Simple Doctored Brownie Mix

Want rich, fudgy brownies that taste homemade but start with a mix? This easy doctored brownie recipe transforms a simple box into a decadent, bakery-style treat in minutes!

Can I Doctor a Boxed Brownie Mix?

This was the question on my mind as I stared at the box of brownie mix. To be honest, I couldn't believe I hadn't tried a simple doctored brownie mix before. This is, after all, a blog based on doctoring boxed mixes. 

My Brownie Adventures

I’ve made brownies with cake mix, of course. And I’ve even made quick bread out of brownies. So, I guess you could say I’ve doctored a brownie mix before. 

But this is the first time I’ve set out to come at it from exactly the same angle as my doctored cake mixes: replacing oil with melted butter, water with milk, and so on. 

And, of course: pudding. Because adding pudding to a box of cake mix works so beautifully, I figured it would only enhance the flavor of brownies, too. 

My only concern? The final texture. I’ve had problems getting the texture of my brownies just right in the past. Would this work?

More about that later! For now, let’s look at what you’ll need to make a simple doctored brownie mix. 

Doctored Brownie Mix Ingredients

You will find a full printable recipe card at the bottom of this post but here’s a Quick Look at what you’ll need. These are simple ingredients you might already have on hand in your kitchen. 

• 1 box brownie mix (your choice) 18.3 oz
• 1 small box instant chocolate pudding mix (dry, 3.9 ounce)
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 2 large eggs
• ¼ cup milk
• 1 cup (2 sticks) melted butter
• 1 cup mini chocolate chips (semi-sweet)
• 1 cup chopped pecans (optional)
• 20 pecan halves (optional)

How to Make Delicious Doctored Brownies

Preheat oven to 325 degrees Fahrenheit 

Spray the bottom of a 9x13-inch baking dish. 

Place butter in a microwave safe bowl and place in microwave for 30 - 45 seconds. Get it to a semi-melted state. 

Add cake mix, instant pudding, vanilla, and eggs to the melted butter. 

Mix well. 

Fold in the chocolate chips and chopped pecans. 

Spread batter in the bottom of the prepared baking down. Smooth out. 

Add pecan halves. 

Place in preheated 325 degree oven and bake for 35 minutes. 

Remove and place on wire rack to cool. 

Cut into squares using the pecan halves as a guide. 

Serve and enjoy!

What to Expect from this Recipe

I just love a doctored mix and this one does not disappoint. I was in the mood for chocolate and this brownie recipe definitely delivered! I loved the addition of the mini chocolate chips and I’m nuts about nuts, so this was close to perfect in my book.

I plan to take them to my grandchildren tomorrow. We’ll see what they have to say, but I’m guessing these will get rave reviews! I highly recommend these delicious brownies. 

Variations on this Recipe

It’s always fun to change things up. Here are some suggestions: 

Mint chocolate chips: Skip the nuts and add a cup of mint chocolate chips in place of the semi-sweet 

Dehydrated mini marshmallows: You can make this into a rocky road brownie in no time! 

Strawberry or cherry pie filling: Skip the nuts altogether for this one. After the brownie mix is in the pan, spread the top with pie filling. Swirl it in a bit and then bake. (Yum! I’m already wishing I had used this option because the idea is making me drool.) 

Other Chocolate Desserts from Out of the Box Baking

• Ultimate Chocolate Cake
• The Best Chocolate Mayonnaise Cake
• Chocolate Pound Cake with Sour Cream
• German Chocolate Pound Cake

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That’s it for this post, friends! I hope you enjoyed this delicious recipe. 

If you make this recipe and love it, don’t forget to leave a review and a comment below. And while you're at it, go ahead and pin some photos to your Pinterest boards!

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About the Author

Janice Thompson is an author, baker, and all-around mischief maker! She has overcome a host of baking catastrophes, including a toppled wedding cake, to learn more about the baking process. Janice has published over 165 books for the Christian market but particularly enjoys writing recipes and baking devotions. To learn more about Janice or to drop her a note, visit her About the Author page.