Ditch the Box: Homemade Brownie Mix for Healthier, Convenient Treats
If you’re looking to ditch the boxed brownie mixes but still want the convenience they offer, this homemade brownie mix is your perfect solution. This mix allows you to enjoy rich, fudgy brownies without the unnecessary preservatives and additives that come with store-bought options. Plus, it’s super easy to prepare and store.
Homemade Brownie Mix
By making your own brownie mix, you’re not only cutting out unwanted ingredients but also gaining control over what goes into your dessert. This mix is a breeze to put together and can be stored in your pantry, ready to go whenever that brownie craving hits. With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a delicious, homemade treat that rivals any boxed version.
Another great thing about this homemade mix is that it’s just as convenient as the store-bought kind. Simply add your wet ingredients, bake, and you’ll have fresh, warm brownies in no time. It’s an easy and satisfying way to enjoy homemade treats without sacrificing convenience.
What You Will Love About This Recipe
There’s so much to love about this homemade brownie mix! First, it’s incredibly convenient—you can prepare the dry ingredients ahead of time and have a ready-to-use mix in your pantry whenever the chocolate craving hits. This means less mess and more time enjoying delicious brownies.
The recipe is also versatile, allowing you to customize it to your taste. Whether you prefer your brownies fudgy, cakey, or somewhere in between, you can easily tweak the wet ingredients to get your desired texture. Plus, making brownies from scratch gives you the satisfaction of knowing exactly what’s in them—no unnecessary preservatives or additives.
Finally, this mix offers a great way to involve kids in the kitchen. They can help measure and mix the dry ingredients, and when it’s time to bake, they’ll be excited to see the brownies come together so quickly. This recipe is a perfect blend of convenience, simplicity, and homemade goodness that everyone will appreciate!
Ingredients for Homemade Brownie Mix:
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup flour
- 1/3 cup cocoa powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
Instructions for Preparing the Mix:
- Combine all the dry ingredients—sugar, flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder—in a Ziploc bag.
- Seal the bag and label it with the following instructions: “To prepare: Add 2 eggs, 1/2 cup oil, and 1 teaspoon vanilla. Bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes.”
- Store the mix in your pantry until you’re ready to use it.
When You’re Ready to Bake:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, add the contents of your premade brownie mix.
- Stir in 2 eggs, 1/2 cup of oil, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until well combined.
- Pour the batter into a greased baking pan.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, depending on the size of your pan. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean, your brownies are ready!
- Let the brownies cool slightly before cutting and serving. Enjoy!
How Long Will This Dry Mix Last In The Pantry In A Zip Lock Bag
The homemade brownie mix stored in a Zip Lock bag can last for up to 6 months in a cool, dry pantry. The key to extending its shelf life is ensuring the bag is airtight and stored away from moisture, heat, and light, which can affect the quality of the ingredients, particularly the baking powder and cocoa powder.
If you want to store the mix for even longer, you might consider vacuum-sealing it or placing the bag inside an airtight container. This will help keep the dry ingredients fresh and ready for use whenever you’re in the mood for homemade brownies.
Tips & Tricks
- Label Clearly: When storing the dry mix in a Ziploc bag, be sure to label the bag with the additional ingredients needed (2 eggs, ½ cup oil, 1 tsp vanilla) and the baking instructions. This makes it easy to whip up a batch without searching for the recipe.
- Add-ins for Variety: To change up your brownies, consider adding chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruit when mixing in the wet ingredients. This can give your brownies a unique twist each time you make them.
- Use High-Quality Cocoa: The quality of your cocoa powder can make a big difference in the taste of your brownies. Opt for a good-quality unsweetened cocoa powder for a richer, more intense chocolate flavor.
- Mix Gently: When combining the wet and dry ingredients, mix just until everything is incorporated. Overmixing can lead to tougher brownies, so keep it gentle.
- Pan Size Matters: The baking time can vary depending on the size of the pan you use. A smaller, thicker pan may require a few extra minutes, while a larger, thinner pan might bake faster. Always start checking your brownies at the 20-minute mark with a toothpick to avoid overbaking.
- Store in a Cool, Dry Place: To extend the shelf life of your dry mix, store it in a cool, dry pantry. For even longer storage, consider vacuum-sealing the mix or placing it in an airtight container.
FAQs
Homemade Brownie Mix
Making homemade brownies has never been easier, thanks to this convenient DIY brownie mix! By prepping the dry ingredients in advance and storing them in a zip-top bag, you can whip up a batch of brownies anytime the craving strikes.
Ingredients
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup flour
- 1/3 cup cocoa powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- WHEN READY TO BAKE
- 2 Eggs
- 1/2 Cup Oil
- 1 TSP Vanilla
Instructions
Instructions for Preparing the Mix:
- Combine all the dry ingredients—sugar, flour, cocoa powder, salt, and baking powder—in a Ziploc bag.
- Seal the bag and label it with the following instructions: "To prepare: Add 2 eggs, 1/2 cup oil, and 1 teaspoon vanilla. Bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes."
- Store the mix in your pantry until you're ready to use it.
When You're Ready to Bake:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, add the contents of your premade brownie mix.
- Stir in 2 eggs, 1/2 cup of oil, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract until well combined.
- Pour the batter into a greased baking pan.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, depending on the size of your pan. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean, your brownies are ready!
- Let the brownies cool slightly before cutting and serving. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
9Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 251Total Fat: 14gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 41mgSodium: 88mgCarbohydrates: 29gFiber: 1gSugar: 22gProtein: 3g
I’m Melissa, the imaginative force behind Sparkles to Sprinkles, where creativity comes to life, and sprinkles of joy are scattered generously. Melissa is a proud Jersey girl who found love with a New York boy. As a mom to four wonderful boys and a few fur babies, her journey into the world of blogging began after making the life-changing decision to stay home and raise her children. Previously a dedicated workaholic, Melissa’s blog became her creative outlet and passion project. Inspired by her mother-in-law, a masterful cook renowned for her delicious home-cooked meals and legendary holiday feasts (think mouthwatering sausage stuffing), Melissa honed her culinary skills through a combination of family recipes and countless cooking classes. She often attended these classes with her son Michael, who shared her enthusiasm for cooking from a young age. Melissa’s love for learning extends beyond familiar cuisines, as she enjoys exploring international recipes in hands-on cooking classes. Her blog features a diverse array of recipes, showcasing her expertise with various kitchen appliances such as the Instant Pot, air fryer, Slow Cooker, Ninja Foodi, Instant Vortex Plus, and more. Join Melissa on her culinary adventures as she shares tried-and-true family favorites alongside exciting new discoveries!
