The Best Boxed Brownie Hacks (For That Ghirardelli Mix In Your Pantry)

Boxed brownies: So reliable, so consistent, and so lacking in surprises. That’s a big part of their charm, obviously. A box of Ghirardelli brownie mix will hit the spot every time, provided that you don’t completely mess it up when making them (just follow the instructions, people). But do we yearn for more sometimes? Do we want to apply some homemade flair to our brownie mixes, even though they may not strictly need them, in pursuit of greatness? Of course we do. 

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So, if you have some Ghirardelli mix, or any other brownie mix, taking up space in your pantry, here’s how you can make it even better. Brownies 2.0. 

Add More Chips Than You Think

So I know I said to follow the instructions up there – but with certain ingredients, you can push things to the limit. One such ingredient is chocolate chips. Instead of just relying on the sachet of chips that come in your boxed mix, add an extra half-cup, or even a cup, of your favorite brand. 

The outcome of this is obvious, of course. More chocolate chips = more chocolate. The brownies will retain their shape, provided that you don’t completely overdo it, but they’ll just get gooier and richer. Mix it up with your chips, too: Add white chips into a milk chocolate brownie recipe for a different flavor note. 

Water? No. Coffee? Yes

This hack has been floating around for years now, which should be a testament to how well it works. Substitute the water specified in your brownie mix recipe with strong coffee, in a 1:1 ratio. Mixes generally don’t need much water, so you don’t need to worry too much about caffeine here – unless you’re planning on eating the whole tray at once, very quickly – but if you’re caffeine sensitive, you can use decaf. 

The coffee here acts as a flavor intensifier, and gives your brownies both a chocolatier note, and also a slightly bitter one. This amps up their complexity, and stops them from being so overtly sweet. Trust me, it’s a game-changer. 

Spice Them Up

Brownies, like cakes, take on spice well, and a well-considered dash here and a sprinkle there can change things to no end. Indulge your swicy sensibilities with a dash of cayenne pepper or chili flakes, or warm things up with some nutmeg, cinnamon, and/or cardamom. It can also help to add a pinch of salt, which will both intensify any spices you add and the sweet notes in the mix. 

Make Them Marbled

Y’know those marbled brownies you see at bakeries? If they feel out of the realm of possibility in your kitchen, they really aren’t. Before you bake your prepared boxed brownie mix, dollop in caramel, dulce de leche, pistachio or peanut butter, Nutella, or jam. Then, swirl it through with a fork or a toothpick before baking. This is a quick way to add loads of flavor, and it’ll make your brownies look next-level. Just don’t add too much (or put in anything too watery), as additional liquid can stop your brownies from firming up properly.