Put that boxed brownie mix away…you won’t need it anymore after trying this Skip the Mix Brownie Recipe!
I’ve told you all before that when I first got married 15 years ago, I didn’t really know how to cook. Frozen cookie dough, Hamburger Helper, etc. was pretty much the extent of things I’d attempt in the kitchen. Man, was I so proud of myself when my husband would compliment me on my exquisite skills with box mixes! In fairness, I was working 60+ hours a week in a highly demanding job and really didn’t care to devote the time to cooking. I was perfectly happy with my slice and bake cookies and not so fancy convenience meals.
Then I had kids, and the continuous demand of my job went away as I decided to work from home part-time. Having kids opened up a desire in me to try a little harder to be domestic and to work on improving my skills in the kitchen. Slowly and surely, I tried different recipes and discovered that not only did I really like to cook, I was pretty good at it! And, as they say, the rest is history!
One of my favorite things to eat is brownies. But I am super picky about how I like my brownies! The tops need to have the perfect, light crust and the center needs to be just a little gooey…not really cakey, but not overly fudgey either. The perfect blend of the two is what I’m looking for in my ideal brownie recipe. Oh, I also like them to be sweet, not bitter… I can’t stand bitter chocolate brownies. Those are the most disappointing things to bite into! And my final requirement? They MUST be easy… if it is any harder than opening up a box mix and preparing it, I want nothing to do with it. Brownies are meant to be quick so that your chocolate cravings can be fulfilled ASAP.
I made this brownie recipe for the first time right after Jacob was born. It was my first time attempting a brownie recipe instead of a mix. The awesome thing is, this is the first brownie recipe my daughter has made all by herself too! It certainly fits all of my requirements for a perfect, no fuss, delicious and easy brownie.
Next time that chocolate craving hits, skip the mix and give this brownie recipe a try! I promise, you’ll love how quick and easy your chocolate craving gets fulfilled. Enjoy!
Skip the Mix Brownie Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup vegetable oil
- 2 cups sugar
- 2 teaspoons vanilla
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 2/3 cup cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup all purpose flour
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F
- Prepare a 9x13 pan by spraying with non-stick cooking spray (I use PAM Baking Spray with flour).
- In a large bowl, stir together the vegetable oil, sugar, vanilla and eggs with a wooden spoon until well incorporated.
- Add the baking powder, cocoa powder, salt and all purpose flour to the bowl, stirring continuously until the batter is well blended.
- Pour into the prepared pan and bake for 30 minutes, or until the sides of the brownies start to pull away from the pan.
- Cool, then cut into squares and enjoy!
Do you want more chocolate? Check out these awesome chocolate recipes from friends around the web:
Claudia’s Perfect 3 Minute Mug Brownie from Lauren’s Latest
Brownie Batter Dip from Chef in Training
Chocolate Brownie Energy Bites from The Lemon Bowl
Sam @ PancakeWarriors says
These look fabulous! So fudgy!!
Kristen says
They are so so so good…and almost too easy!
I hope you have a great weekend, Sam!
Amy @ MomAdvice says
Oh, there is nothing like homemade brownies. These look perfect!!
Kristen says
They are my weakness, for sure! Thanks for your comment, Amy!
TidyMom says
I’m showing this to Allison! She actually made brownies last night from another blogger and we thru the whole pan out. They looked nothing like their picture and the texture was light like cake. BLAH
She will love these I’m sure!!
Kristen says
Ugh – I hate it when recipes don’t work out, especially if you are really, seriously craving chocolate!
This is nothing fancy, but it’s a standard that works for us each and every time!
Anna @ Crunchy Creamy Sweet says
I am so picky about brownies! I am sold on this recipe and can’t wait to make it!
Kristen says
I hope you’ll try it and I know you’ll love it if you do 🙂 HAve a great weekend, Anna!
Joanie @ ZagLeft says
I like brownies exactly the same way and these look perfect. It sure beats going to the store to buy a mix when I’ve got all of the ingredients in my pantry and fridge already.
Kristen says
These are almost too easy – because when I crave them, I make them… and then I eat them, all!
Tracy | Pale Yellow says
These look fantastic, I love that all the ingredients are readily in the pantry!
Kristen says
That’s what I love about it too! It’s definitely no fuss! Thanks, Tracy! Have a great weekend!
Julie says
Excellent, there is such a difference between scratch and a mix.
Kristen says
There really is – although I do love some of the brownie mixes out there, but I never have them in my pantry!
Stacy | Wicked Good Kitchen says
Fabulous easy recipe for brownies, K! I have a major craving for some fudgy brownies this weekend and recipes using oil with cocoa are some of the very best with concentrated chocolate flavor. Cannot wait to try these! Thanks for sharing and have a great weekend, my friend. Pinning these babies! 😉
Kristen says
Thanks, Stacy! This is my go to, craving cure!
Kimberly says
I made this with two additions: 1/3 Cup black walnuts and 1/3 Cup Ghirardelli Classic White Chips. Yummy!
Katrina says
Yum. I’ve made all kinds of brownies for years. Still trying to convince my husband that homemade are better than boxed. I’ll have to try this recipe on him. 😉
bev @ bevcooks says
Ohhhhhhmyyyyyygooooooosh. Yeah.
Thalia @ butter and brioche says
I am so craving brownies after seeing these images. Your brownies Kristin look divine!
Kristen says
These look perfect! Yum! I always prefer skipping the box.
Amanda says
These look so rich and fudgy! Great recipe!
Jenny Flake says
Yummy…brownies are always a favorite in family! I love how quick and easy these are 😀
Jan says
As soon as I read the description, I knew I would love them. They are perfect! The people at the office are enjoying them as having a whole pan in my house would be too big a temptation.
Liz @ The Lemon Bowl says
So Rich literally asked for boxed brownies for his birthday. Why didn’t I make these?? Thank you for the brownie bite shout out! Hope you’re having so much fun on your cruise!
ChiO says
SImple and fabulous! The way food should be 🙂
Leesie says
I’m baking them right now! I substituted coconut oil for the vegetable oil. Can’t wait to eat a piece!
Carol at Wild Goose Tea says
I am picky about brownies too. Hence I normally don’t eat them. Why waste the calories. However, I haven’t tried to perfect a brownie recipe either. AND since YOU have. And the pic looks marvelous, darling. I pinned it.
Diz says
these are amazing, and almost to easy. I love the texture as well. Stunning.