Better Than Box Mix Brownie
Fudgy, rich, and irresistibly chocolatey, these Better Than Box Mix Brownies come together in just 10 minutes with pantry staples — no box required. Moist, gooey, and packed with real chocolate flavor, they're the perfect homemade treat for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup 1 stick unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 3/4 cup chocolate chips or chunks
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line an 8x8-inch square baking dish with parchment paper, leaving a bit of overhang on the sides to make it easier to lift the brownies out later.
- Mix the wet ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, vegetable oil, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Use a wooden spoon or whisk to stir until the mixture is smooth and glossy.
- Add the eggs and vanilla: Crack in the eggs and pour in the vanilla extract. Beat the mixture for about 1 minute until it turns creamy and lightens slightly in color — this step helps create that perfect fudgy texture.
- Incorporate the dry ingredients: Sift in the flour, unsweetened cocoa powder, baking powder, and salt. Gently fold everything together using a spatula or wooden spoon. Be careful not to overmix — stop as soon as no dry flour remains. Overmixing can lead to cakier brownies.
- Add chocolate chips: Fold in about 2/3 of the chocolate chips or chunks. These will melt slightly into the batter and make the brownies even richer.
- Transfer to the pan: Pour the batter into your prepared baking dish and spread it evenly with a spatula. Sprinkle the remaining chocolate chips on top for that irresistible gooey finish.
- Bake the brownies: Place the dish in the center of the oven and bake for 28–32 minutes. Check doneness by inserting a toothpick in the center — it should come out with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter). Every oven is a little different, so start checking at the 28-minute mark.
- Cool before slicing: Once baked, let the brownies cool in the pan for about 20 minutes. Then transfer them (using the parchment paper) to a wire rack to cool completely. For the cleanest slices, chill the brownies for 30 minutes before cutting.
Notes
Pros
- Deep, rich chocolate flavor
- Gooey, fudgy texture with a crackly top
- Quick and easy to make
- Uses simple pantry staples
- Easily customizable with mix-ins or toppings
- No mixer required
Cons
- Not suitable for those avoiding dairy
- Needs cooling time before slicing
- Slightly underbaked center may not appeal to everyone