Years ago, I left my job in sales and social media to become a pastry cook in Charleston, South Carolina.
Though I'm no longer in the field, I still use some of the skills and tricks I learned to prepare and upgrade desserts.
When it comes to brownies, I actually think that boxed mixes are close to perfect (especially when late-night chocolate cravings hit).
There are, however, a few simple ways I'd amp them up.
Switch up your baking vessel for unique results.
Most boxed brownies call for a metal or glass baking pan, but there's some room for variation.
If you bake your brownie in a great cast-iron skillet, it'll develop crispy edges and a gooey center that everyone can fight over.
To make perfectly portioned, single-serving brownies, use a muffin pan. These are great for on-the-go treats — even if you're just going to the couch.
No matter what pan you use, though, be sure to grease it with nonstick spray.
Raid your snack drawer for salty toppings.
Any time I can add a savory element to my desserts, I will.
Salty snacks such as kettle chips, pretzels, almonds, or Ritz crackers are a great way to balance out the sweetness in brownies while adding an extra bit of texture.
Plus, you can satisfy your sweet and savory cravings in one fell swoop.
Try adding nut or seed butter to make an even more decadent dessert.
For an extra kick of richness and a bit of flair, dollop teaspoons of nut butter on top of your unbaked brownies, then swirl it into the batter with a chopstick or butter knife.
I prefer to use unsweetened, salted peanut butter, but you can try almond or pistachio butter. If you have a nut allergy or sensitivity, try swirling in some sunflower seed or granola butter.
The marbled effect of swirling the nut butter into the batter bakes up beautifully and takes only a few extra seconds.
Coffee can help elevate the chocolate flavor in brownies.
Chocolate and coffee are a dynamic duo.
If you want a subtle way to enhance the chocolate flavor of your brownies, add a teaspoon or two of espresso powder to the batter.
If you're going for more of a mocha moment, replace the water in the box's directions with brewed coffee.
Hot tip: Use decaf if you're craving brownies late at night.
This story was originally published in February 2022 and most recently updated on July 1, 2026.
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Pippa Allen is a freelance writer for Insider.
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