Decadent Fudge Brownies: How to Elevate Your Box Mix

Want to elevate your box mix? With just a few simple steps see how you can transform them into Decadent Fudge Brownies!

Do you love brownies but don’t have the time or energy to make them from scratch? Box mix brownies are a great option for a quick and easy dessert. However, with a few simple tips and tricks, you can elevate that box mix and create decadent, fudgy brownies that taste like you made them from scratch. After making these Decadent Fudge Brownies you may never look at a box mix the same way again!

How this recipe came about

A friend of mine from work used to be a chef and we were discussing recipes the other day. He gave me a few pointers on how to take that box mix up a notch. He told me to add a bunch of “stuff” to two box mixes. By “stuff” he meant anything you’d want to put in a brownie. Coconut, nuts, chocolate chips, M&Ms, etc., whatever you like. He said put half the brownie mix on the bottom, make a simple homemade fudge and spread it over the first layer, Finally, top if off with the next layer of brownie mix. Bake, cool and you are going to have one seriously delicious brownie!

So my daughter Emma (who LOVES chocolate) and I tried this recipe the other day. We added our “stuff” of choice, coconut and semi-sweet chocolate chips to the mix and baked up a batch. However, I was unsure on just how long to bake the brownies so around the 50 minute mark I tested them. The toothpick came out mostly clean (a little chocolate on the end), so I took them out, let them cool and anxiously awaited a taste. The only way to describe them is that they were molten-like, oozing with fudge and goodness. Just the way we like them! However, if you want them a little more cooked with less oozy fudge, just bake them for an additional 15 minutes. Give them a try and let us know what you think.

The Key Ingredients for Decadent Fudge Brownies

When it comes to making brownies from a box mix, the key is to add a few extra ingredients to make them richer and more decadent. Start with your preferred by mix flavor, whether its dark chocolate, milk chocolate, chewy fudge, etc. We used Betty Crocker Fudge Brownie Mix for the following recipe. After you have chosen your favorite mix add the following ingredients to your mixture:

• 2 boxes brownie mix (Betty Crocker Fudge Brownie Mix)
• 4 eggs
• 1 cup canola oil (Mazola) or vegetable oil
• 6 tbsp water 
• 1.5 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1.5 cups sweetened shredded coconut
• 1 can sweetened condensed milk (14 oz can)
• 8 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips
• baking spray with flour

Instructions

• Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
• Spray a 9×13 inch pan with baking spray with flour. Set aside.
• In a large mixing bowl, add brownie mix, eggs, oil, water. Mix until smooth and all the ingredients are well combined. 
• Stir in chocolate chips and coconut.
• Spread 1/2 the mixture over the bottom of the pan.
• In a small saucepan, add sweetened condensed milk and chocolate chips. Over medium heat, stir until chocolate has melted. Spread over bottom layer of brownie mix.
• Add the rest of the brownie mix over the fudge layer. 
• Bake for 50-60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out almost clean. For less oozy brownies, bake for an additional 15 minutes. See above post for more explanation. 
• Cool in the pan for about 15-20 minutes.
• To cut warm brownies, use a plastic knife for best results. Cut using a small sawing motion.
• Serve warm, with our without vanilla ice cream.
• Enjoy!
• Store leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-5 days, or place in the refrigerator for up to one week. These brownies also freeze well. Wrap brownies individually with plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag for up to three months.

Tips and Tricks for the Best Decadent Fudge Brownies

The key to perfect fudge brownies is baking them just right. Here are a few tips to ensure that your brownies turn out perfectly!

• Choose the right pan. We recommend using a 9×13 inch metal pan.
• Use baking spray with flour to prevent sticking.
• Bake the brownies until a toothpick inserted into the center comes our mostly clean. Don’t overbake! We like them molten-like, oozing with fudgy, chocolate goodness!
• Let the brownies cool for at least 15-20 minutes before cutting into them. This will help hold them together and prevent them from falling apart.
• To cut warm brownies, use a plastic fork for best results. Cut using a small sawing motion.

Best ways to serve!

• Serve these brownies warm with a scoop of your favorite vanilla ice cream. Top with whip cream, berries or chocolate sauce for the most extravagant presentation!
• Cut brownies into small squares and serve them as a sweet treat for a party or gathering.
• Add some brownie crumbles to your favorite milkshake!
• Cut up some brownies and make a brownie berry trifle.

Storing Options

• Store leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-5 days, or place in the refrigerator for up to one week. These brownies also freeze well. Wrap brownies individually with plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag for up to three months.

For other decadent chocolate treats try:

Chocolate Skillet Brownie

Chocolate Chess Pie

Classic Chocolate Cupcakes

Chocolate Ganache Raspberry Tart

Chocolate Fudge Brownies (from scratch)

Double Chocolate Fudge Pie

Buttercream Filled Chocolate Cupcakes