Brownie cupcakes with brownie mix recipe with Ghirardelli, Pillsbury or Betty Crocker boxed mix. Fluffy chocolate dessert you can make with 5 ingredients. If you loved our hack of how to make brownies out of cake mix this is another!!
Ok so I love dessert, always have. Even if it is just one piece of chocolate or 1 cupcake after dinner it just finishes the meal and puts that period to the end of a nice evening. I am a baking brownie mix hack kinda’ gal though, let’s be honest. This is just another in my “bag of tricks”. (affiliate links present)
Brownie Mix Cupcakes Recipe
You literally can use any brand you like to make these. There are quite a few at the store and online to choose from. I will say you get what you pay for in this regard though so don’t cheap out if possible. Store brand would be cheapest with Ghirardelli brownie mix being the priciest.
When I find the best of the best on sale I will buy in bulk though, that’s how I roll. I used the middle of the road here since that is the most popular. You can certainly add some mix ins as well to make them better from there.
Ingredient Notes
- 1 box brownie mix, 18 oz. is needed for the rest of the measurements. As far as the brand goes it doesn’t matter technically but I will say that the name brands that are a bit more expensive are way way better. More quality ingredients will yield a more moist and tender outcome.
- Melted butter or vegan alternative sticks work, unsalted butter is best for this one. I have used dairy free sticks and you really can’t tell the difference so use what is best for your dietary needs.
- Eggs make them rich and an extra yolk will get you a fudgier result.
- Milk or dairy free variety is fine but more fat means a more moist outcome so don’t try to cut calories on this one y’all
- Cocoa powder either dark or regular works but once again quality does make a difference with this one.
- A large bowl and muffin tin too
If you wanted to use Homemade Brownie Mix that would work too but we are going for easy peasy here so I typically don’t.
Equipment Needed
You will want a large bowl and a muffin tin too of course. I prefer paper liners vs. silicone just for an easier clean up. You could use this same batter but in 2-8 inch round pans though too to make a brownie cake too.
What can you use other than butter in brownies?
Pumpkin puree is probably my favorite change though and a great one in the Fall during the holidays too. Brownies with Pumpkin isn’t an overwhelming flavor difference but just a tinge. A lot healthier than butter too so that is a win win for us. Another option is to use applesauce or even plain Greek yogurt as an alternative.
Optional Add-ins
I would keep add-ins to 1/2 cup. I like mini semi-sweet chocolate chips so they are smaller and integrate better to be in every single bite. Fold in gently at the end, don’t use an electric mixer as they may break apart.
I mean we are tweaking the ingredients needed here to make cupcakes instead which is already jazzing it up to begin with but that is just the start. You can add mini chocolate chips and/or crushed nuts if you’d like from there. You can add 1 scoop of protein powder like our protein brownie recipe but it will make these more dense
And of course you can decorate the top of the brownie frosting with all sorts of garnishes like sprinkles or cake toppers. Jump to recipe card and get started today!
You could add just a bit of alcohol into the mix if it is for an adult party. 😉 A few tbsp. of Kahlua is a delicious idea to enhance the chocolate flavor for sure. Rum or bourbon give them a bit of a kick. OR make in individual servings like our Brownie in a Mug style.
FAQ
You will want to spray them gently with some vegetable oil to prevent sticking. Brownie batter whether made like the box instructs or brownie mix into cupcakes is a bit thicker and stickier so they do need a bit of non stick spray.
Baking powder will make boxed brownie mix fluffier, more like chocolate cake. This is why we add it to make into cupcakes. Just 1 teaspoon will change them from fudgy to cakey if you like that texture better.
Brownie Cupcakes Recipe
Equipment
- 1 muffin tin
- 1 Bowl
Ingredients
- 1 box brownie mix, 18 oz.
- 1/3 c butter, melted
- 3 eggs
- 2 tbsp milk
- 1 tsp baking powder
Chocolate Brownie Frosting
- 3/4 c butter, softened
- 2.5 c powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 1/4 c cocoa powder
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Line a cupcake tin with paper liners and set it aside. Spray gently with non stick spray so they don't stick.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the brownie mix, melted butter, eggs, milk and baking powder until well combined.
- Use a 2 Tbsp cookie scoop and fill each liner about 3/4 full, should be one scoop per liner. Place the tray in the oven and bake for 20-23 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out cleanly. Remove and let the cupcakes cool completely.
- To make the frosting, place the butter in a large bowl and beat with an electric mixer for 1-2 minutes, until the butter lightens in color. Add in the powdered sugar, vanilla and cocoa powder and continue to beat until the frosting is smooth and creamy. Place into a piping bag with frosting tip of choice (#1B shown) and pipe frosting on the top of the cooled cupcakes.
Notes
Brownie Mix Cupcake Tips
- Always wait until baked goods are completely cooled before frosting.
- You can use a pint size freezer bag instead of piping bag + tip. Just fill, zip closed and snip the corner off to squeeze out.
- You could use a tub of store bought chocolate frosting instead this same way to decorate.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Can’t wait to try.