Brownies as Your Canvas
February 20, 2015
I’m not a super chocolate lover, but I do love brownies. I like them crisp on the edges and chewy inside. There are so many recipes out there and I’m sure you have your favorite. Even the boxed brownie mixes are good. But what makes them better is adding your own unique twist! Here are some fun takes on the traditional brownie.
Coconut Macaroon Brownies
Start with one package of brownie mix.
- 1 package sweetened coconut (about 4 cups)
- 1 14 ounce sweetened condensed milk
- 1 tablespoon vanilla
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Mix together the four ingredients above. Spread half the brownie mix into a 13 by 9 inch baking dish. Spread the coconut macaroon filling on top of the brownie mix and then spread the remaining brownie mix on top.
Cream Cheese Filling
Start with one package of brownie mix.
- 8 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
- 1/3 cup granulated white sugar
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 large egg
Mix together the four ingredients above. Spread the filling over half the brownie mix and then cover with the remaining brownie mix. Bake as recipe calls for.
Frosted Brownies
Any flavor of frosting will work with brownies. Make your favorite frosting or buy one you really like and after the brownies have cooled, frost them for added flavor.
Caramel Sauce
Make or buy some caramel and drizzle it over the brownie after it is baked. Here is a simple way (via Curtis Stone and GMC Trade Secrets) to make your own caramel sauce. Some people add a tablespoon of butter for an even creamier sauce. There are so many recipes out there for caramel and some use water or other ingredients, but I tried this 3 times and it worked out perfectly.
Candy-Filled Brownies
Spread half the brownie mix into the pan then lay down a layer of your favorite candy bar – York Peppermint Patties, Heath, M&M’s, Reeses Peanut Butter Cups or Snickers. Spread the rest of the brownie mix on top and bake as called for by recipe. Or use flavored chocolate chips like butterscotch, mint, or white chocolate.
Brownie Chocolate Chip Cookie
Start with a brownie base and spread the mix in the pan. Sprinkle coconut over it and bake as directed. Allow to cool. Take homemade or store-bought chocolate chip cookie mix and spread it onto a pan the same dimensions as your brownie pan. Sprinkle walnuts on top and bake as directed. Pour some caramel over the cooled brownie and place the chocolate chip cookie on top. Hmmmmm….. this is so delicious!
Brownie Mixes
Mix in different kinds of nuts, like walnuts, pecans or macadamia nuts. Add extra chocolate chips or white chocolate chips. Mash up a banana and add it to the batter. Or how about some dried raisins or cherries?
And here is something totally different: Brush on some Kahlua right after the brownies come out of the over.
To me brownies are the best dessert to experiment with because how can you mess up with something as good as a brownie. Use a brownie mix as the canvas for a good painting.
