View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Tracy Tindell – Easy Recipes | Lifestyle (@thelastresortlakehouse)

Homemade Brownie Mix: Because Boxed Mixes Are Cute, But This Is Better

Look, I’m not here to knock the boxed brownie aisle. She’s been there for us—through bake sales, PMS emergencies, and “I forgot it was my turn to bring dessert” moments. But once you taste these brownies, made from your very own homemade mix, you’ll realize something: you’ve been settling.

You don’t have to be a pastry chef. You don’t need a culinary degree. You just need five basic ingredients, one big attitude, and about 30 minutes to fall in love with the easiest, fudgiest, most overachieving brownie mix of your life.

This recipe is your new kitchen bestie. She’s dependable, gorgeous, and always makes you look good. Just like the friend who shows up with wine and compliments.

Let’s bake.

Why Homemade Brownie Mix is a Power Move

You’re probably thinking, “Why make homemade brownie mix when the box is so easy?”

Let me break it down:

You know every ingredient. No weird preservatives. No mystery fluff. Just cocoa, sugar, and a dream. You can make a big ol’ batch and store it. So the next time you’re feeling snacky (or emotionally unstable), you’re 10 minutes away from chocolate salvation. It’s a flex. Whip out a pan of brownies from your own mix and watch people lose their minds. “You made this from scratch?” Yes, darling. Yes, I did. It makes a dang good gift. Tie it up in a mason jar, slap on a ribbon and a cute tag, and boom—holiday, hostess, or housewarming hero.

The Ingredients (A.K.A. Brownie Royalty)

You’ll want to keep these stocked like the essentials they are:

1 cup granulated sugar 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder 1/2 cup all-purpose flour 1/4 tsp baking powder 1/4 tsp salt

Mix all of these in a bowl, store it in an airtight container, and you’ve got your Homemade Brownie Mix ready for whenever life hits the fan (or your chocolate cravings do).

Now Let’s Turn That Mix Into Magic

To Make One 8×8 Pan of Brownies:

1 batch of the Homemade Brownie Mix above 1/2 cup melted butter 2 large eggs 1 tsp vanilla extract Optional: chocolate chips, nuts, cookie crumbles, peanut butter swirls—whatever speaks to your sweet tooth

Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease or line an 8×8-inch pan. In a bowl, mix the brownie mix, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla. Stir just until combined. Pour into your pan. Bake for 20–25 minutes. Let cool, slice, and serve. Or eat warm with a spoon and no regrets.

Storage, Freezing & Self-Control Tips

Brownies stay fresh in an airtight container for 3–4 days. You can freeze them for up to 3 months (if you’re strong enough not to eat them all immediately). Reheat for 10–15 seconds in the microwave. Top with ice cream. Feel like royalty.

Make-Ahead & Gift-Giving Like a Dessert Diva

Layer the mix in a mason jar, attach a cute little tag with baking instructions, tie with a ribbon, and BOOM—thoughtful, adorable, and tasty. Perfect for:

Teachers Neighbors Coworkers Last-minute birthday gifts Literally anyone who eats

Make It Fancy (Or Fancier Than It Already Is)

Add a teaspoon of espresso powder to boost the chocolate flavor. Sprinkle in sea salt flakes for a salty-sweet power move. Swirl with peanut butter, Nutella, or raspberry jam. Top with a handful of crushed candy canes or Oreos for a little drama.

One Mix, Twelve Moods: The Brownie Glow-Up Guide

This mix? She’s versatile. She adapts. She reinvents. Here are 12 ways to take your brownies from “yum” to YES, QUEEN:

1. The Classic

Straight-up fudgy perfection. No frills, just flavor.

2. Espresso Brownies

Add 1 tsp instant espresso powder to your mix = moody, rich, and deeply fabulous.

3. Peanut Butter Swirl

Melt & swirl in ¼ cup peanut butter before baking. Iconic.

4. Mint Chocolate

Peppermint extract + crushed Andes mints = holiday in a bite.

5. Salted Caramel

Drizzle caramel into the batter + sprinkle with sea salt before baking. Instant sophistication.

6. S’mores Brownies

Top with mini marshmallows, graham crackers, and chocolate chunks. Bake the last 5 minutes under the broiler for toasty bliss.

7. Cherry Cheesecake

Swirl in cream cheese and dollops of cherry pie filling. Dramatic. Decadent.

8. Mocha Chip

Espresso powder + mini chocolate chips = a brownie with a caffeine kick.

9. Walnut Crunch

Fold in chopped toasted walnuts for that rich, classic texture.

10. Cookie Dough Topping

Add chilled edible cookie dough on top post-bake. Chill, slice, and prepare to swoon.

11. Triple Chocolate

Mix in milk, dark, AND white chocolate chips. Because moderation is overrated.

12. Spicy Hot Chocolate

Add 1/4 tsp cayenne + 1/2 tsp cinnamon. Bold, warm, unforgettable.

Final Thoughts from Your Brownie-Obsessed Hype Girl

You don’t need a boxed mix. You don’t need fancy ingredients.

You need this mix.

You need a tray of warm, gooey, better-than-your-ex brownies.

You need to feel like a domestic goddess with minimal effort and maximum applause.

So bake the brownies. Eat one straight from the pan. Give a jar to your neighbor and take the credit.

You are not just baking—you are becoming the person everyone wants on their dessert table.

Want the full recipe? It’s right here.

Want to show off your brownies? Tag me on Instagram [@thelastresortlakehouse] so I can obsess over them with you.

Now go be brilliant—with a brownie in hand.