Making brownies in the microwave can be a quick and easy way to satisfy a chocolate craving. Betty Crocker brownie mixes are a popular pre-packaged brownie option found in many pantries. But can you successfully make Betty Crocker brownies in the microwave? Let’s take a look at the possibilities and best practices for microwave brownie preparation.
Can Betty Crocker brownie mixes be made in the microwave?
Yes, you can make Betty Crocker brownie mixes in the microwave! The mixes contain all the dry ingredients you need to make the brownies. All you need to provide is water, oil and an egg. Then you can mix everything together and microwave the batter based on package directions, typically around 1 minute per brownie. The results will be warm, fudgy brownies made conveniently in the microwave.
Tips for microwave brownies from a mix
When preparing brownies from a mix in the microwave, keep these tips in mind:
- Use a microwave-safe baking dish. Glass or ceramic work best.
- Lightly grease the baking dish with butter or non-stick cooking spray so the brownies won’t stick.
- Mix the batter well so the ingredients are fully incorporated.
- Don’t overmix, which can make the brownies tough. Just mix enough to combine the ingredients.
- Spread the batter evenly in the baking dish.
- Cook according to package directions based on microwave wattage. Start checking at the minimum recommended time.
- Let the brownies sit for 2-3 minutes before removing from the microwave so they can finish setting up.
- Top with ice cream, fudge sauce or nuts if desired while still warm.
Common microwave brownie mistakes
While cooking brownies in the microwave is convenient, there are a few potential pitfalls to avoid:
- Overcooking – This can dry out the brownies. Follow package directions carefully.
- Uneven cooking – Rotate the dish during cooking to help prevent hot and cold spots.
- Using a metal pan – Metal can damage the microwave and impact browning. Use microwave-safe dish.
- Not enough liquid – Having the right ratio of liquid is important for the proper texture.
- Adding ingredients not called for – Stick to the recipe, as additions may alter cooking time.
Microwave Betty Crocker brownie mix recipes
Betty Crocker offers a range of delicious brownie mixes that can be prepared conveniently in the microwave:
Fudge Brownie Mix
This classic fudgy brownie mix bakes up rich and chocolatey. Just add water, oil and an egg.
Triple Chunk Brownie Mix
Loaded with chocolate chips, white chocolate chips and peanut butter chips, this mix yields ultra-indulgent brownies.
Salted Caramel Brownie Mix
For a grown-up twist, this mix features swirls of salted caramel baked right into the fudgy brownies.
Mug Brownie Mix
Designed specifically for microwave use, this convenient single-serving mix allows you to make brownies in a mug in just over a minute.
| Mix | Prep Time | Total Time |
|---|---|---|
| Fudge Brownie Mix | 5 minutes | 1 minute 45 seconds per brownie |
| Triple Chunk Brownie Mix | 5 minutes | 1 minute 45 seconds per brownie |
| Salted Caramel Brownie Mix | 5 minutes | 1 minute 45 seconds per brownie |
| Mug Brownie Mix | 2 minutes | 1 minute 10 seconds per mug |
Microwave directions for Betty Crocker brownie mixes
General microwave instructions for preparing Betty Crocker brownie mixes are:
- Lightly grease an 8-inch square or round microwave-safe baking dish with butter or non-stick spray. Line with parchment paper if desired for easy removal.
- In a medium bowl, combine brownie mix, water, oil and egg. Mix well until blended and smooth.
- Pour batter into prepared dish, spreading evenly.
- Microwave on high for 1 minute 45 seconds per brownie. For example, cook 6 brownies for 10-11 minutes total. Check at minimum recommended time and cook longer if needed.
- Let brownies stand in microwave for 2-3 minutes before removing. Carefully remove dish and let cool 10 minutes before cutting.
- For mug brownies, combine mix, water and oil in a greased microwave-safe mug. Microwave on high for 1 minute 10 seconds. Let stand 2 minutes before eating.
Cooking time may vary based on your microwave wattage. Refer to the package instructions for recommendations. The brownies should appear mostly set on top when done.
Troubleshooting microwave Betty Crocker brownies
If your microwave brownies made from a Betty Crocker mix don’t turn out quite right, here are some common issues and solutions:
Brownies are dry
- Overcooked – Reduce cook time by 15-30 seconds next time.
- Not enough liquid – Make sure you use the amount of water specified on the package.
Brownies fall or stick to the pan
- Undercooked – Cook a little longer until completely set.
- Removed from microwave too soon – Let stand the recommended time before taking out.
- Pan not greased – Make sure to prep dish with butter or non-stick spray.
Brownies are unevenly cooked
- Hot and cold spots – Rotate dish during cooking for even heating.
- Batter not spread evenly – Spread batter consistently in pan before cooking.
How to make Betty Crocker microwave brownies from scratch
You can also make delicious microwave brownies using Betty Crocker products without a boxed mix. Here is a from scratch recipe:
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter, melted
- 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Grease an 8-inch microwave-safe dish and line with parchment paper if desired.
- In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine melted butter and cocoa powder. Microwave on high 30 seconds until hot. Whisk until blended.
- Add sugar to cocoa mixture. Whisk to dissolve the sugar.
- Stir in eggs and vanilla until smooth.
- Add flour, salt and baking powder. Fold gently just until combined.
- Fold in nuts or chocolate chips if desired.
- Pour batter into prepared dish and spread evenly.
- Microwave uncovered on medium-high 5-7 minutes, checking often. Cook until edges are set but center still looks undone.
- Let cool in microwave 5 minutes before removing. Cool completely before cutting.
Microwave brownie mix tips
To get picture-perfect microwave brownies from a mix every time, keep these tips in mind:
- Prep the pan well – Grease it thoroughly and line with parchment for easy removal if desired.
- Mix just until blended – Gently combine ingredients without overmixing for best texture.
- Spread batter evenly – This promotes even cooking and better rise.
- Follow package directions – They factor in microwave wattage for ideal cook times.
- Check early – Begin checking at the minimum cook time and go longer if needed.
- Let sit before removing – Allowing the brownies to rest ensures they set up properly.
- Adjust cook time as needed – The first batch is a test – tweak time up or down for subsequent batches.
Are microwave brownies as good as oven brownies?
Microwave brownies made from a mix can be just as tasty as oven-baked brownies. However, there are a few differences between the two methods:
| Microwave Brownies | Oven Brownies | |
|---|---|---|
| Cook time | 5-10 minutes | 20-40 minutes |
| Results | Fudgy, soft, moist interior | Fudgy, soft and chewy interior |
| Crust | Soft, cake-like crust | Crispy, crackly crust |
| Appearance | May be paler in color | Deeper, darker color |
The shorter microwave cooking time produces brownies with a soft, almost cake-like texture rather than the chewy bite of oven brownies. Many people enjoy the moist, fudgy centers of microwave brownies. However, the lack of oven heat means less opportunity for a crispy crust to form.
Microwave brownie ideas and variations
Once you’ve mastered the basics of mixing and microwaving brownies from a boxed mix, there are lots of fun ways to customize your creation:
- Mix-ins: Add chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, peanut butter chips, nuts, toffee bits, etc.
- Frostings: Top with chocolate fudge sauce, caramel sauce, peanut butter frosting, whipped cream, etc.
- Fillings: Stuff with chocolate-hazelnut spread, peanut butter, jam, fresh berries, etc.
- Over-the-top: Add crushed cookies, s’mores toppings, crushed candy bars, etc.
- Themed shapes: Press into shaped pans for holidays, hearts for Valentine’s Day, etc.
- Mug cakes: Make single-serving brownie cups using mug brownie mix.
Let your imagination run wild coming up with fun brownie creations! The quick microwave prep time makes whipping up batches for different variations and add-ins easy.
Conclusion
In summary, yes you can absolutely make tasty Betty Crocker brownies conveniently in the microwave. Simply prep your microwave-safe pan, mix up the batter from a boxed brownie mix, and microwave according to package directions for fudgy homemade brownies in minutes. Follow our tips for microwave brownie success and experiment with creative add-ins and toppings. In no time, you’ll become a master microwave brownie maker!
