Easy Brownie Mix: The Make-Ahead Recipe for Rich, Fudgy Brownies
When it comes to making brownies, nothing beats the rich, fudgy texture and deep chocolate flavor of homemade brownies. But, let’s face it, sometimes you don’t have the time or energy to make brownies from scratch. That’s where this make-ahead brownie mix comes in. With the convenience of boxed brownies but the taste of homemade, this mix lets you enjoy fresh brownies in just a few simple steps. All you need to do is prep the dry ingredients in advance, and then when you’re ready to bake, it’s just a matter of adding a few fresh ingredients and popping them in the oven.
Why Make Your Own Brownie Mix?
Boxed brownie mixes can be convenient, but they’re often filled with preservatives and artificial flavors. By making your own brownie mix at home, you control what goes into the mix, using high-quality ingredients like cocoa powder, real butter, and vanilla extract. This homemade mix not only tastes better than the store-bought version but also allows you to customize the recipe to your taste. Whether you like to add nuts, extra chocolate chips, or other mix-ins, this brownie mix can be easily adapted to suit your preferences.
Ingredients for Brownie Dry Mix
To prepare the dry mix, you’ll need:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour: The base of the mix, providing structure to your brownies.
- 2 ¼ cups cocoa powder: A rich, dark cocoa that gives the brownies their deep chocolate flavor.
- 3 ¾ cups white sugar: Sweetens the brownies and helps them achieve their soft, fudgy texture.
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt: Enhances the chocolate flavor and balances the sweetness.
Once you’ve gathered these ingredients, simply mix them together and store them in an airtight container or a mason jar. The mix will stay fresh for several weeks, making it a perfect pantry staple to have on hand when you’re craving something sweet.
How to Make the Brownies
When you’re ready to bake, the process is quick and easy:
Step 1: Prepare the Wet Ingredients
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a separate bowl, combine 2 ½ cups of the dry mix, 2 eggs, 10 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter, and 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract. Mix everything together with a rubber spatula until the batter is smooth and free of large lumps.
Step 2: Add Chocolate Chips
If you want to take your brownies to the next level, fold in 1 cup of chocolate chips (this is optional, but highly recommended for extra fudginess and chocolate flavor). This is also the time to add other mix-ins if you like, such as nuts, caramel chunks, or swirls of peanut butter.
Step 3: Bake the Brownies
Pour the brownie batter into a greased or parchment-lined baking pan. For standard brownies, a 9×9-inch pan works great. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. Keep in mind that the baking time might vary depending on your oven and the size of the pan you use. If you like your brownies a little gooey in the center, aim for the shorter baking time; for firmer brownies, let them bake a little longer.
Step 4: Cool and Serve
Once baked, allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan. This allows them to set and makes them easier to cut into squares. The brownies will have a slightly crispy edge and a soft, fudgy center that’s sure to please everyone.
Storing and Freezing Brownies
If you have leftovers (though, let’s be honest, that’s rare), you can store your brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. For longer storage, place the brownies in an airtight container or a freezer bag and freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, just thaw them on the counter or warm them in the microwave for a few seconds.
Label Your Jars!
This recipe is printed on a dishwasher-safe label made for the lids of mason jars! Each label has the recipe to refill the jar and make the item (if applicable).
You can buy each label individually, or a pack of all of the pantry labels in my website shop.
Customizing Your Brownie Mix
One of the best things about this homemade brownie mix is how customizable it is. You can easily adjust the ingredients to fit your taste or dietary preferences:
- Make them fudgier: Add more melted butter or use brown sugar instead of white sugar for extra moisture and richness.
- Add flavor: Experiment with different extracts like almond, mint, or orange for a unique twist.
- Make them healthier: Use whole wheat flour or substitute half the sugar with a sugar alternative, like stevia or monk fruit.
- Add-ins: Add chopped nuts, swirls of peanut butter, toffee bits, or even dried fruit to make your brownies extra special.
With this basic brownie mix as a starting point, you can create an endless variety of brownies tailored to your preferences.
Why You’ll Love This Make-Ahead Brownie Mix
This homemade brownie mix is the perfect blend of convenience and flavor. By prepping the dry mix ahead of time, you can have fresh, homemade brownies whenever the craving strikes. It’s an ideal recipe for busy households, last-minute dessert emergencies, or a treat for unexpected guests. Plus, the ingredients are simple and easy to keep on hand, so you’re never too far from a batch of gooey, decadent brownies.
Your Turn!
Making your own brownie mix is an easy and satisfying way to have fresh, homemade brownies with minimal effort. This recipe provides all the flavor and texture you expect from homemade brownies but with the convenience of a pre-made mix. Whether you’re baking for a family get-together or just want to enjoy a sweet treat on a cozy afternoon, this brownie mix recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
This Recipe is in my Cookbook, From Scratch!
I’m excited to share my cookbook with you, created with sustainability and flavor in mind! From Scratch is packed with delicious, eco-conscious recipes designed to nourish both you and the planet. Every dish is carefully crafted to use fresh, local ingredients, and focuses on minimizing waste while maximizing taste.
From wholesome breakfasts to hearty dinners, my cookbook offers a variety of plant-based meals that are easy to prepare and full of nutrients. Whether you’re looking to reduce your carbon footprint or simply enjoy meals that are better for you and the Earth, this cookbook is your guide to eating in a way that’s both kind to the planet and satisfying to your taste buds. You can grab your copy here:
Check Out The Pantry Labels
In 2024, I released a set of Pantry Labels with recipes that are dishwasher-safe and fit the lids of mason jars perfectly.
Each labels has the recipe to refill the dry mix jar, as well as the recipe to make the item if applicable.
Brownie Mix
Ingredients
Brownie Dry Mix Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all purpose flour
- 2 ¼ cups cocoa powder
- 3 ¾ cups white sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoon salt
Brownie Ingredients
- 2 ½ cups Dry Mix
- 2 eggs
- 10 tablespoons melted unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup chocolate chips
Instructions
For Dry Mix:
- Add flour, cocoa powder, white sugar and salt to a large bowl.
- Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are combined.
- Transfer to a half gallon mason jar and seal tightly. Store in a cool, dry place.
For Brownies
- Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Add Dry Mix, eggs, melted butter and vanilla extract to a bowl. Mix with a rubber spatula to combine until there are no large clumps.
- Fold in the chocolate chips (optional).
- Pour batter into a greased pan or parchment lined pan.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes in the oven until the fork comes out clean.
