The Science Behind the Perfect Brownie Mix
The secret to achieving a glossy crust in brownies lies in the use of powdered sugar, which features small, fine crystals that dissolve easily even in low-moisture conditions. This results in a beautifully shiny top layer. By combining rich dark chocolate with Dutch cocoa powder, we enhance the brownies’ flavor profile, adding both intensity and depth. Refined coconut oil serves as an excellent base for our shelf-stable mix due to its solid state at room temperature and impressive shelf life. Additionally, malted milk powder introduces complexity and flavor that typically comes from butter.
As someone who has spent considerable time contemplating chocolate brownies, I’ve realized that no single recipe can satisfy everyone’s preferences—including my own.
On days when I have ample time, I relish browning butter with vanilla beans and whipping eggs with brown sugar to create what I consider the ultimate fudge brownie. However, there are moments when urgency takes precedence—whether it’s an overwhelming craving or unexpected guests arriving at my door.
In such instances, the convenience of a boxed brownie mix is tempting; it can be prepared faster than you can say “preheat oven.” While I appreciate commercial mixes for their nostalgic value—they’re tied to cherished childhood memories—I find joy in crafting desserts from scratch. Selecting high-quality dark chocolate and blending ingredients by hand brings me satisfaction despite being more time-consuming.
This internal conflict inspired me to create a recipe that balances quick preparation with homemade goodness: DIY brownie mix.
Crafting Your Own Brownie Mix
I drew inspiration from a muffin mix recipe featured in my cookbook that utilizes the reverse creaming method—mixing dry ingredients with fat before incorporating liquids—to develop a dry mix that’s stable on shelves. The challenge was whether this approach could be adapted for brownies.
The answer is yes—with some adjustments! While butter adds rich flavor through its nutty notes when browned either on the stovetop or during baking, omitting it could lead to blandness. To counteract this potential shortcoming without using butter, I incorporated malted milk powder into my brownie mix for added umami richness along with savory notes reminiscent of toasted nuts—a delightful twist found alongside hot cocoa mixes at grocery stores under brands like Carnation or Ovaltine (known as Horlicks outside North America).
The foundation of this brownie mix consists of high-fat Dutch cocoa (I prefer Cacao Barry Extra Brute) combined with dark chocolate; natural cocoa simply won’t provide the deep earthiness these brownies require.
While initial test batches produced delicious flavors thanks to refined coconut oil and malted milk powder’s contributions—something was missing: that coveted glossy crust! Through reader feedback during testing phases (like those for buttermilk waffles), I discovered powdered sugar dissolves more effectively than granulated sugar within batters leading to shinier tops upon baking. Switching over resulted in perfectly crinkled surfaces!
Both conventional and organic powdered sugars yield great results; however organic varieties retain some natural molasses content which enhances flavor depth compared to fully refined options—a subtle difference given how intense Dutch cocoa is but worth noting nonetheless!
Simple Steps for Success
Creating your own brownie mix couldn’t be easier: simply combine all dry ingredients using a food processor until they reach an ultra-fine consistency devoid of any visible lumps—this may take two minutes depending on your processor’s power level! Resist temptation here—the even distribution achieved through thorough grinding ensures optimal melting during baking resulting in fudgy textures later on!
Once pulverized thoroughly add solidified coconut oil then pulse briefly until just combined (about 30 seconds). Avoid over-processing since excessive friction may liquefy oils causing clumping issues down line—not detrimental but certainly annoying!
If you’re eager enough not wanting future self’s gift-of-brownies stored away—you can pour liquid components directly into mixture forming batter ready-to-bake immediately instead!
However true magic happens once you pause mixing process allowing dry mixture sit patiently awaiting next craving strike—it remains viable up until expiration date stamped onto package containing coconut oil usually lasting around one year post-purchase date if stored correctly away from heat sources like stoves where temperatures exceed 75°F risking melting issues while below 65°F leads hardening making hydration tricky later down road affecting overall performance too much unpredictability involved here so aim keep around room temp near 70°F/21°C ideally!
When cravings arise again preheat oven set temperature at 350°F(180°C), shake contents bowl then measure out water eggs & vanilla extract needed next step involves hydration rather than adding extra flavors since malt already provides lactose necessary without dulling chocolaty essence present within final product itself too much fat would also compromise chewiness desired outcome hence stick simple water works wonders here unless skim milk available providing reasonable alternative if lacking access malts altogether still yielding decent results albeit less complex taste profile ultimately though every little bit counts right?
Mixing assembly requires nothing more than combining liquid elements stirring gently together utilizing flexible spatula ensuring everything blends smoothly—even if initially appearing drier don’t fret keep stirring till cohesive batter forms nicely scraping into eight-inch square aluminum pan preferred choice due sharp corners yielding better edges although alternatives exist glass ceramic stoneware dishes work fine too just remember richer formulas fare best reflective metals unlike lighter ones forgiving nature allows flexibility across various bakeware types used interchangeably without compromising quality outcomes whatsoever regardless method chosen whether food processor hand-mixed techniques employed same chewy fudgy delights await ahead promising glossy crinkled tops emerge triumphantly after baking session concludes successfully leaving behind satisfied smiles all around enjoying treats shared amongst friends family alike indulging sweet moments created together forever cherished memories made along way…
Homemade Brownie Mix Recipe
For The Mix:
- 10 ounces powdered sugar (approx 2½ cups, spooned)
- 3 ounces finely chopped dark chocolate (~72% cacao) (~½ cup, finely chopped)
- 2¼ ounces all-purpose flour (~½ cup, spooned)
- 2¼ ounces Dutch-process cocoa powder (~¾ cup, spooned)
- 1 ounce malted milk powder (~¼ cup) - 1¼ teaspoons Diamond Crystal kosher salt
- Optional: ¾ teaspoon instant espresso powder
Note: For table salt use about half volume or same weight equivalent instead. Additions: - Solidified refined coconut oil (1¾ ounces)
Instructions:
1) Combine all dry ingredients including optional espresso powders within food processor bowl grind until smooth no chunks remain visible roughly two minutes depending size/power levels involved.
2) Add solidified coconut oil pulse briefly till mixed well approximately thirty seconds avoiding excess processing preventing liquefaction sticking problems arising later down line!
3) Store airtight container cool room temp up one year max based off original packaging dates noted earlier mentioned above regarding proper storage practices maintaining ideal conditions throughout duration keeping freshness intact always paramount priority ensuring quality maintained consistently enjoyed whenever desired occasions arise spontaneously calling forth indulgent experiences shared among loved ones creating lasting impressions unforgettable times spent together savoring delectable bites relishing sweetness life offers us daily basis reminding us cherish every moment lived fully embracing joys found simplest pleasures surrounding us everywhere we go…
Enjoy your homemade creations guilt-free knowing they were crafted lovingly by hands dedicated bringing happiness lives touched through culinary artistry expressed beautifully each bite savored deeply resonating warmth hearts filled gratitude appreciation shared amongst friends family alike celebrating love laughter good times had always remembered fondly forevermore…