Hey y’all! Are you ready to taste a brownie that’s so good it will make you forget all about those boring box mixes? This Better Than Box Mix Brownie recipe is perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a cozy family gathering or indulging in a late-night snack. With its rich, fudgy texture and irresistible chocolate flavor, it’s bound to become your new go-to dessert. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This
- These brownies boast a rich, fudgy texture that melts in your mouth.
- The recipe is simple, requiring just one bowl and minimal cleanup.
- You’ll enjoy a decadent chocolate flavor that satisfies any sweet tooth.
- It’s a versatile treat that’s perfect for parties, picnics, and potlucks.
- Customize it easily with your favorite mix-ins like nuts or caramel.
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 4 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
Directions
Prepare the Batter
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter and sugar, stirring until well mixed. Add the eggs and vanilla extract, whisking until smooth.
Mix the Dry Ingredients
In another bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet mixture until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Add Chocolate Chips and Bake
Fold in the chocolate chips, then pour the batter into the prepared baking dish. Spread it evenly and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with a few crumbs.
Notes
- For a deeper chocolate flavor, consider using Dutch-process cocoa powder. Learn more about different types of cocoa powder.
- Let the brownies cool completely before cutting for cleaner slices.
- Use high-quality chocolate chips for the best taste. Check out some reviews of chocolate chips here.
Variations
- Nutty Brownies: Add 1 cup of chopped walnuts or pecans for extra crunch.
- Salted Caramel Brownies: Swirl in ¼ cup of caramel sauce and sprinkle coarse sea salt on top before baking.
- Espresso Brownies: Enhance the chocolate flavor by adding 1 teaspoon of instant espresso powder to the batter.
Required Equipment
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk and spatula
- Oven
Storage Instructions
Store leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days. For longer storage, refrigerate for up to 2 weeks or freeze for up to 3 months.
Suggested Pairings
Enjoy these brownies with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of chocolate syrup. They also pair beautifully with a hot cup of coffee or a cold glass of milk.
Pro Tips
- Do not overbake your brownies; they should be slightly underdone in the center when you take them out of the oven. Learn more about baking tips.
- For clean slices, use a plastic knife to cut the cooled brownies.
- Allow the brownies to cool in the pan for at least 20 minutes before transferring them.
FAQ
- Can I use a different type of sugar? Yes, you can substitute brown sugar for a slightly different texture and flavor.
- How can I make these gluten-free? Use a gluten-free flour blend that substitutes 1:1 for all-purpose flour.
- Can I add frosting to these brownies? Absolutely! A simple chocolate ganache or cream cheese frosting would work well.