Quick Answer
To make Betty Crocker brownie mix, the main ingredients you need to add are oil, water, and eggs. The specific ingredients and amounts will depend on the variety of Betty Crocker mix you are using. Most mixes will require vegetable oil, water, and eggs. Some may also suggest adding extras like nuts or chocolate chips. Be sure to check the instructions on your box of brownie mix and have all the necessary ingredients on hand before starting.
Ingredients Needed
Here are the basic ingredients you’ll need to make Betty Crocker brownies from a boxed mix:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Vegetable oil | Usually 1/3 cup or 5 tablespoons |
| Water | Usually 2 tablespoons |
| Eggs | Usually 2 large eggs |
The exact measurements may vary slightly between mixes. Always check the back of the box for the specific oil, water, and egg amounts needed.
Some Betty Crocker brownie mixes may also suggest stirring in extras like:
– Chocolate chips
– Nuts (walnuts, pecans, etc.)
– Candy pieces
– Sprinkles
These extras are optional and not required to make the basic brownie batter. Feel free to add them for a more decadent treat!
Why These Ingredients Are Used
Boxed brownie mixes contain dry ingredients like flour, cocoa powder, salt, sugar, and leavening agents. When you add in the wet ingredients from home, it forms the complete brownie batter. Here’s why each of the main add-ins are necessary:
Oil – The oil gives brownies their signature moist, fudgy texture. Without oil, brownies would be dry and crumbly. Vegetable oil is commonly used since it blends smoothly into the batter.
Water – A small amount of water helps activate the baking powder or soda in the mix for lift and structure. It also adds moisture without altering the flavor.
Eggs – Eggs act as a binder and add richness, structure, and that chewy brownie texture. As the brownies bake, the eggs coagulate to help set the shape.
So in summary, the oil provides moisture, the eggs provide structure and richness, and the water activates the leavening agents. All are essential for making high-quality bakery-style brownies from just a box of dry ingredients!
Tips for Making Box Brownies
Here are some handy tips for getting perfect results when making Betty Crocker brownie mix:
1. Prep the pan properly. Grease the pan well with butter or nonstick cooking spray so the brownies release easily. Line the pan with parchment paper for even easier removal if desired.
2. Mix the batter thoroughly. After adding the wet ingredients, beat the batter with a spoon or electric mixer until completely uniform and no flour pockets remain. This ensures even baking.
3. Do not overmix. As soon as the dry ingredients are incorporated, stop mixing. Overbeating develops too much gluten, making brownies tough.
4. Use the pan size specified. Bake times and measurements are based on a certain pan size. Using a different size could change the thickness and cooking time.
5. Check for doneness early. Start checking a few minutes before the recommended time. An early pull from the oven prevents overbaking.
6. Let cool completely before cutting. Allowing the brownies to fully cool helps them set up properly and makes cutting much cleaner.
7. Store in an airtight container. Brownies stay fresh longer when tightly covered at room temperature or refrigerated.
Following the package instructions closely along with these tips will ensure your box brownies are fudgy, moist, and delicious every time!
Common Betty Crocker Brownie Mix Varieties
Betty Crocker produces several different varieties of brownie mix to suit different tastes and diets:
Original Brownie Mix – The classic recipe loaded with chocolate flavor. Makes a fudgy, chewy brownie.
Triple Chunk Brownie Mix – Packed with chocolate chips and chunks for extreme chocolate indulgence.
Fudge Brownie Mix – Extra-fudgy version with a dense, fudge-like texture.
Low Fat Brownie Mix – A lighter option with less fat and fewer calories per serving.
Gluten Free Brownie Mix – Allows people with gluten sensitivities to enjoy chewy, fudgy brownies.
Salted Caramel Brownie Mix – Features sweet, salty, buttery caramel swirled into chocolate brownies.
Cream Cheese Brownie Mix – Has pockets of sweet cream cheese baked right into the batter.
Nut Lovers Brownie Mix– Studded with walnuts, pecans, almonds, and chocolate chips.
Mocha Fudge Brownie Mix – Coffee flavor adds richness without the caffeine.
So whether you want classic chocolate, lower fat, gluten free, or extra decadence, there’s a Betty Crocker mix to suit your needs!
How to Make Brownies from Scratch
While box mixes are certainly fast and easy, it is possible to make homemade brownies without a mix. Here’s a quick rundown of how to make brownies from scratch:
Ingredients
- Unsweetened cocoa powder
- All-purpose flour
- Granulated sugar
- Brown sugar
- Salt
- Butter, melted
- Vanilla extract
- Eggs
- Chocolate chips or chunks (optional)
- Nuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×9 inch pan.
- In a bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients: flour, cocoa powder, sugars, and salt.
- In another bowl, whisk together the wet ingredients: melted butter, vanilla, and eggs.
- Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients. Stir just until combined and no flour streaks remain.
- Fold in any additional mix-ins, like chocolate chips or nuts.
- Spread batter evenly into prepared pan.
- Bake for 23-28 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean.
- Let cool completely before cutting into squares.
So while from-scratch brownies take a bit more work, the flavor payoff is worth it! Play around with adding melted chocolate, espresso powder, or peanut butter to the batter too.
Creative Ways to Serve Brownies
Brownies aren’t just for dessert! Here are some fun and creative ways to serve brownies beyond the usual square on a plate:
– Brownie Ice Cream Sandwiches – Make sandwiches with a scoop of ice cream between two browned squares.
– Brownie Kabobs – Skewer brownie cubes with fruit and marshmallows for a kid-friendly dessert.
– Brownie Milkshake – Blend softened brownies with ice cream and milk for a thick, chocolatey shake.
– Brownie Trifle – Layer crumbled brownies with vanilla pudding and whipped cream.
– Brownie Parfait – Alternate layers of brownie chunks and chocolate mousse in a glass.
– Brownie S’mores – Construct s’mores with brownie squares instead of graham crackers.
– Brownie Skillet Cookie – Bake crumbled brownies into a giant cookie layered with chocolate chunks.
– Fudge Swirl Brownies – Top finished brownies with swirls of homemade fudge sauce.
The possibilities are endless when you think beyond the pan! Playing with different add-ins, combinations and serving methods keeps homemade brownies exciting.
Common Brownie Mix Brands
Here’s a look at some of the top national brands producing boxed brownie mixes:
Betty Crocker – A classic brand offered in every grocery store. Known for reliable mixes with consistently good results.
Duncan Hines – Trusted name known for their wide range of mixes for brownies and other baked goods.
Ghirardelli – Makes premium brownie mixes often found in the baking aisle. Higher cacao content for intense chocolate flavor.
Baker’s Corner – Walmart’s proprietary brand of affordable brownie and other baking mixes.
Pillsbury – Another grocery store staple brand for cookies, cakes, brownies, and more.
Krusteaz – Specializes in high-quality baking mixes free from artificial additives. Sold at Target stores.
King Arthur Baking Company – Known for outstanding from-scratch baking recipes but also makes excellent mixes.
Trader Joe’s – Their store brand gluten-free and vegan brownie mixes have a loyal cult following.
Stonewall Kitchen – Food company offering mixes like salted caramel swirl and chocolate raspberry brownies.
So whether you have a specific brand allegiance or like to buy whatever is on sale, you can’t go wrong with any of these industry stand-outs. Whip up a batch and indulge your chocolate cravings!
Troubleshooting Box Brownies
Box brownies are meant to be easy and foolproof, but sometimes they can still turn out with problems. Here are some common issues and how to prevent them:
Dry, crumbly texture – Too much mixing once liquids were added developed too much gluten. Or brownies were overbaked.
Tough, dense texture – Again, overmixing could be the culprit. Make sure not to beat once flour is added.
Bitter chocolate taste – If brownies taste burnt, the cocoa powder may have been scorched. Check for doneness early.
Sinkholes and cracks – Batter wasn’t distributed evenly in the pan before baking. Make sure it’s spread evenly to all sides.
Sticks to the pan – Forgetting to grease the pan can lead to sticking and broken brownies. Always prep pans!
Falls and loses shape – Removing brownies too early before they’re fully set can cause collapse. Cool completely first.
Carefully following package directions for preparation, baking, and cooling is the best way to avoid any pitfalls. But now you have a handy troubleshooting guide for when things go wrong!
Storing and Freezing Brownies
To extend the shelf life of homemade brownies, proper storage is key. Here are the best practices:
At Room Temperature:
– Store completely cooled brownies in an airtight container at room temp for up to 3 days. Plasticware or foil is ideal.
In the Refrigerator:
– For fridge storage, place tightly wrapped brownies in a container or bag. They will stay fresh for 1 week.
In the Freezer:
– Freeze brownies up to 3 months. Wrap brownies first in plastic wrap, then foil, then place in freezer bag or airtight container.
– Thaw frozen brownies overnight in the refrigerator before serving. Let come to room temp before eating for best texture.
With proper storage methods, you can stock up on brownie batches to last for quite a while! Freezing is great for making ahead for lunches or parties.
Conclusion
When a chocolate craving strikes, Betty Crocker brownie mix is the quickest route to satisfaction. With the simple addition of oil, water and eggs you can whip up a pan of warm, fudgy homemade brownies anytime. Knowing the ingredients required and following package instructions ensures brownies turn out perfectly moist and delicious. Feel free to stir in chocolate chips, nuts or other mix-ins to personalize your treats. And don’t forget creative serving ideas that take brownies beyond dessert. With the convenience of boxed brownie mix, there’s no need to find yourself without chocolate!
