Try using milk or cream in place of water when mixing the batter.

This will still check the liquid off the ingredient list while creating a richer, fudgier, moister brownie.

A plain brownie batter is calling for mix-ins, and the possibilities are endless. Consider adding chocolate chips or dark-chocolate chunks.

Crushed Oreo cookies, M&M's, Reese's Pieces, chopped walnuts or hazelnuts are excellent options as well.

Fold them in once the batter is prepped, and then transfer to the baking pan to bake as directed.

Switch up the flavor of boxed brownies with just a few drops of an extract. Even just a teaspoon of vanilla extract can go a long way in enhancing the flavor of this treat.

You can also play around — adding peppermint extract will offer a chocolate-mint combo that's wonderful for the holiday season.

Coconut extract is another great pairing to try, maybe even paired with shredded coconut folded into the batter.

Most brownie mixes call for a few tablespoons of water on the back of the box. To enhance your brownies, swap that water out for strong brewed coffee. This can add a more complex depth of flavor.

For an even more pronounced coffee flavor, add a teaspoon of instant espresso powder to the dry ingredients as well.

Once the brownies are baked, the sky's the limit.

You could serve them as-is, or dress them up further. Consider adding frosting to the top, whether you want double-chocolate brownies with mint frosting or peanut-butter icing.

Chocolate ganache or salted-caramel sauce are excellent toppers, too.

To upgrade your brownies and curb their sweetness, try adding some of your other favorite snack foods to them.

Opt for salty mix-ins, like crushed pretzels or salted peanuts. You can also crumble up ridged potato chips or kettle chips and sprinkle them over the batter before baking.

Combine two beloved desserts in one with this trick.

Make the brownie batter according to the instructions on the box. Then, combine one block of softened cream cheese, 1/3 cup granulated sugar, one egg, and one teaspoon of vanilla extract. For best results, use a hand mixer or stand mixer.

Dollop the cream-cheese mixture over the brownie butter and use the back of a spoon or a butter knife to swirl the top. Bake the brownies as directed, and you'll end up with dreamy cheesecake brownies.

This sounds wildly simple, but it can make a huge difference. Just a touch of flaky sea salt will not make brownies look pretty and enhance their flavor tenfold.

Before the brownies go into the oven, sprinkle flaked sea salt on top. Then, bake as directed.

Adding one more egg than what your boxed mix calls for will make the batter slightly thicker, making it sturdy enough to withstand the heat of a waffle iron. 

Whether you decide to dress up your chocolaty waffles with whipped cream, fruit, or more chocolate, bookmark this easy recipe from the Food Network as a reference.

S'mores are delicious on their own, but they're even better when you add brownies in between layers of graham crackers and marshmallows.

According to a simple recipe on Delish, you don't even need a campfire to make this decadent snack. You just need a box of brownie mix (and the ingredients it calls for), chocolate bars, marshmallows, and graham crackers. 

Think outside the box with your brownie mix by turning it into the crust for a build-your-own dessert pizza. As for toppings, you can make your favorite cream-cheese or whipped-cream frosting and pile it high with fruit, candy, sprinkles, or nuts.

All you need for this crust recipe from Taste of Home is the prepared brownie-mix batter, some almonds, and almond extract.

Not in the mood to cut a dozen slices of cake at your next party? Serve this brownie brittle from Tablespoon instead.

All you need is the mix, an egg, some melted butter, and a large baking pan to spread the batter extra thin.

If you want to make it an adults-only treat, you can also add some cake-flavored vodka.

It's hard to decide between cookies and brownies, but with this recipe from food blogger Lindsay Ostrom, you won't have to.

Dollop some homemade or store-bought cookie dough on top of your prepared brownie batter mix before baking. 

This hack combines an entire box of brownie mix with marshmallows and rice cereal, plus, cooked brownies are folded in to give the dessert some extra decadence. 

The recipe from the food blog Cookies and Cups with Shelly Jaronsky is a little more involved than others on the list, but all you'll need in addition to the brownie mix is mini marshmallows, rice cereal, and butter.

You can either make your own brownie pieces with the rest of the mix or buy some store-bought brownies to fold through the treat.

Don't be afraid to experiment with flavor combinations with your boxed brownie mix.

The Andes brownies from the lifestyle blog Making Lemonade combine the chocolatey dessert with the refreshing taste of mint. 

To make them, all you'll need is a prepared box of brownie mix batter and a package of Andes chocolate mints. 

Delight both sweet and savory cravings by making use of that half-eaten bag of chips or pretzels in your cabinet. 

This recipe from Tablespoon can help you get started, but really the possibilities are endless if you're looking to clear out your pantry.

Dark stout beer has so much savory depth, which makes it the perfect addition to chocolaty brownies.

Elevate your mix's flavor profile by adding your favorite stout brew to the boxed brownies. 

According to a recipe on Tip Hero, in addition to the beer, you'll need some extra dark chocolate to round out the flavors. 

This easy boxed-mix hack from the food blog Chelsea's Messy Apron marries brownies, cookies, and ice cream to create a tasty cake.

Bake the brownies as instructed, layer them with ice cream and Oreos (or your favorite store-bought cookies), and top everything with whipped topping for an easy, delicious, ice-cream cake. 

This story was originally published in September 2018 and most recently updated on December 12, 2024. 

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