I Tried the TikTok Brownie Mix Hack and I’ll Never Make Brownies Any Other Way

One thing to know about me: I will never, ever turn down a brownie. And that includes brownies from a box. They’re quick, low-effort, and positively delicious. And while brownies are great on their own, I’m always game to give my favorite baked good an upgrade or try a hack that will take a batch up a notch (hello, peanut butter brownies). 

I’ve seen some totally clever baking and cooking hacks on TikTok (like the muffin tin rice trick and the double toasted French toast hack), but I just saw one involving brownie mix that may be my favorite hack yet. Most box mixes rely on water, oil, and eggs to make the batter. This video suggests replacing the water with coffee.

As I watched this hack from TikTok user @katedavidsun, I had a lightbulb moment. Of course! Lots of chocolate recipes, like cake, homemade brownies, and even our chocolate cobbler, call for coffee or instant espresso, which enhance and deepen the flavor and richness of the chocolate. In fact, even the queen herself, Ina Garten, partners these two ingredients together. Strongly brewed black coffee is the secret that makes Ina Garten’s Beatty’s chocolate cake such a showstopper. 

The premise here couldn’t be easier: Simply replace the water called for on the back of the box instructions with an equal amount of brewed coffee. Follow the rest of the recipe as written and bake as instructed. Easy-peasy.

I will never make boxed brownies any other way. Using strong, hot coffee instead of water makes total sense, and I still can’t believe I never thought to do this sooner. It’s so smart. The result isn’t drastic but the chocolate factor in my brownies was definitely upped. The brownies tasted rich, fudgy, and super chocolatey. And no, you don’t taste the coffee at all.

There are a few details that the TikTok video leaves out, but a little know-how from experienced bakers will help you whip up the best batch of boxed brownies yet.