Skip the boxed mixes and make your own DIY brownie mix based on my favorite better-than-box fudgy brownie recipe. Store pre-measured mix in jars or bags so you can bake fresh brownies whenever the craving hits.
Reader review ★★★★★
Oh my goodness! These brownies are amazing! I’ve been searching for a mix to give in a basket for Christmas, and this is the best recipe. I made it in a 9×13 pan and cut into 24 squares. Yum! Boxed brownie mix has gotten so expensive. I will make this in bags to have on hand, too. Thanks for the gift tag! You rock! – Sue
A stock-your-pantry life hack
After testing this mix many times, I’m confident it’s the easiest homemade brownie mix that rivals the best boxed mixes. It’s simple to prepare, stores well when kept dry, and makes a terrific gift.
Why I love this mix:
- Saves time & cleanup: Pre-measuring the dry ingredients means you don’t need to pull out every jar and measuring cup when you want fresh brownies.
- Tastes better than premade: Homemade mixes let you control quality and flavor—no artificial preservatives, and you can choose higher-quality cocoa or chocolate.
- Easy to personalize: Add extra chips, nuts, marshmallows, or swap in gluten-free flour to match dietary needs or flavor preferences.
what you need
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
- Granulated sugar: Don’t reduce this—sugar is important for texture and balanced sweetness.
- Powdered sugar: Adds to the glossy, crackly top—don’t skip it.
- All-purpose flour: You can substitute a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend if needed; baking time may be slightly longer.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: Use a good-quality cocoa you enjoy; different brands will change the depth of chocolate flavor.
- Baking powder: Use baking powder (not baking soda) and make sure it’s fresh for best rise and texture.
- Cornstarch: A small amount helps create a chewy, tender crumb.
- Chocolate chips: Chips or chunks add flavor, texture, and help form a shiny crust—dark chocolate chunks are especially nice.
- Espresso powder (optional): A pinch boosts the chocolate flavor, especially with milder cocoa powders.
- To bake: You’ll add vegetable oil, eggs, warm water, and vanilla when you’re ready to bake.
How to Make This Brownie Mix
Preparing the dry mix is quick and easy. Below are straightforward steps and tips for making single bags or a large container for repeated use or gifting.
Mix Dry Ingredients
For a single batch, combine all dry ingredients, including the chocolate chips. For bulk batches that you’ll divide into bags, leave the chips until you portion the mix so you can distribute them evenly.
Portion into Bags
Each single-batch portion fits a quart-sized zip-top bag or a quart jar. If you prefer, use resealable dry mix pouches for a polished gift presentation.
Write or Attach Instructions
Label each bag or jar with the baking instructions and wet ingredients. For home use, a permanent marker works; for gifts, attach a printed tag with clear steps and bake times.
How Long Does Homemade Brownie Mix Last?
This dry mix keeps best for 1–2 months stored in an airtight container at room temperature. The dry ingredients themselves remain shelf-stable much longer, but chocolate can gradually lose freshness or develop bloom over time. Store the mix in a cool, dark place away from heat and humidity for the best results.
gift it!
How to Gift Homemade Brownie Mix
Homemade brownie mix makes a thoughtful, usable gift. Package quart jars or resealable pouches with a tag listing wet ingredients and bake time for a lovely present.
Gift in quart jars
Add to care packages
Add to a gift basket
Gift in foil pans
melissa’s tips
Tips & Variations
- Make gluten-free: Substitute all-purpose flour with a 1-to-1 gluten-free blend.
- Mix-ins: Add different chips (dark, milk, white), baking chips like peanut butter or toffee, chopped nuts, marshmallows, or mini peanut butter cups for variety.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does homemade brownie mix last?
This dry mix will stay best for 1–2 months in an airtight container at room temperature. Chocolate pieces can lose freshness over time, so use within this window for the best flavor.
How many brownies does one batch make?
One pre-measured bag will make about 12 brownies baked in a 9×9″ pan. If you use a 9×13″ pan and cut smaller pieces, you can get about 24 brownies.
What wet ingredients are needed to bake the brownies?
To bake one batch from the dry mix, add 2 large eggs, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, ½ cup vegetable oil, and ¼ cup warm water. Mix until just combined, pour into a greased light-colored metal pan, optionally top with an extra ¼ cup chocolate chips, and bake at 325°F: 32–36 minutes for a 9×9″ pan or 20–24 minutes for a 9×13″ pan. Glass pans usually require additional time.
Can you freeze homemade brownie mix?
Yes—pack the dry mix in a freezer-safe bag or airtight container and freeze up to 3 months. Thaw to room temperature before using.
Is homemade mix cheaper than store-bought?
Generally yes—especially if you buy pantry staples in bulk. Making your own mix often costs less and lets you control ingredients and quality.
What container is best for storing the mix?
Quart-sized zip-top bags, wide-mouth mason jars, or resealable dry-mix pouches all work well. Jars look attractive for gifts; bags are convenient and space-saving.
Looking for more easy baking mixes?
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Homemade Muffin Mix -
Homemade Pancake Mix
DIY Brownie Mix
Ingredients — Option 1: Pre-Measured Bag (makes one mix)
- 1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder (not baking soda)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 3/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips or chunks
- 1 teaspoon espresso powder (optional)
For Baking (per bag)
- 3 1/2 cups brownie mix (or 1 pre-measured bag)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup warm water
Instructions — For Pre-Measured Bags
- Measure the dry ingredients into a quart-sized bag: granulated sugar, powdered sugar, flour, cocoa powder, salt, baking powder, cornstarch, chocolate chips, and optional espresso powder. Fold the bag top down while filling so it’s easier to close, then shake to combine.
- Attach or write instructions on the bag: “Add 2 large eggs, 1 teaspoon vanilla, 1/2 cup vegetable oil, and 1/4 cup water. Stir until just combined, pour into a greased light-colored metal pan, top with an extra 1/4 cup chocolate chips if desired, and bake at 325°F.” Bake times: 9×9″ — 32–36 minutes; 9×13″ — 20–24 minutes. Note: glass pans take longer.
- Store sealed bags or jars in the pantry for 1–2 months.
Instructions — For a Large Container
- Measure scaled quantities into a large airtight container (see ingredient list for large-batch amounts). Close and shake to combine. Leave a few inches of headspace if you plan to shake to recombine before each use.
- Label the container with the baking directions and the amount of mix needed per batch (3 1/2 cups mix per batch), plus the wet ingredients and bake times.
Notes from Melissa
Store this homemade brownie mix in a cool, dry pantry for best results and use within 1–2 months. For the full brownie recipe and baking tips, use this mix with your favorite fudgy brownie method.