What can I add to a boxed brownie mix to make it more 'bakeshop' in taste/look?

[LovesTimone]

I make these things we call CBR's - you will need 2 package of refrig. cookie dough, the little square ones, a bag of Reese peanut butter cups and 1 box of brownies mix - I like the milk chocolate or the triple chocolate. In a muffin pan ( spray the cup really good, I use the one for baking) put in 1 1/2 of the squares of the cookie dough and flatten out, do not push up on the sides. Drop in a Reese cup. make the brownie mix as directed, pour over the cookie and Reese's, bake on 350 till firm - around 10 to 15 minutes, they might go a little longer if you are cooking 2 pans at a time, If so half way thru move the pans from side to side. For decorations, I just use powdered sugar, and a snow flake doilies as a template.

These are super good, very rich but yummy

 

[Earstou]

I love putting 1/2 the batter in the pan, then a layer of either peppermint patties or peanut butter cups (smoosh them nice and flat first) and then top with the remaining batter. Always been a huge hit with everyone.

I do the same thing and people love them. I like using the flavored mints sometimes, orange and especially raspberry!
I've been making these for many years and I've had problems with them the last few years, they come out too moist, and I think it's because the box mixes have gotten smaller. So I either need to use two boxes now, or only use 1/2 box of mints. DH loves these, his favorite brownie!

 

[disneychrista]

Use butter instead of oil, add an extra egg, add vanilla, and like others mentioned chocolate chips and peanut butter

Only add an extra egg if you want cake like brownies.

 

[disneychrista]

My go to (not that it will make it more bakery style) is to add reeses pieces.

 

[momof2gr8kids]

Crushed skor bar on the top is awesome!

 

[ADisneyQueen]

Rocky Road Brownies- after taking out of oven add mini marshmallows, mini choc. chips and chopped walnuts. Put back in oven for 2-3 minutes or until melted.

 

[FINFAN]

Make the boxed mix, but just before it's done, put some peppermint patties on top. When the peppermint patties get all melty, spread like frosting (I find the small peppermint patties work best). I don't like brownies myself, but I've gotten TONS of compliments on these over the years!!!

I do this with milk chocolate baking chips..just enough for a super think layer of icing. I also agree with ghiradelli brownies, and I find they stay soft days after baking (if they last that long, lol) I like the ones with the fudge packet in the box.

 

[My3Princez]

The Ghiradelli brownie box with the fudge packet has a recipie on the back for Orange Torte. Super simple, it's just adding orange zest to the mix. Sometimes, to make it even easier, I've done it using Orange Extract instead of zest. Top each brownie with a slice of Mandarin Orange or a little curly-q of orange zest. They are gorgeous and the flavor is fantastic. I have actually been invited to several parties BECAUSE of these brownies. (It's a little humbling to be invited based on boxed food and not YOU, lol.)

 

[mjkacmom]

I always make brownies in big batches. I line the pan with non stick foil, freeze after cooked, and then cut them - nice clean edges.

 

[tobikaye]

If it is not too late that you have made them, I find presentation helps more than actually changing a recipe. Using mini muffin pans can make them look like they came from a specialty bakery. I also have seen making this in a sandwich maker or waffle iron for a different look. I actually plan to try to make some in a sandwich maker after Christmas to bring into the office for the short week before New Year's Day.

Now, if I want to change a basic recipe, I actually check out the websites for the different name brands, Betty Crocker or Duncan Hines, for ideas of how I can use the mix in a different way, even if it is not from one of those brands.. Pinterest is also good for actual instructions for these.

 

[gardengalB4]

I use a scone pan ...1 boxed mix fits completely in my pan that yields 16 triangles.

 

[Bree]

Brownies are one of the simplest things ever to bake from scratch. You will never go back to a boxed mix again LOL!!!

http://allrecipes.com/recipe/10549/...erringId=1562&referringContentType=recipe hub

 

[Katy Belle]

I've done a couple of things over the years....
1. Bake a box mix, cool completely. Spread a layer of peanut butter over the top, then spread a can of chocolate frosting on top of that. So good. Messy, so I usually serve them in a cupcake paper, and I sometimes put a pecan on each brownie.
2. Bake a box mix, as soon as it's done, top each brownie with one of those square, flat Ghiradelli mints. Push them in a little. They will melt, don't touch them!! Stick the pan in the fridge and they will harden up.
3. Bake a box mix, when it's done, sprinkle mini chips all over the top. Easy!

 

[crisi]

This is an old easy Pillsbury Bake Off Recipe - if you like cherries and chocolate. Its a cake mix instead of a brownie mix

http://www.pillsbury.com/recipes/chocolate-cherry-bars/15d6f3ce-21b3-43fb-8cb0-b33fb4177d3e

 

[Legendteri]

I've made Pioneer Woman's Knock you Naked Brownies recipe and I always gets lots of compliments on them. I am not normally a Brownie person, but these are wonderful
http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/knock-you-naked-brownies/

 

[North of Mouse]

I always use BC or DH brownie mix, mix in 1/2 C. chopped nuts, 1/2 C. choc. chips, then swirl caramel on top before baking, also sprinkle finely crushed nuts on top, then bake. Do 'not' add extra egg - makes them more cake like. Also, do not over bake - use toothpick to test for doneness.

I am always asked for my recipe as it's 'the best brownies I've ever eaten'!! LOL
This happens every time I serve them.

 

[halfpintpeggy]

Substitute unsweetened apple sauce for the oil. I would definitely add an extra egg & substitute milk for the water...instant homemade look & taste.

 

[FourBees]

I make these things we call CBR's - you will need 2 package of refrig. cookie dough, the little square ones, a bag of Reese peanut butter cups and 1 box of brownies mix - I like the milk chocolate or the triple chocolate. In a muffin pan ( spray the cup really good, I use the one for baking) put in 1 1/2 of the squares of the cookie dough and flatten out, do not push up on the sides. Drop in a Reese cup. make the brownie mix as directed, pour over the cookie and Reese's, bake on 350 till firm - around 10 to 15 minutes, they might go a little longer if you are cooking 2 pans at a time, If so half way thru move the pans from side to side. For decorations, I just use powdered sugar, and a snow flake doilies as a template.

These are super good, very rich but yummy

Do you make the regular brownies or cake like recipe for these?

 

[Weluvdisny]

I add homemade peanut butter frosting and break up some peanut butter cups on top of that.

 

[andiraye]

Honestly, I think Duncan Heinz fudge brownies are the best I've ever eaten. I make the "fudgy" brownie recipe. My MIL, who always uses an old family recipe, said my brownies were "as good as hers" and just about fell over when I told her my "recipe." And no, I am not a Duncan Heinz spokesperson!