix in crushed walnuts or pecans for even more texture and nutty flavor.
  • Try different mix-ins. Roughly chopped candies or cookies, baking chips, dried fruit, etc.
  • Make them minty. Mix in crushed up peppermint candy or a splash of peppermint extract for a flavor twist.
  • Add a swirl. Swirl in your favorite spread such as peanut butter, nutella, cookie butter, or even jam!

three brownies stacked

How to store

Leftover brownies will keep in an airtight container at room temperature for 1-2 days, in the fridge for up to 4 days, or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

To enjoy again, thaw in the fridge if frozen then serve cold, at room temperature, or warm in the microwave.

– Jennifer

three box brownies stacked

How to Make Box Brownies Better

4.98 from 151 votes
How to Make Box Brownies Better: a few simple ways to make your boxed brownies taste like they're made from scratch. Moist, fudgy, chocolate-y, and so easy!
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 9 brownies
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Ingredients

US Customary - Metric
  • 1 (18.4 oz) box chocolate brownie mix no mix-ins
  • ⅔ cup canola oil or other neutral flavored oil
  • ¼ cup buttermilk
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tablespoon instant coffee granules
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • ½ - 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips/chunks plus more for topping
  • Maldon sea salt for garnish, if desired

Recipe Video

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
  • Grease an 8x8 nonstick square pan with cooking spray, then line with a parchment sling. Set aside.
  • Place brownie mix, oil, buttermilk, eggs, instant coffee, vanilla, and salt into a large bowl.
  • Stir until well combined.
  • Fold in chocolate chips/chunks.
  • Pour batter into prepared pan, then top with additional chocolate chips/chunks, if desired.
  • Bake in preheated oven for 40-45 minutes (an inserted toothpick should come out kind of gooey).
  • Optional - top with maldon sea salt.
  • Let cool in the pan for 30 minutes, then remove, cut into squares, and enjoy!
  • Take 5 seconds to either rate this recipe below and/or PIN it. We greatly appreciate it!
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STORING
Room Temp:1-2 Days
Refrigerator:3-4 Days
Freezer:3 Months
Reheat:Thaw if frozen then enjoy or microwave to warm
*Storage times may vary based on temperature and conditions

Notes

This is for a box calling for  2/3 cup oil, 1/4 cup water, and 2 eggs

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Nutrition Information

Nutrition Facts
How to Make Box Brownies Better
Amount Per Serving (1 brownie)
Calories 544 Calories from Fat 297
% Daily Value*
Fat 33g51%
Saturated Fat 8g50%
Cholesterol 43mg14%
Sodium 453mg20%
Potassium 157mg4%
Carbohydrates 57g19%
Fiber 2g8%
Sugar 37g41%
Protein 6g12%
Vitamin A 81IU2%
Calcium 26mg3%
Iron 3mg17%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

*Note: Nutrition information is estimated and varies based on products used.

Keywords: brownie mix, easy, moist
Enjoy this recipe?
Tag @showmetheyummy on Instagram and hashtag it #showmetheyummy
Course: Brownies, Dessert
Cuisine: American
Author: Jennifer Debth

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  3. Ann

    Dickinson, North Dakota

    5 stars I don’t usually rate a recipe, but this one deserves a rating. We cleaned out my 90-year-old mother in laws house. I’m not sure why but she had a lot of boxes of brownie mixes. I usually bake from scratch, so I was thrilled to find this recipe. I have access to buttermilk, eggs, and zucchini so I changed it up a bit and I added 1 cup of zucchini and 3 eggs. I did drain the zucchini before adding to the mix. These ARE amazing. First pan is gone, on to the second!
    Reply

  7. Anonymous

    Winona, Mississippi

    5 stars Delicious brownies easy to make Big hit at my gathering. The only change I made was putting walnuts on the top of the batter.
    Reply

  10. Brigid

    United States

    5 stars So easy and very delicious. Everyone raves about these when I make them! It’s become the most requested dessert! Freezes very well.
    Reply

  13. Trisha

    Love ❤️this recipe!!!! Sooo many recipe requests 🥰 how long to bake if I use this recipe in a 13×9 glass baking dish? Thank you!
    Reply

    • Jennifer @ Show Me the Yummy

      Thanks Trisha! Are you planning to double the recipe to fit a 9 x 13? I would start with 20 minutes and go from there. Just as a heads up, baking in a glass dish versus metal pan for brownies does make a difference… A metal pan will produce a more evenly cooked brownie that’s chewier. Just didn’t want you to be surprised if they were a little different than what you’re used to making with this recipe! They will still be delicious 🙂

  17. Martha

    United States

    I don’t know what I did but these came out so dry. The flavor was good, but so dry. The flavor was good but so dry. Good thing I had ice cream.
    Reply

    • Jennifer @ Show Me the Yummy

      Hi Martha! If you look at the photos and the video, you’ll see these or anything but dry. I would double check that you measured everything correctly and used the correct size brownie box. I’d also check your oven to make sure it doesn’t run really hot or that you didn’t overbake.

  21. Rose

    Spring Lake, New Jersey

    This is my favorite brownie recipe but far! The family loves them and I bake them for every family gathering. Thank you!
    Reply

  22. Susan

    Sugar Land, Texas

    5 stars These brownies are amazing. They kept moist for 2 weeks in a tightly closed container. My whole family raved over them. The only way I can tell you how long they stayed moist is I hid a few from the family.
    Reply

  25. Rose

    Spring Lake, New Jersey

    5 stars These are the best brownies ever! I used a Ghirardelli mix which already contained chocolate chips otherwise followed the recipe exactly. Add the maldon salt at the end which brought it over the top. Thank you!
    Reply

  31. John

    United States

    5 stars I’m sure going to try this recipe just trying to get my brownies and blondies to be fluffy and soft and hold well together . I’m one of the Chefs that work in senior living resort just trying to create something decaden
    Reply

  40. Janet

    United States

    This recipe looks awesome! Our neighbors were kind enough to let us use their dumpster rental for a few of our things so I wanted to try making them something sweet to say thank you! This recipe seems very doable, thank you for sharing!
    Reply

  42. MKC

    United States

    5 stars My brownies are in the oven now but I’m wondering if I messed up. I used Ghirardelli Supreme mix, which I just realized only calls for 1/3 cup of oil. I used 2/3 cup but just saw the recipe was based on a mix that called for 2/3. Because I’m high altitude, I also added 1/4 cup flour.
    Reply

  43. Rachel

    Marshfield, Massachusetts

    5 stars I made a double batch of these for a party. They were a little hard to cut because they are so super fudgy, but I assumed that was because I had doubled the recipe and they were really thick. They were SO GOOD though. I have a “normal” sized pan cooling right now and I am super excited to cut them!
    Reply

  44. Jessica

    West Chester, Pennsylvania

    5 stars Using this recipe for the first time. Crossing my fingers it tastes as good as it looks. Thanks for the tips and tricks.
    Reply

  48. ChristineA

    Wichita, Kansas

    5 stars This recipe is so good!!! I took it to a party and they were gone in no time! I was hoping for leftovers!
    Reply

  50. Patrice

    Hudson, New York

    5 stars I have used this recipe over and over again because it has been such a hit! Thank you for this recipe. It is truly sinful!
    Reply

  52. Sarah

    Somerset, Kentucky

    5 stars *****5 stars!***** I’m on a sugar-free diet, so I modified this recipe accordingly. I used 2 boxes of Pillsbury Zero-Sugar Chocolate Fudge brownie mix (because 1 box is only 12.35oz), and 1 cup of sugar-free chocolate chips. Using this recipe as a guide, I used 2/3 c. canola oil, 6 Tbsp. brewed coffee, 2 eggs, 1/3 c. plain whole milk yogurt, and 1 Tbsp. vanilla. I baked it in a dark pan, so I set the oven for 325° and baked the brownies for 32 minutes. They turned out SO. DARN. GOOD. Rich, moist, not quite fudgy, not quite cakey, but somewhere perfectly in between. Absolutely decadent, and in no way could my family tell these were sugar-free! We enjoyed them a la mode w/sugar-free vanilla ice cream. I highly recommend these brownies for anyone craving chocolate but needing to watch their sugar intake. You will not be disappointed!
    Reply

    • Jennifer @ Show Me the Yummy

      Hi Kathy! I just tried to recreate your problem and I’m able to print US Customary. Maybe try restarting your browser!

  71. Kim

    Mooresville, North Carolina

    5 stars These are the best box mix brownies ever! Hit of the party! Now, on your website for other wonderful yummies!
    Reply

    • Jennifer @ Show Me the Yummy

      Thanks Roena! Absolutely! The brownies will be very slightly thicker, so you may need additional cook time.

  84. Gayle

    Peoria, Arizona

    5 stars Loved this recipe for enhancing brownies! I added walnut haves to the top before baking. Family loved it. Thank you!!
    Reply

  98. LovelyLadyT

    Chicago, Illinois

    I saw this recipe and just had to try it simply because it paired some of my favorites with chocolate.
    Reply

  103. Tami

    United States

    5 stars I am a from-scratch baker known for my chocolate desserts. I decided to give this a try! I used an 18.3 oz box of Betty Crocker Fudge Brownie Mix. Though the box calls for 1/2 cup oil, I used the 2/3 cup as stated in this recipe. I reduced the salt to 1/2 tsp as we like to cut back on salt. I used whole milk instead of buttermilk because that’s what I had on hand. I was careful to only stir until combined and not to overbake. As soon as it was cool, I covered it tightly with plastic wrap and put in the fridge for a few hours as something magical happens when you refrigerate brownies. These were the perfect, dense, fudgy brownie that we love. I will make these again and again. No one would suspect they stem from a box mix.
    Reply

  104. Karly

    Salem, Oregon

    5 stars I will NEVER follow another recipe! This was perfect! I didn’t have Buttermilk so I used Whole Milk and these taste better than any bakery I have ever ate at. Total game changer. ♥️ Thank you for sharing, my life somehow feels complete 😅
    Reply

  109. Linda

    Warwick, Rhode Island

    5 stars I made these for a party and they were a big hit! Absolutely delicious. Making two batches as writing this review!
    Reply

    • Andee

      United States

      agreed. I’m afraid my kids won’t love these due to the saltiness. I’m thinking of adding a caramel drizzle on top to offset the saltiness.

    • Jennifer @ Show Me the Yummy

      Hmm. Might be the brand of brownies or salt you used. You could top with chocolate frosting too!

  119. Penny

    Moreno Valley, California

    I had a smaller mix so I stuck with with the same measurement of oil added the buttermilk used the 2 eggs vanilla no coffee baking now. I hope it comes out.
    Reply

  120. Brenda

    Dacula, Georgia

    5 stars Came out delicious!! I used coconut oil, very good, added lots of flavor. That’s all I changed.
    Reply

  121. Lulu

    Englewood, Colorado

    5 stars Fantastic. Actually waiting for them to cool, cannot wait. Added vanilla, milk, chocolate chips, pecans and sea salted on top and covered in semisweet chips to ice them. They look amazing. Getting ready for Super Bowl
    Reply

  122. Sheila

    Littleton, Colorado

    5 stars Made in Pampered Chef Brownie pan (everyone gets crispy edges!) at high altitude without chips – and 1/2 tsp salt. Frosted & decorated. 19 minutes. Perfection!
    Reply

  125. Anonymous

    Bakersfield, California

    5 stars Excellent chewy and crispy edges. Most people think this recipe is from scratch. Gets rave reviews.
    Reply

  128. Shawntay

    Des Plaines, Illinois

    5 stars This recipe was very easy to make and very delicious! My Marriage bible study group loved them. I will be making these again. I baked them for 35 minutes and they were nice and chewy with crunchy edges. I will definitely make this again and share this recipe. Thank you for sharing.
    Reply

  129. Lori

    Cleveland, Texas

    5 stars I ate some of the batter and I was like oh my goodness it’s going to be awesome. It didn’t take as long to bake as it called for it was done with 11 minutes left otherwise it would have burned so good that I was checking my time
    Reply

  130. Vicki

    Columbus, Ohio

    5 stars I made a box of brownies according to the box instructions. Not good but I had purchased 3 boxes because they were on sale. So I came upon this recipe. I tried it and wow, they turned out delicious! I was able to use the other 2 boxes with similar results. I am using this as a small dessert after our Holiday company dinner. I plan to sprinkle crushed up peppermint stick on top for the Holiday spirit. Thank you for great instructions and results!
    Reply

  131. Vanessa

    United States

    5 stars I absolutely love this recipe! Very moist and decadent. I wasn’t aware of the note at the bottom regarding the amount of oil to use, so that will be helpful for next time.
    Reply

  133. Patrice

    Hudson, New York

    5 stars Amazing! Delectable! A real crowd pleaser. I liked using the chocolate chunks better. The brownies were moist and just so chocolatey! I am making some more tonight for the guys to take as dessert to the football game.
    Reply

  134. Trisha

    Cherokee, Kansas

    5 stars Great flavor. I had to make a couple of adjustments with what I had on hand. I didn’t have buttermilk so I used 1/2 & 1/2. I didn’t have the standard instant coffee granules so I used 3/4 Tbl. Espresso Powder. I used 1/2 Tbl Vanilla & 1/2 Tbl Cream Cheese Emulsion. I baked these in a 8×12 pan. I loved the flavor of everything. They turned out so moist and found it very hard to resist cutting into them as soon as they came out of the oven lol. This recipe is a keeper!
    Reply

  135. Helen

    Sarasota, Florida

    5 stars Made these this morning with one exception. I didn’t have espresso powder. They are awesome! Sheer perfection in an 8×8 glass pan. Checked after 35 minutes but they needed 40 minutes. Thanks very much!
    Reply

  137. Austin

    Irving, Texas

    5 stars These were absolutely delicious, and I will never make brownie mix by the instructions alone ever again! The salt alone is a huge plus, but everything else comes together SO deliciously. Thank you!
    Reply

  140. Kerry

    San Fernando, City of San Fernando

    5 stars Definitely a recipe keeper. Going to try again.. I used 1/2C chopped chocolate candy melts and 1/2 C chocolate chips and it was Devine.
    Reply

  141. Joyce

    Hilo, Hawaii

    5 stars These are the best brownies I have EVER had in my life! Didn’t even add the choc. chips and used the cheapest brownie mix ya can find at walmart! So fudgey!
    Reply

  143. Eva

    Orlando, Florida

    5 stars These were the bomb. Everyone loved, loved, loved them. I will always make them this way for now on. Thank You !
    Reply

  144. Texas

    Spring, Texas

    5 stars You’ve got to try this one…I won’t make brownies from a box ever again without this recipe! Based on my family’s tastes, I eliminated the salt and used a teaspoon of instant expresso instead of regular coffee, and baked just a little longer in ceramic pan (50 minutes). Rave reviews from every one of my picky eaters!
    Reply
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