The sweet smell of brownies baking in the oven brings on such a warm feeling; it’s like seeing an old friend, and who could ask for a better friend than Duncan Hines brownies!?
Duncan Hines has expertly designed a brownie mix that hits all the chocolatey notes without being too rich. Their mix is so easy to bake and requires only a few extra ingredients and supplies. Anyone can make a tray of these appetizing brownies!
The problem is that this friend could use a helping hand. The basic Duncan Hines brownie mix is easy and tasty, but it could be even better! Friends don’t let friends have basic flavor, so keep reading to learn how to make Duncan Hines brownies better.
What are Duncan Hines Brownies?
Duncan Hines has a tried and true brownie mix that has all the dry ingredients measured and mixed for home bakers looking to make a batch of delicious brownies. Simply add a couple of wet ingredients, and you will have the familiar flavors of perfectly gooey, chocolatey brownies ready in no time.
How to Bake Duncan Hines Brownies
Preheat the oven per the brownie box directions, and grease a baking pan. Follow the directions on the side of the box. Stir the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until fully combined.
Bake the brownies per the box’s directed length of time. Use the toothpick test to check for doneness; a toothpick inserted about one to two inches from the edge of the tray should come out clean when the brownies are fully baked.
How to Make Duncan Hines Brownies Taste Better
Duncan Hines’s brownies are perfectly chocolatey and delicious. They make the perfect base for all kinds of add-ins to make them even better. Try these tasty tips and tricks to give your brownies out-of-this-world flavor!
Go Nuts!
People that love nuts know that they go perfectly with brownies. From walnuts to macadamias, home chefs really can’t go wrong with this mix-in! Add the nuts to the batter before baking, but be sure to gently roast raw nuts before adding them to any recipes!
Add Some Spices
Everything in life is a little better with some spice! Adding a little cinnamon can bring out so much warmth. Get wild with some cayenne and chipotle for a spicy hot chocolate-inspired brownie.
Spices can be added to the dry ingredients during the mixing process.
Swirl in Peanut Butter
Peanut butter and chocolate were just made for each other. Swirling some creamy peanut butter into your brownies just automatically makes them better!
After pouring the batter into your baking tray and before baking, add three or four globs of peanut butter to the tray. Take a skewer and drag it through the tray to make a pretty swirl effect. The finished brownies will be both beautiful and layered in complementary flavors.
Mix in Fruit or Chocolate
Texture and flavor go hand-in-hand, and adding bits of dried fruit or chocolate chips can add such an interesting texture to your brownies. Dried currants, bits of banana, or chunks of chocolate add delicious flavors and chew to brownies.
Coat in Caramel
A little caramel adds so much to Duncan Hines’s brownies. Delicious, buttery caramel can be swirled into the batter or poured over the top of finished brownies, like a poke cake.
Mix in Some Marshmallow
Marshmallow makes everything sweeter! Adding marshmallows to brownie batter is a great trick because they will disappear, leaving behind gorgeous holes of sugary sweetness.
Stuff with Cookies or Candy
This is one super fun way to make Duncan Hines’s brownies even better! Mix some candy bits into your batter before baking. Alternately, pour half the batter into the pan, then place a layer of cookies on top, then finish with the remaining batter.
I’m out of eggs! What can I do?
Don’t worry! Everyone has found themselves in that jam before! Home chefs can use ¼ cup of applesauce per egg as an even substitute in brownie recipes.
How to Cut Brownies
Using a Knife
To cut brownies with a regular knife, ensure it has a long, thin blade. Press down firmly and slice through the brownies. Using a regular knife might cause crumbs, so be gentle.
Hot Knife Method
For a cleaner cut, try the hot knife method. Dip your knife into hot water and wipe off the excess with a towel. A hot knife slices through brownies more easily, resulting in fewer crumbs. You’ll need to reheat and dry the knife after each cut for the best results.
Pizza Cutter
A pizza cutter can also be efficient at cutting brownies. First, use a ruler to ensure even-sized pieces. Then, roll the pizza cutter across the brownies, applying even pressure. This method should provide smooth, straight cuts without jagged edges.
Cookie Cutter
For creatively shaped brownies, use a cookie cutter. Place your desired shape on the brownies and press down firmly. Wiggle the cutter back and forth to release it cleanly. Ensure your brownies are firm enough to hold their new shape.
Serrated Knife
A serrated knife helps with reducing crumbs when cutting brownies. Using a gentle sawing motion, slice through the brownies. Remember to let the knife do the work, as too much pressure may create a mess. Clean the knife between cuts to achieve optimal results.
Brownie Divider
A brownie divider is a dedicated tool for cutting brownies evenly and cleanly. Place the divider on your brownies, press down firmly, and voilà: perfectly portioned brownies with minimal crumbs.
Final Thoughts
Thanks to Duncan Hines, baking brownies is both easy and inexpensive. Try some of the ideas listed above to make their basic brownies even tastier! Thanks to this easy-to-use mix, you can let your imagination run wild and add so many fun touches to your brownies!