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    TaraTeaspoon » Desserts » Brownies + Bars » Brownies

    This page contains affiliate and sponsored links. See my full disclosure.

    Published: by

    Think Outside Of The Box Brownies

    Jump to Recipe Pin Recipe Jump to Comments
    Brownie Mix debate pin
    Think Outside of the box brownies pin
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    think outside the box brownies pin 2

    Want to know how to make box brownies better? These box brownie hacks make chocolate dreams possible! Try one (or more) of these out-of-this-world flavors to take your baking to the next level!

    Chocolate lovers, rejoice. I mean sing it out! These box brownie recipe hacks will knock your socks off and feed your chocolate fix like nothing else.

    The best part – you can make these in no time, with the fudgy, rich brownies from a mix.

    Sometimes I just want to grab a box mix from the pantry and make those nostalgic tasting brownies. And sometimes I want that easy fix with a kick!

    I came up with nine different ways to improve box brownies, and I'm completely prepared for mass amounts of thank you's and praise. Because these rock!

    Jump to:
    • How to Make Box Brownies Better
    • Tips for Baking with Boxed Brownies
    • More Easy Brownie Recipes:
    • Think Outside Of The Box Brownies

    Are you on the fence? Homemade brownies or boxed mix brownies? I get to the bottom (of the batter bowl) and talk about the debate, just click here.

    For the gourmet brownie variations in this post, I tested everything with a box mix. But you may try them with your favorite homemade brownie recipe if you'd like!

    From fresh fruit and toasty coconut, to s'mores and mint, I souped up the mix and made history...well, I mean brownies. It's easy, you can do it in a flash.

    Photo collage showing nine different brownie hacks

    How to Make Box Brownies Better

    Before using these brownie hacks, you'll first need to line your pan with foil and spray it with cooking spray.

    I find this helps with cleanup, but it also allows you to lift the cooled brownies out of the pan and cut them on a cutting board. That makes perfect squares, instead of squished mounds of deliciousness that you scoop out of a deep pan!

    Once you've prepped your baking dish and have whisked together the brownie mix according to the package instructions, you can add the following mix-ins and toppings:

    1. Raspberry Cheesecake Brownies — These are swirled with sweetened cream cheese and fresh berries.
    2. Caramel Pretzel Brownies — Feature a salty pretzels and that brown sugar butterscotch topping. I melted butterscotch chips and put the meltiness in a little bag. Snip the corner and squeeze lines and squiggles on top of the brownies.
    3. Tropical Coconut Brownies — Have sweet, tangy dried pineapple and toasted coconut in them.
    4. Peanut Butter Brownies — Topped with a thick layer of peanut butter frosting.
    5. Ginger Spice Brownies — Have the most incredible molasses icing.
    6. S'mores Brownies — Have sweet bits of graham cracker and toasted marshmallows on top.
    7. Grasshopper Brownies — Andes Mints transform plain boxed brownies into mint chocolate brownies!
    8. Coffee Cake Brownies — Who doesn't like coffee cake? That crumb topping makes brownies even better.
    9. Cookies and Cream Brownies — Made with that classic Oreo crunch.

    There you go, nine boxed brownie ideas using the same brownie base. These hacks truly make boxed brownies taste gourmet!

    Peanut butter brownies and smores brownies

    What's the Best Brownie Mix?

    For each batch, I used a box mix for a 9-by-13-inch pan (I love this professional one with straight sides!). Often the box brownie mix is labeled "family size."

    As for which brownie mix is best, Ghirardelli and Betty Crocker both make great box brownie mixes in my opinion. However, feel free to use whatever you have on hand or is your favorite.

    You'll find a review of boxed brownie mixes here, and a taste test of brownie mixes here.

    If you absolutely love homemade brownies, but want to make one of the flavor variations I've listed, of course you can make my chewy, ultimate homemade brownie recipe.

    Can Gluten-Free Brownie Mix Be Used?

    Yes! These unique brownie toppings and mix-ins would work well with gluten-free box brownies too.

    Even More Box Brownie Ideas

    If you're looking for even more ways to improve box brownies, you could try adding a spoonful of instant coffee or instant espresso to the batter to enhance the chocolate flavor even further.

    Or, add chocolate chips or chunks. Chopped nuts of any variety are also a good option!

    And don't forget that brownie frosting is another quick and easy way to transform boxed brownies!

    A photo collage showing nine gourmet brownie hacks using a box mix

    Tips for Baking with Boxed Brownies

    • Underbaked is better than overbaked. If you accidentally overbake your brownies, they'll be dry and cakey in texture rather than rich and fudgy.
    • Let the brownies cool completely. Unless specified in the recipe card below, you need to let the brownies cool completely before frosting or topping them. Plus, this gives the brownies time to firm up, which makes them easier to slice and serve.
    • Get creative! These are just nine of countless brownie hacks you can try. If you come up with more DIY recipes using box brownies, please let me know if the comments below!

    Tips for cutting brownies

    I share more details on my classic brownie recipe post, but here are some quick tips.

    • Let the pan of brownies cool completely. Lift brownies from pan using the foil or parchment. (this makes it easier to cut)
    • Run a sharp chef or slicing knife under warm tap water and pat it dry.
    • Press the warm knife into the brownies until it cuts all the way through.
    • Wipe the knife carefully with a damp paper towel and repeat this process.

    You can also use a plastic knife to cut brownies. Like the disposable kind you take on a picnic! It acts as a non-stick knife and cuts clean slices.

    More Easy Brownie Recipes:

    • The Ultimate Cookie-Stuffed Brownies
    • Peanut Butter Brownie Cake
    • Peppermint Cloud Marshmallow Brownies
    • Fudgy Squash Brownies (Hide Your Veggies)
    • Holiday Peppermint Brownies

    Let me know how it went!

    Scroll to the bottom of the page to rate ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ and comment on this recipe. Leaving comments helps other too!

    Think Outside of the box brownies in square

    Think Outside Of The Box Brownies

    Tara Teaspoon
    Want to know how to make box brownies better? These box brownie hacks make chocolate dreams possible! Try one (or more) of these out-of-this-world flavors to take your baking to the next level!
    4.39 from 31 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 10 mins
    Cook Time 30 mins
    Total Time 40 mins
    Course Dessert
    Cuisine American
    Servings 10

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 standard box brownie mix (plus ingredients called for on the box)
    • Desired mix-ins and toppings (see instructions below)

    Instructions
     

    RASPBERRY CHEESECAKE BROWNIES

    • Mix together 1 teaspoon almond extract, 4 oz softened cream cheese, 2 tablespoon softened butter, ¼ cup sugar, 1 egg and 2 tablespoon all-purpose flour. Stir ½ cup raspberries into cream cheese mixture.
    • Pour brownie batter in pan and dot with cream cheese mixture. Top with additional ½ cup raspberries. Get marble effect by drawing a knife through batter; bake until done.

    CARAMEL PRETZEL BROWNIES

    • Mix ½ cup broken pretzels and ½ cup chocolate chips into brownie batter. Pour into prepared pan and scatter surface with an additional 1 cup broken pretzels.
    • Bake until done; allow to cool completely.
    • Melt ½ cup butterscotch chips and transfer to a bag with a snipped corner. Drizzle over brownies.

    TROPICAL COCONUT BROWNIES

    • Mix ½ cup chopped macadamia nuts, ½ cup chopped dried pineapple and 1 teaspoon rum extract into brownie batter.
    • Pour batter into prepared pan and scatter surface evenly with 1 cup coconut flakes or shredded coconut. Bake until brownies are done and coconut is toasted.

    PEANUT BUTTER LAYER BROWNIES

    • Mix ½ cup chopped peanuts into brownie batter. Pour into prepared pan and bake until done; allow to cool completely.
    • Mix 1 cup peanut butter, 4 tablespoon melted unsalted butter, ¾ cup confectioners' sugar and ¼ teaspoon salt until smooth and spread over brownies. Sprinkle with ½ cup mini chocolate chips.

    GINGER SPICE BROWNIES

    • Mix ½ cup chopped crystallized ginger, 2 tablespoon molasses, 1 teaspoon cinnamon and ½ teaspoon ground ginger into brownie batter. Pour into prepared pan and bake until done; cool.
    • Mix together ¾ cup confectioners' sugar, ½ tablespoon molasses and 2 teaspoon water and spread over brownies. Allow glaze to set before cutting brownies.

    S'MORES BROWNIES

    • Mix 1 cup broken graham crackers and ½ cup chocolate chips into brownie batter. Pour into prepared pan and bake until done.
    • Top warm brownies with 3 cups mini marshmallows and broil until golden. When cool, cut into squares using a lightly greased knife.

    GRASSHOPPER BROWNIES

    • Mix ½ cup chopped Andes mints into brownie batter. Bake until done and allow to cool completely.
    • Melt ½ cup light green chocolate melts. Use a spoon to drizzle over surface of brownies.

    CRUMB COFFEE CAKE BROWNIES

    • Mix 1 tablespoon instant espresso powder and ½ cup chopped walnuts into brownie batter. Pour into prepared pan.
    • Blend together 1 stick softened butter, ½ cup sugar, 1¼ cups all-purpose flour and 1 teaspoon cinnamon; scatter crumb mixture over brownie batter. Bake until done.

    COOKIES AND CREAM BROWNIES

    • Mix ½ cup white chocolate chips and ½ cup broken Oreos into brownie batter. Pour into prepared pan and sprinkle surface evenly with an additional 1 cup crushed Oreos. Bake until done.

    Notes

    Use your favorite box mix brownies to create any one of these flavors.
    Want to watch videos to show you how to cook?Check out our Youtube and try this recipe and more.
    think outside the box brownies pin 2

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    About Tara Teaspoon

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    Recipe Tara Bench & Hilary Merzbacher. Photography Seth Smoot. Food Stylist Sara Neumeier. Prop Stylist Sarah Smart. Originally published in LHJ 11/12. Updated April 2022.

    « Baby Lamb Chops with Two Dipping Sauces
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    Filed Under: Brownies, Brownies + Bars, Chocolate, Desserts

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Nichole @TheSaltyMarshmallow says

      February 25, 2017 at 3:23 pm

      Oh my gosh, these are so FUN! 🙂

      Reply
      • Tara says

        March 14, 2017 at 11:28 pm

        Oh thank you thank you!

        Reply
    2. Tiffany Meiter says

      March 21, 2017 at 12:51 pm

      I need to make some of those tropical coconut. I loooove coconut!

      Reply
      • Tara says

        March 21, 2017 at 1:17 pm

        Oh they are super tasty!!

        Reply
    3. Vanessa says

      March 21, 2017 at 1:44 pm

      Oh my freaking word!!!! I'm gluten intolerant so I'll have to find a good gluten free brownie batter and give theses a try! I love baking and mixing things up. It's always so much for the kiddos too!

      Reply
      • Tara says

        March 24, 2017 at 11:05 pm

        Yes!!! Enjoy!

        Reply
    4. Leighann says

      March 21, 2017 at 2:41 pm

      These all look so delicious! I'm a fan of the just eating by myself idea, haha! I kind of need to hope my husband doesn't see any of these, or else I'm going to be very busy baking all of them at once!

      Reply
      • Tara says

        March 24, 2017 at 11:05 pm

        Haha! Good luck with that. And enjoy!

        Reply
    5. Marinka says

      March 21, 2017 at 2:58 pm

      Like where you're going with this out of the box thinking. It always a good thing to do something outside the 'norm'

      Reply
      • Tara says

        March 24, 2017 at 11:07 pm

        Thanks! It's a fun way to do it!

        Reply
    6. Jen says

      March 21, 2017 at 4:52 pm

      Seriously!! I love that you put this list together for (what seems like) me!! It's funny how we see things one way, even if we are a creative thinker. I'm pinning this cause it just makes sense! I want those grasshopper brownies now, I have a box at home calling out to me!

      Reply
      • Tara says

        March 24, 2017 at 11:10 pm

        Ohhh great minds think alike! You'll love the grasshopper brownies.

        Reply
    7. Kenya says

      March 21, 2017 at 6:45 pm

      I am a big cookies ???? brownies and cakes ???? fan!!!! I will definitely keep this in mind next time I make them!

      Reply
      • Tara says

        March 24, 2017 at 11:10 pm

        Ohhh you'll love them!

        Reply
    8. Krysten says

      March 21, 2017 at 8:27 pm

      Oh my gosh, these are great ideas! I need to make brownies, I was thinking that today after making chocolate muffins.

      Reply
      • Tara says

        March 24, 2017 at 11:12 pm

        Ha that's something I'd do!

        Reply
    9. Sarah | Digital Motherhood says

      March 23, 2017 at 4:29 am

      wow all of those look delicious, making my mouth water just looking at the photos!

      Reply
      • Tara says

        March 24, 2017 at 11:12 pm

        Ahh thanks! They're pretty tasty.

        Reply
    10. Brittany Smart says

      July 19, 2018 at 2:26 pm

      So simple to change things up all while using a box mix!

      Reply
    11. Eric says

      September 09, 2018 at 7:10 pm

      Tried the caramel pretzel brownies today. They were very good, but i was disappointed that the butterscotch broke to pieces when we cut the brownies. Any tips to avoid this? Did you mean to list caramel instead of butterscotch in the recipe (more true to the name)? Thanks!

      Reply
    12. Pam says

      October 31, 2018 at 12:13 pm

      Made the coffeecake brownies using 1/4 cup espresso instead of water in the mix with the Dark Chocolate Ghirardelli brownie mix. Very rich and delicious.

      Reply
    13. Candy says

      December 07, 2018 at 2:19 pm

      I'm interested in making the Smores brownies for Christmas goody boxes but I'm not sure how to store them. Refrigerator? Freezer? Will the marshmallow topping melt when they thaw?
      Anybody in the know?

      Reply
      • Tara says

        December 19, 2018 at 2:13 pm

        If this helps for the future, I store my baked brownies in an airtight container for a day or two. You can certainly freeze them, but the marshmallows may get a little sticky.

        Reply
    14. Mary Bench says

      May 07, 2019 at 10:42 am

      Where to start?! They all look divine!

      Reply
    15. Marianne says

      August 30, 2019 at 8:17 am

      I didn’t use this recipe but stole your idea of baking multiple different brownies. Turned out well! Also interesting discussion on box brownies. Have always wondered. Thank you.

      Reply
      • Tara says

        September 02, 2019 at 9:03 pm

        Hey that is great! I love inspiring creativity in any way!

        Reply
      • Tara says

        September 10, 2019 at 2:21 pm

        Marianne this is great! I love that you used these ideas as inspiration. Enjoy!

        Reply
    16. FHA’s Kuhn says

      April 04, 2020 at 11:49 am

      Is each recipe for only one square of the whole batch?

      Reply
      • Tara Teaspoon says

        April 10, 2020 at 5:02 pm

        Hi Morgan, Each recipe is for 1 batch of brownies. One batch of brownies (depending on your pan size and the size of your squares) will yield approximately 16 squares. I hope that helps! Tara

        Reply
    17. Krishma Patel says

      March 15, 2021 at 6:27 pm

      These look amazing! Defo going to give this a go 😀 just a question question did you make them all in 1 tray or did they all have separate trays?

      Reply
      • Tara Teaspoon says

        March 17, 2021 at 10:28 am

        Hi! I made each batch as a separate recipe. I did not mix flavors. So I'd suggest choosing one flavor at a time to try! You'll love them.

        Reply
    18. Peggy says

      April 25, 2021 at 7:40 pm

      Made crumb cake brownies but no matter how long I baked them the brownies were gooey and raw. Had to throw away. So disappointed.

      Reply

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