Ultimate Homemade Brownie Mix: Easy, Rich, and Gift-Friendly
Make decadent brownies from scratch or gift friends a delicious treat with this easy, budget-friendly homemade brownie mix recipe.
Few desserts rival the universal appeal of chocolate brownies. Whether you’re craving a quick homemade treat, stocking your pantry with ready-to-bake essentials, or searching for the perfect homemade gift, this ultimate homemade brownie mix recipe offers unbeatable flavor, flexibility, and simplicity. Armed with only four basic pantry staples, you’ll never need to reach for a boxed brownie mix again.
Why Make Brownie Mix From Scratch?
- Healthier Choice: Avoid preservatives and artificial additives found in most store-bought mixes.
- Customizable: Control the sweetness, texture, and add-ins to match your taste or dietary needs.
- Convenience: Prepare batches for later baking or assemble charming mason jar gifts.
- Budget-Friendly: Basic ingredients mean fewer trips to the store and more savings.
- Freshness: Enjoy the rich, just-baked taste that only homemade brownies deliver.
Homemade Brownie Mix: The Basics
This recipe focuses on classic, chewy, and fudgy brownies made with simple pantry ingredients. With just flour, cocoa powder, sugar, and salt, you can whip up a jar of mix to keep on hand for “emergency” dessert nights or spontaneous baking sessions with friends and family.
Ingredients for Brownie Mix
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder (Dutch-processed or regular)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Optional: Add 1 teaspoon of baking powder for slightly cakier brownies, but for classic fudgy texture, omit it.
How to Make the Brownie Mix
- Whisk together the dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine sugar, flour, cocoa, and salt. Use a whisk or fork to break up lumps and ensure even blending.
- Store the mix: Transfer the blended mixture to a large airtight jar or a sealable plastic bag. Label with the date and instructions for use.
- Gift it: For gift-giving, layer the ingredients in a mason jar for a decorative look, and attach a tag with baking instructions and suggestions for add-ins.
Storage Tips for Brownie Mix
- Keep it airtight: Use a tightly sealed jar or bag to prevent clumping and loss of flavor.
- Store in a cool, dry place: Your pantry or cupboard is ideal—avoid heat and humidity for best shelf life.
- Best used within 3 months: This mix maintains its best flavor and texture for up to three months. For even longer storage, portion out into the freezer in properly sealed bags or containers.
How to Bake Brownies from Your Mix
Once your mix is ready, baking homemade brownies becomes a breeze. The following simple steps will take your mix from jar to oven to irresistible dessert in under an hour.
Basic Wet Ingredients to Add
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup melted butter (or 1/2 cup vegetable oil for a lighter texture)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
For Café-Inspired Flavor:
- 1 teaspoon instant coffee powder (optional)
Dissolve coffee powder in 1 teaspoon hot water and add to wet ingredients for richer chocolate taste.
Step-By-Step Baking Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease or line an 8×8-inch square baking pan with parchment paper.
- In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together 2 eggs, 1/2 cup melted butter, and 2 teaspoons vanilla extract. (Add dissolved coffee for extra depth, if desired.)
- Add the entire jar or bag of brownie mix to the wet ingredients. Stir gently until no flour streaks remain—do not overmix.
- Scrape the thick, chocolatey batter into your prepared pan and smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake for 22-28 minutes. Check for doneness around 22 minutes: Insert a toothpick into the center—moist crumbs are ideal for fudgy brownies; bake longer for firmer texture.
- Remove from oven and let cool in the pan on a wire rack before cutting into squares.
Tips for the Best Homemade Brownies
- Sift cocoa powder before mixing to prevent lumps.
- Measure precisely for consistent results. Slightly underbake for gooier brownies; bake longer for chewier texture.
- Let brownies cool before cutting for the cleanest slices.
- Add a pinch of espresso powder to intensify chocolate depth, but it’s optional.
- Use good quality cocoa for best chocolate flavor.
Customizing Your Brownies
This brownie mix is a versatile base for countless delicious variations. Make each batch your own with these fun and flavorful add-ins:
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet, milk, or white chocolate)
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or almonds)
- A handful of mini marshmallows for a rocky road twist
- Swirl in 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter or Nutella before baking
- Sprinkle the top with flaky sea salt for a gourmet finish
- Add 1/2 cup dried fruit, like cherries or cranberries, for texture and tang
- Top with crushed candy canes for festive holiday brownies
Make It Dairy-Free or Vegan
- Swap melted butter for coconut oil or vegetable oil.
- Use flax eggs (2 tablespoons flaxseed meal + 6 tablespoons water, mixed and rested until thickened) in place of eggs.
Note: Results may be slightly denser but equally delicious.
Homemade Brownie Mix as a Gift
Brownie mix in a mason jar is a thoughtful, practical, and beautiful homemade gift for any occasion—birthdays, holidays, teacher appreciation, or hostess thank-yous. Here’s how to turn your mix into a memorable present:
- Layer the sugar, flour, cocoa, and salt for a visually striking presentation.
- Add extras like chocolate chips or nuts on top for even more flair.
- Secure the lid and tie with a ribbon or rustic twine.
- Attach a handwritten or printable tag with baking directions and add-in suggestions.
Customize the tag with a personal note, and you’re ready to share the chocolatey joy!
Printable Tag Example:
Homemade Brownie Mix
To bake: Preheat oven to 350°F. Whisk 2 eggs, 1/2 cup melted butter, and 2 teaspoons vanilla, then stir in entire mix. Spread in greased 8×8 pan, bake 22-28 min. Enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Why use cocoa powder instead of melted chocolate?
A: Cocoa powder is less expensive, always pantry-ready, and provides a deep, consistent chocolate flavor that’s ideal for brownies. It also helps make the recipe quick and easy since you don’t need to melt chocolate separately.
Q: Can I make the mix gluten-free?
A: Yes. Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free 1:1 baking blend. Ensure the blend includes xanthan gum if structure is needed. Expect a slightly different texture, but the taste remains rich and chocolatey.
Q: How do I store baked brownies?
A: Place cooled brownies in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerated for up to a week. For longer storage, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.
Q: How can I make brownies less sweet or more fudgy?
A: For a less sweet batch, reduce sugar in the mix by 1/4 cup. To intensify fudginess, replace some flour with more cocoa or add an extra ounce of melted chocolate to the batter if you prefer using it.
Q: What if I don’t have an 8×8-inch pan?
A: You can bake the brownies in a 9-inch round pan with slightly shorter bake time (start checking at 18 minutes), or double the batch for a 9×13-inch pan and increase baking time to 28–35 minutes.
Troubleshooting Homemade Brownies
- Brownies are dry? Check your oven temperature with a thermometer; even 5 extra minutes can dry brownies. Try subtracting a few minutes from bake time next batch.
- Batter seems too thick? Ensure you measured flour correctly (lightly spooned and leveled, not packed). You can add 2–4 tablespoons of milk if needed.
- Brownies sink in the middle? This is common for very fudgy brownies. Make sure not to overmix, and avoid rapid temperature changes (like opening the oven repeatedly).
Conclusion: Never Buy Brownie Mix Again
Once you try this easy homemade brownie mix, you’ll never look back. Whether baking up a quick batch for a weeknight treat or assembling heartwarming gifts for loved ones, you’ll always have joy in a jar ready to go. Remember, the charm of homemade brownies lies in their simplicity—basic ingredients, endless variations, and always a taste of comfort with every bite.
Ready to Bake?
Grab those few pantry staples, mix up a jar or two, and experience how simple, affordable, and delicious brownies can be. Whip up your mix today and see why homemade is always best!
References
- https://www.thefrugalgirl.com/easy-frugal-homemade-brownies/
- https://thefrugalgirls.com/2020/04/best-homemade-brownie-mix-recipe-from-scratch.html
- https://www.joyelick.com/2014/12/dark-chocolate-fudge-brownie-mix-frugal.html
- https://thefrugalgirls.com/tag/brownies
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qH4sG11fAFI
Similar Articles
Read full bio of Sneha Tete
