Add Chocolate Chunks
Duh! The most obvious way to enhance brownie mix is to stir in extra bits of chocolate. Chocolate chips (our Test Kitchen recommends this brand) or chopped bar chocolate add texture and richness to the batter. Flavored baking chips are a fun way to add an accent flavor, too.
Skip the Water
Some basic brownie mixes use water as a mixer. We’ve even seen mixes that use water as the only liquid! Replace it with a richer, more flavorful liquid. Milk, buttermilk or coconut milk add flavor and richness. Brewed coffee also works, adding great flavor without weighing down the dessert. Here are more ways to hack a box of brownie mix.
Add a Topping
Want to perk up the brownies without interfering with the basic recipe? Add a topping. (This is fun for kids to help with, too!) Think a coat of frosting, cream cheese, peanut butter, sprinkles or chopped nuts.
Add Cocoa Powder
Can’t get enough cocoa? Stir a little extra into the batter. This will make it more chocolaty and dense. It helps if you start with a good mix, too—our taste test uncovered the best brownie mix brands.
Add Nuts
Nuts and chocolate are a flavor combination made in heaven. Add any chopped nuts to the batter and bake the brownies as usual. Walnuts, pecans, almonds or peanuts will work beautifully.
Editor’s Tip: This secret is even better when you toast the nuts.
Add Extracts
Looking for a small improvement that doesn’t involve lots of added ingredients? Add a teaspoon of vanilla or almond extract. They’ll complement and draw out the cocoa goodness. (It’s easy to make homemade vanilla extract.)
Add Espresso
Coffee desserts are the best. Amp up your everyday brownie mix with a jolt of espresso powder. Stir it into the dry ingredients before adding the liquids, and bake as usual.
The post 7 Secret Tricks to Make Brownie Mix Taste Homemade appeared first on Taste of Home.
Kelsey Rae Dimberg