Brownies are a beloved baked good that can be customized in many ways. While the classic chocolate brownie made from cocoa powder, eggs, oil, flour, and sugar is delicious on its own, home bakers often seek to enhance this treat by adding various mix-ins. When considering what to add to brownies, the possibilities are endless! From fruits and nuts to candy, cookies, and more, brownies provide the perfect canvas for getting creative in the kitchen. Keep reading to explore some of the many delicious add-ins that can take your brownies to the next level.
Nuts
Nuts are one of the most popular and easiest ways to add new flavors and textures to brownies. Toasted nuts like walnuts, pecans, almonds, hazelnuts, and pistachios can all be stirred into brownie batter before baking. The nuts add delightful crunch as well as complementary flavors that enhance the rich chocolate taste of brownies. Here are some recommended brownie recipes that incorporate nuts:
Walnut brownies
Chopped walnuts add a slightly bitter, earthy flavor that balances the sweetness of brownies. They also provide crunch. Try adding 1 cup of coarsely chopped walnuts to brownie batter.
Pecan brownies
Pecans have a delicate, buttery taste that pairs beautifully with chocolate. Add 3/4 cup of chopped pecans to brownies for irresistible clusters of pecan flavor.
Hazelnut brownies
For a decadent twist, use hazelnuts, which have a sweet, rich flavor reminiscent of chocolate’s soulmate – Nutella. Stir in 1/2 cup chopped hazelnuts.
Fruits
Fruits can also be incorporated into brownies in various forms. Berries, citrus fruits, bananas, dried fruits, and more can all be used. The key is to consider moisture content – fruits with high water content may make brownies mushy. Here are some fruit add-ins worth trying:
Berries
Fresh raspberries, blackberries or blueberries add pops of color, sweet-tart flavor, and texture contrast. Fold 1 cup berries into batter.
Bananas
Mashed ripe bananas lend moisture and flavor akin to banana bread. Use 1 mashed banana per batch.
Dried fruit
Dried fruits like cherries, cranberries, apricots and apples hold their shape during baking. Sprinkle 1/2 cup into batter.
Citrus zest
For bright flavor, add 2 tsp freshly grated orange, lemon or lime zest.
Chocolate Chips & Candy
What could be better than adding even more chocolate to chocolate brownies? Mix-ins like chocolate chips, chocolate chunks, and other candy make brownies extra indulgent. Here are sweet ideas:
Chocolate chips
No brainer! Fold in 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips for pockets of melted chocolate.
M&Ms
Kids and adults alike will love the festive look and taste of 1/2 cup M&Ms swirled into brownie batter.
Chopped chocolate bar
Chop your favorite chocolate bar into chunks to customize, like Snickers or peanut butter cups.
Sprinkles
Rainbow or chocolate sprinkles on top add decorative flair and texture.
Cookies & Cookie Butter
Crunchy cookies and creamy cookie butter are natural mix-ins for brownies. The familiar flavors complement chocolate wonderfully. Try:
Chopped cookies
Stir 1 cup crushed cookies like Oreos, chocolate wafers or biscotti into batter.
Cookie butter swirl
Swirl 2-4 tablespoons cookie butter into finished batter for stripes of flavor.
Topping cookies
Decorate baked brownies with mini cookies like chocolate chips or mini M&Ms.
Creative Mix-Ins
Beyond nuts, fruits and candy, it’s amazing what can be added to brownies successfully. Get inspired by these wildcards:
Mashed avocado
For fudgy, ultra-moist brownies, swap 1/4 cup oil for mashed avocado.
Espresso powder
1-2 teaspoons instant espresso amps up chocolate flavor.
Extracts
Pure vanilla, almond or mint extract (1 tsp) layers on new dimensions.
Spices
A dash of cinnamon, cardamom or cayenne alters flavor subtly.
Honey or maple syrup
For shine, unique flavor and moisture, replace some sugar.
Marshmallows
Mini marshmallows baked into brownies become an ooey-gooey delight.
| Mix-In | Amount |
|---|---|
| Walnuts | 1 cup chopped |
| Pecans | 3/4 cup chopped |
| Hazelnuts | 1/2 cup chopped |
| Berries | 1 cup |
| Banana | 1 mashed |
| Dried fruit | 1/2 cup |
| Citrus zest | 2 tsp grated |
| Chocolate chips | 1 cup |
| M&Ms | 1/2 cup |
| Chopped chocolate bar | 1/2 cup chunks |
| Sprinkles | 1/4 cup |
| Crushed cookies | 1 cup |
| Cookie butter | 2-4 Tbsp |
| Mini cookies | 1/4 cup |
| Mashed avocado | 1/4 cup |
| Espresso powder | 1-2 tsp |
| Extracts | 1 tsp |
| Spices | Dash |
| Honey or maple syrup | Sub some sugar |
| Marshmallows | 1/4-1/2 cup |
Get Creative with Add-Ins!
As you can see, brownies are an extremely versatile dessert that handle all kinds of mix-ins. Let your imagination run wild and don’t be afraid to combine flavors – brownies are very forgiving! Try butterscotch chips with pecans, dried cherries with white chocolate, or go savory with bacon and cheddar. Top with festive decorations before serving, like crushed candy canes or crumbled cookies. Homemade brownies with personalized add-ins make for a fun baking project and delicious homemade gift. With endless options for enhancement, brownies are a blank canvas for creativity.
Advice for Mixing in Add-Ins
While you can take brownies in countless directions with mix-ins, here are some tips for successfully incorporating add-ins:
- Don’t overmix – this can make brownies dense and tough. Gently fold in delicate add-ins.
- Toast nuts first to intensify flavor.
- Cut larger add-ins into bite size pieces so they distribute evenly.
- Layer chunky add-ins in the middle of the batter for even baking.
- Adjust baking time as needed for extra moist ingredients.
- Let baked brownies cool completely before adding sprinkles or other delicate toppings.
- Have fun and think outside the box!
Frequently Asked Questions
What ingredients work best in brownies?
Nuts, chocolate chips, dried fruit and berries are some of the most popular brownie mix-ins. Their flavors complement chocolate brownies well. Cookies and candy also mix in nicely for extra texture and sweetness.
How much should I add?
A good rule of thumb is 1/2 to 1 cup total of mix-in additives per batch of brownies. Too many can make them crowded or alter the texture. Start with less and go up from there based on your preference.
Should I mix in add-ins by hand or use a mixer?
Gently folding add-ins in by hand works best to keep air in the batter. Over-mixing with electric mixers can make brownies dense.
Where’s the best place to put mix-ins?
You can stir small mix-ins directly into the batter. For larger add-ins like whole berries or candy, dollop spoonfuls of batter on top of add-ins in the pan so they don’t sink.
Do brownie add-ins affect baking time?
Moist add-ins like fruit may lengthen baking time slightly. Nuts and chocolate have minimal effect. Adjust oven time up if needed for moist or underdone centers.
Conclusion
Brownies are a blank slate for creativity, easily enhanced by mix-ins like nuts, fruits, chocolate, candy and more. Let your imagination run wild to create personalized brownie flavor combinations. Just keep add-ins to about 1 cup total per batch, fold in gently by hand, and adjust baking times if needed. With endless opportunities for innovation, brownies are one of the most adaptable desserts for inventive home bakers.