A friend asked me what foods I like to bake with my kids. Specifically, she asked for a brownie recipe. As a food blogger, I was slightly embarrassed to say I love brownie mix. I realized that I love saving time, and there’s no shame in using shortcuts.

Not just any box will do; the Ghiradelli brownie mix is fantastic. The final product is perfect; fudgy, thick, and full of excellent chocolate flavor. I’ve never been able to settle; I’ve been changing things here and there. 

We’ve got Ghirardelli brownie mix recipe variations that are easy and sure to please. Don’t worry; they aren’t fussy; our goal is simple and delicious. 

Let’s go to The Chalkboard.

Ghirardelli Brownie Mix Recipe Variations

These are delicious, but there are ways to improve boxed brownies. Some simple additions significantly impact and don’t take extra time to prepare. 

What Can Be Added To Brownie Mix?

1. Milk instead of water  — If you want fudgy brownies, try swapping the water with an equal amount of milk. The fat and flavor from the milk help accentuate the brownies by adding richness and more depth of flavor.  
2. Butter instead of oil – If you want more rise and a fluffier finished product, substitute an equal amount of melted butter for oil. These won’t be as fudgy. 
3. Alcohol instead of water – Swap out water for your favorite alcohol for a great Ghirardelli Brownie Mix variation. Anything from equal parts water to alcohol to ½ milk and half spirits will do. We love bourbon, Kahlua, Bailey’s, and even Amaretto. 
4. Raspberry brownies — The sweetness of Raspberries is the perfect complement to the chocolate. Mash three cups of berries into a paste and pour it on top of the batter before putting it in the oven.
5. Espresso powder – Add two teaspoons to the mix for a deeper flavor. It won’t taste like coffee; it just amplifies the chocolate taste. 
6. Sprinkles — WHo says that only cupcakes are suitable for celebrations? Brownies can be festive, too! Top them with sprinkles before baking for a colorful treat.
7. Peanut butter — Melt ¾ cup peanut butter in a microwave to thin. Pour on top of brownie batter before baking. 
8. Coffee brownies — Replace the water with your favorite coffee for a yummy treat. Brew the coffee and allow it to cool before adding it. 
9. Candy — Use that leftover Halloween candy by adding it to the mix for our favorite Ghirardelli brownie mix variation. Reese’s peanut butter cups, M&M’s, and Milk Duds all work.
10. Cookie brownies—If you want to wow your friends and family, make this recipe. Spray an 8×8 pan with cooking spray. Press cookie dough into an even layer in the pan. Pour brownie mix on top and bake for 55 minutes to an hour. 
11. Ghirardelli Brownie Mix Cookie Recipe — A few pantry items transform this mix into a gooey cookie everyone will love. We tried and loved Back To My Southern Roots’ Easy Brownie Mix Cookies recipe.
12. Black Bean Brownies — It is possible to make brownies healthier without making too many trade-offs. Add a 15-ounce can of rinsed and drained black beans and 1 cup of water. The brownies won’t be as fudgy and taste more like cake, but the added fiber is a great benefit.
13. Chocolate Sauce — Top with chocolate sauce for more of a sweet treat.

Ghirardelli Brownie Mix Recipe Variations FAQ

What Can I Use Instead Of Egg In Brownie Mix?

There are many suitable substitutes if you are out of eggs or don’t want to include them. The Ghirardelli brownie mix recipe includes one egg equal to ¼ cup of liquid. This amount is what we need to account for when cooking.

Here are some great egg substitutes for brownies:

1. ¼ cup applesauce (unsweetened)
2. ¼ cup mashed bananas (approximately ½ a medium banana)
3. ¼ cup yogurt
4. 1 Tbs. ground flax mixed with 3 Tbs. Water
5. ¼ cup buttermilk (you will taste the tanginess)

Can You Use Milk Instead Of Water In Ghirardelli Brownie Mix?

One of the most straightforward Ghirardelli brownie variations is to swap milk instead of water. The swap produces a more decadent, fudgier brownie. 

The milk’s fat adds richness and more flavor than water lacks. To make a swap, use equal parts milk to water. 

Ghirardelli Brownie Mix Recipe Variations — How To Add Flavor To Brownie Mix

Here are some easy ways to add flavor to the brownie mix.

1. Peppermint Extract
2. Almond Extract
3. Vanilla Extract
4. Caramel Chips
5. Peanut Butter
6. Jam
7. Candy
8. Alcohol instead of water

What Happens If I Add An Extra Egg To Brownie Mix

Eggs are integral to baking. According to Baking Business, they provide leavening, binding, aeration and contribute to texture, flavor, color, and aroma. Adding another egg will amplify these effects.

Adding an extra egg will make brownies more cakelike. The top will be springy, and the inside lighter. Outside edges may get tough. 

If you want to go this route, watch the cooking time. It is easy to overbake brownies this way. Two-three minutes of baking time makes a huge difference. 

Can I Use Butter Instead Of Oil In Brownies?

Yes! Butter is an excellent Ghirardelli Brownie Mix Recipe Variation. It’s a 1:1 substitute, and the results are more cakelike.

Butter adds aeration to dishes which creates a more tender inside. The brownies aren’t as fudgy. If you want denser, fudgy brownies, stick to oil. 

Can I Add Heavy Cream Instead Of Water To Brownie Mix

Yes! You can add heavy cream instead of water as a brownie mix variation. It’s an equal swap. 

The brownies will be more flavorful thanks to the fat in the heavy cream. The result is moist and gooey. 

What Do You Think?

Do you have any Ghirardelli brownie mix recipe variations you love? Let me know in the comments below, I’d love to read it.

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