Brownie Mix Hacks: 13 Easy Ways to Turn One Cheap Box Into Holiday Desserts Nobody Guesses Came From a Box

Brownie mix hacks are the easiest way to bake like a pro this holiday season, and almost every pantry in America already has the box. A few cheap add-ins, like melted butter instead of oil, an extra egg yolk or a spoon of coffee, can make a plain mix taste like it came from a bakery. These little tricks are all over social media this fall, and the comments are full of people saying nobody at the party guessed. Below are 13 easy ideas, from waffles and turtle brownies to a Thanksgiving brownie pie and a mug brownie for one. Each comes with a simple recipe, so you can turn one box into a dessert your family will ask for again and again. Which one will you try first..

Brownie Mix Hacks Start With the Bakery Upgrade

This is the master trick behind most brownie mix hacks, and it works on any brand. Swap the oil for the same amount of melted butter, add one extra egg yolk, and stir in a teaspoon of instant espresso powder and a splash of vanilla. The butter adds rich flavor, the yolk makes the center dense and fudgy, and the coffee makes the chocolate taste deeper without tasting like coffee. In one popular video of brownie mix hacks, this kind of simple swap is what people try first. Pull the pan out a few minutes early, while the middle still looks a little soft, and let it cool all the way before cutting..

You will need: 1 family size box brownie mix (18 to 20 oz), eggs as the box says plus 1 extra egg yolk, melted butter in place of the oil (same amount), water or cold milk as the box says, 1 tsp instant espresso powder, 1 tsp vanilla, 1/2 cup chocolate chips, a pinch of flaky salt.

How to make it: 1. Heat the oven as the box says and line a 9×13 pan with parchment. 2. Whisk the eggs, extra yolk, melted butter, liquid, espresso powder and vanilla. 3. Stir in the mix just until no dry streaks remain, then fold in the chips. 4. Spread in the pan and sprinkle with flaky salt. 5. Bake 3 to 5 minutes less than the shortest box time. 6. Cool completely, then lift out and cut with a hot knife.

Brownie Waffles for a Christmas Morning Treat

Your waffle iron is one of the most fun brownie mix hacks you can try. The batter cooks in about four minutes into crisp edged, soft centered chocolate waffles that kids go wild for. Use a little less liquid than the box says so the batter is thick, and grease the iron well every time. The waffles feel floppy right off the iron but firm up as they cool for a minute. Top them with strawberries, kiwi and a drizzle of chocolate, or keep it simple with whipped cream for a Christmas morning surprise.

You will need: 1 box brownie mix, 2 eggs, 1/2 cup melted butter, 1/4 cup milk, cooking spray, strawberries, kiwi, whipped cream or chocolate sauce for topping.

How to make it: 1. Heat the waffle iron to medium. 2. Whisk the eggs, butter and milk, then stir in the brownie mix. 3. Spray the iron and add about 1/3 cup batter per waffle. 4. Cook 3 to 4 minutes, until the steam slows. 5. Lift out gently and cool on a rack for 1 minute. 6. Cut into wedges and top with fruit and a chocolate drizzle.

Turtle Brownies: Brownie Mix Hacks for Pecan Pie Lovers

Turtle brownies look like they came from a fancy bakery, but they start with the same box. A layer of soft caramel and toasted pecans goes on top of warm brownies, then a little melted chocolate ties it all together. Toast the pecans for five minutes first, because it makes them taste twice as nutty. Chill the pan for 30 minutes before cutting so the caramel sets in a neat layer. These are a smart pick for a Thanksgiving dessert table because they travel well and taste like pecan pie and brownies in one bite.

You will need: 1 box brownie mix plus the eggs, oil and water it needs, 1 cup caramel bits or 25 soft caramels, 3 tbsp heavy cream, 1 cup pecan halves toasted, 1/2 cup chocolate chips, flaky salt.

How to make it: 1. Bake the brownies in a 9×13 pan as the box says. 2. Melt the caramels with the cream in the microwave in 30 second bursts, stirring each time. 3. Pour the caramel over the warm brownies and spread it out. 4. Scatter the pecans on top. 5. Melt the chips and drizzle them over. 6. Sprinkle with salt, chill 30 minutes and cut.

Pumpkin Swirl Brownies: Brownie Mix Hacks for Thanksgiving

If your family can never pick between pumpkin pie and chocolate, this is one of the best brownie mix hacks for the holiday table. A spiced pumpkin batter gets dropped on top of the brownie batter and swirled with a knife, so every square has orange ribbons running through it. Do not over swirl, about six or seven passes with a butter knife is enough for a pretty marble look. Would you serve these with whipped cream or just as they are? Either way, they disappear fast.

You will need: 1 box brownie mix plus the eggs, oil and water it needs, 3/4 cup canned pumpkin puree, 1 egg yolk, 1/4 cup sugar, 2 tbsp flour, 1 tsp pumpkin pie spice, a pinch of salt.

How to make it: 1. Heat the oven as the box says and grease a 9×13 pan. 2. Make the brownie batter and spread it in the pan. 3. Whisk the pumpkin, yolk, sugar, flour, spice and salt until smooth. 4. Drop spoonfuls of pumpkin over the batter. 5. Drag a knife through in a zigzag to swirl. 6. Bake 5 minutes longer than the box says, cool and cut.

Brownie Pie in a Store-Bought Crust

Need a pie for Thanksgiving with no stress? Pour brownie batter into a pie crust and bake. The crust turns flaky and golden while the filling bakes up thick, fudgy and almost like a chocolate chess pie. Cover the edge of the crust with foil after 20 minutes so it does not get too dark. Let it cool for at least two hours so it slices cleanly. Serve each slice with whipped cream and chocolate shavings, and it will sit right next to the pumpkin pie like it belongs there.

You will need: 1 deep dish 9 inch unbaked pie crust, 1 box brownie mix, 2 eggs, 1/2 cup melted butter, 1/4 cup water, 1/2 cup chopped pecans or chocolate chips, whipped cream and chocolate shavings to serve.

How to make it: 1. Heat the oven to 350 F and set the crust on a baking sheet. 2. Mix the brownie mix, eggs, butter and water until smooth, then fold in the pecans or chips. 3. Pour into the crust. 4. Bake 20 minutes, cover the edge with foil, then bake 25 to 30 minutes more until the center is set. 5. Cool 2 hours. 6. Slice and top with whipped cream and shavings.

Raspberry Almond Brownies

Fresh raspberries are one of the prettiest brownie mix hacks, and they make a box of brownies taste bright and grown up. Press the berries and sliced almonds into the top of the batter before baking so they stay pretty and do not sink. A little almond extract in the batter makes the whole pan smell like a bakery. Pat the berries very dry first, because extra water makes soggy spots. These look lovely on a holiday dessert board, and they are a nice change from all the peppermint and caramel this time of year.

You will need: 1 box brownie mix plus the eggs, oil and water it needs, 1/2 tsp almond extract, 1 cup fresh raspberries patted dry, 1/3 cup sliced almonds, 2 tbsp coconut flakes (optional).

How to make it: 1. Heat the oven as the box says and line a 9×13 pan. 2. Make the batter and stir in the almond extract. 3. Spread it in the pan. 4. Press the raspberries gently into the top, then scatter the almonds and coconut. 5. Bake as the box says, adding 3 to 5 minutes if the center is still wet. 6. Cool completely before cutting.

Frosted Brownies With Whipped Vanilla Buttercream

Frosting turns plain box brownies into something that looks like a party tray. A quick whipped vanilla buttercream piped on top with a star tip makes each square look like a little cake. Beat the butter for a full three minutes before adding the sugar, it gets light and fluffy and pipes much better. Add chocolate sprinkles on top, or red and green ones for Christmas. Quick poll: are you team (A) chocolate frosting, (B) vanilla frosting or (C) no frosting at all? Tell us in the comments.

You will need: 1 box brownie mix plus the eggs, oil and water it needs, 1/2 cup soft butter, 2 cups powdered sugar, 2 tbsp heavy cream, 1 tsp vanilla, a pinch of salt, chocolate sprinkles.

How to make it: 1. Bake the brownies in a 9×13 pan and cool completely. 2. Beat the butter for 3 minutes until pale. 3. Add the powdered sugar a little at a time, then the cream, vanilla and salt. 4. Beat 2 minutes more until fluffy. 5. Cut the brownies into squares and pipe a swirl on each with a star tip. 6. Finish with sprinkles.

Mocha Brownies: Brownie Mix Hacks for Coffee Lovers

This is one of the simplest brownie mix hacks there is: replace the water with cold strong coffee. The coffee does not make the brownies taste like breakfast, it just makes the chocolate taste richer and darker. For a true mocha, add a quick coffee glaze on top. Serve them on a cold afternoon with a cappuccino and you have a coffee shop treat at home for a few dollars. Do you like your brownies with coffee, a glass of cold milk or a scoop of ice cream?

You will need: 1 box brownie mix, eggs and oil as the box says, cold strong brewed coffee in place of the water, 1 tsp instant espresso powder. Glaze: 1 cup powdered sugar, 2 tbsp cold coffee, 1 tbsp melted butter.

How to make it: 1. Heat the oven as the box says and grease an 8×8 or 9×13 pan as directed. 2. Make the batter with coffee instead of water and add the espresso powder. 3. Bake as the box says and cool. 4. Whisk the glaze until smooth and pourable. 5. Spread over the brownies and let it set for 20 minutes. 6. Cut and serve with coffee.

Muffin Tin Brownie Cups With Toasted Pecans

A mini muffin pan turns one box into about three dozen two-bite brownie cups, perfect for cookie trays, bake sales and office parties. Every piece gets chewy edges, and nobody fights over the corner pieces. Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top before baking so they toast in the oven. Let them cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then twist each one out. If you love easy shortcut baking, our cake mix desserts use the same idea with a box of cake mix.

You will need: 1 box brownie mix plus the eggs, oil and water it needs, 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans, cooking spray.

How to make it: 1. Heat the oven to 350 F and spray a mini muffin pan well. 2. Make the batter. 3. Fill each cup about 2/3 full, about 1 tbsp of batter. 4. Sprinkle with the nuts. 5. Bake 12 to 15 minutes, until a toothpick comes out with moist crumbs. 6. Cool 10 minutes in the pan, then lift out and cool on a rack.

Peanut Butter Brownie Bars

Brownies, a creamy peanut butter layer and a chocolate top with crunchy peanuts make these bars taste like a candy store treat. The peanut butter layer is no bake, just stir it together and spread it on the cooled brownies. Chill the pan for at least one hour so the layers cut cleanly. Wipe your knife between cuts for neat edges that look great on a holiday tray. Just remember to label them at parties, since peanuts are a common allergy.

You will need: 1 box brownie mix plus the eggs, oil and water it needs, 1 cup creamy peanut butter, 1 cup powdered sugar, 3 tbsp soft butter, 1 1/2 cups chocolate chips, 1/4 cup chopped roasted peanuts.

How to make it: 1. Bake the brownies in a 9×13 pan and cool completely. 2. Mix 3/4 cup peanut butter with the powdered sugar and butter until smooth. 3. Spread over the brownies. 4. Melt the chocolate chips with the last 1/4 cup peanut butter. 5. Pour over the top and sprinkle with peanuts. 6. Chill 1 hour, then cut into bars.

Brownie Ice Cream Sandwiches to Make Ahead

Bake the batter thin in a big sheet pan and you get two perfect layers for ice cream sandwiches. Make them on the weekend, wrap each one and keep them in the freezer for after school treats or a holiday party. Let the ice cream soften on the counter for about ten minutes so it spreads easily. Roll the edges in sprinkles for a festive look. This is one of those brownie mix hacks that feels like a summer treat, but kids will gladly eat them all winter.

You will need: 1 box brownie mix plus the eggs, oil and water it needs, 1 1/2 quarts vanilla ice cream softened, sprinkles or mini chocolate chips for the edges, parchment paper.

How to make it: 1. Heat the oven to 350 F and line a 10×15 inch pan with parchment. 2. Spread the batter thin and bake 15 to 18 minutes. 3. Cool, then freeze 30 minutes. 4. Cut the slab in half and spread the ice cream on one half. 5. Top with the other half, press gently and freeze 4 hours. 6. Cut into squares, roll the edges in sprinkles and wrap.

Warm Brownie a la Mode With Quick Caramel

Sometimes the best dessert is the simplest one. Warm a brownie for 15 seconds in the microwave, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream and pour on a homemade caramel sauce that takes five minutes. It tastes like a restaurant dessert for a fraction of the price. Make the caramel ahead and keep it in a jar in the fridge for up to two weeks. Which topping wins at your house: (A) caramel, (B) hot fudge or (C) fresh berries?

You will need: 1 pan baked box brownies, vanilla ice cream, whipped cream. Caramel: 1/2 cup brown sugar, 1/4 cup butter, 1/4 cup heavy cream, 1/2 tsp vanilla, a pinch of salt.

How to make it: 1. Melt the butter and brown sugar in a small pot over medium heat, stirring. 2. Add the cream and simmer 3 minutes. 3. Take off the heat and stir in the vanilla and salt. 4. Warm each brownie for 15 seconds. 5. Top with ice cream and a spoon of whipped cream. 6. Pour the warm caramel over and serve right away.

Mug Brownie: Brownie Mix Hacks for a Dessert for One

Last, the late night trick every brownie lover needs. A few spoons of brownie mix, a little oil and water and one minute in the microwave make a warm brownie for one. Keep the leftover mix in a sealed jar in the pantry and you are always one minute away from dessert. Microwaves are different, so start with 45 seconds and add 10 seconds at a time. Thank you for baking along. Which of these 13 brownie mix hacks will you make for the holidays?

You will need: 4 tbsp brownie mix, 1 tbsp oil or melted butter, 1 1/2 tbsp water or milk, a few chocolate chips, a scoop of vanilla ice cream (optional).

How to make it: 1. Stir the mix, oil and water together in a large microwave safe mug until smooth. 2. Drop a few chocolate chips on top. 3. Microwave 45 to 60 seconds, until the top looks set but the center is still soft. 4. Let it stand 1 minute, since it will be very hot. 5. Top with ice cream and eat with a spoon.