Are you tired of slaving away in the kitchen, tediously mixing and measuring ingredients for the perfect brownies? Do you wish there was a way to make delicious, fudgy brownies with minimal effort and cleanup? Look no further! In this article, we’ll show you how to make box brownies in a slow cooker, a game-changing dessert hack that’s sure to become a staple in your household.
The Benefits of Slow Cooker Brownies
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s talk about the benefits of making brownies in a slow cooker. Here are just a few reasons why this method is a total game-changer:
- Minimal effort: Simply mix together the ingredients, pour them into the slow cooker, and let the magic happen. No tedious stirring or constant monitoring required!
- Easy cleanup: The slow cooker does all the work, leaving you with minimal dishes to wash. Plus, the brownies are contained in one easy-to-clean vessel.
- Perfect texture: The slow cooker’s low heat and moisture create the perfect environment for fudgy, gooey brownies that are sure to satisfy any sweet tooth.
- Flexibility: Make the brownies in the morning and come home to a delicious, freshly baked dessert. Or, make them in the evening and enjoy them as a midnight snack.
Choosing the Right Slow Cooker
Before we get started, make sure you have the right slow cooker for the job. Here are a few things to consider:
- Size: A 6-quart slow cooker is the perfect size for this recipe. If you have a smaller or larger slow cooker, you may need to adjust the cooking time.
- Material: Look for a slow cooker with a ceramic or stoneware insert. These materials retain heat well and are easy to clean.
- Features: A slow cooker with a timer and automatic shut-off is a must-have for this recipe. This will ensure that your brownies are cooked to perfection and don’t overcook.
Recommended Slow Cookers
Here are a few slow cookers that we recommend for this recipe:
- Crock-Pot 6-Quart Programmable Cook & Carry Slow Cooker
- Hamilton Beach 6-Quart Set & Forget Programmable Slow Cooker
- KitchenAid 6-Quart Slow Cooker with Timer
The Recipe
Now that we’ve covered the benefits and slow cooker requirements, it’s time to get started with the recipe! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 box of brownie mix (we recommend Ghirardelli or Betty Crocker)
- 1/2 cup of water
- 1/4 cup of oil
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup of chopped walnuts (optional)
Mixing the Ingredients
In a large bowl, whisk together the brownie mix, water, oil, eggs, and vanilla extract. Stir until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps.
Adding the Chocolate Chips and Walnuts
Stir in the chocolate chips and walnuts (if using). Make sure they’re evenly distributed throughout the batter.
Pouring the Batter into the Slow Cooker
Pour the batter into the slow cooker and smooth out the top. Make sure the batter is evenly distributed and the top is smooth.
Cooking the Brownies
Cook the brownies on low for 2-3 hours or on high for 1-2 hours. The cooking time will depend on your slow cooker and the desired level of doneness.
Checking for Doneness
Check the brownies for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center. If the toothpick comes out clean, the brownies are done. If not, cook for an additional 30 minutes and check again.
Tips and Variations
Here are a few tips and variations to take your slow cooker brownies to the next level:
- Add-ins: Try adding different mix-ins like nuts, dried fruit, or candy pieces to create a unique flavor combination.
- Espresso powder: Add a teaspoon of espresso powder to intensify the chocolate flavor.
- Sea salt: Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top of the brownies before cooking for a salty-sweet contrast.
- Glaze: Drizzle a glaze made from powdered sugar and milk over the top of the brownies for an extra-decadent treat.
Troubleshooting
Here are a few common issues that may arise when making slow cooker brownies:
- Overcooking: If the brownies are overcooked, they may be dry and crumbly. Try reducing the cooking time or using a lower heat setting.
- Undercooking: If the brownies are undercooked, they may be gooey and raw in the center. Try increasing the cooking time or using a higher heat setting.
Conclusion
Making box brownies in a slow cooker is a game-changing dessert hack that’s sure to become a staple in your household. With minimal effort and cleanup, you can create delicious, fudgy brownies that are perfect for any occasion. So go ahead, give this recipe a try, and experience the magic of slow cooker brownies for yourself!
| Slow Cooker Brownie Recipe | Ingredients | Cooking Time |
|---|---|---|
| Box Brownie Mix | 1 box | 2-3 hours (low), 1-2 hours (high) |
| Water | 1/2 cup | |
| Oil | 1/4 cup | |
| Eggs | 2 | |
| Vanilla Extract | 1 teaspoon | |
| Chocolate Chips | 1 cup | |
| Walnuts (optional) | 1 cup |
By following this recipe and using the right slow cooker, you’ll be on your way to creating delicious, fudgy brownies that are sure to impress. Happy baking!
What is the benefit of using a slow cooker to make box brownies?
Using a slow cooker to make box brownies is a game-changing hack that offers several benefits. For one, it allows for even cooking and a perfectly cooked texture. Unlike traditional oven-baked brownies, which can sometimes be overcooked or undercooked in certain areas, slow cooker brownies are cooked consistently throughout.
Another benefit of using a slow cooker is that it eliminates the risk of overcooking. Since the slow cooker cooks the brownies at a low temperature for a longer period, you don’t have to worry about them burning or becoming too dry. This makes it perfect for those who tend to forget about their baked goods in the oven or have trouble getting the timing just right.
How do I convert a box brownie mix to a slow cooker recipe?
Converting a box brownie mix to a slow cooker recipe is relatively easy. Start by following the instructions on the box for mixing the batter, but instead of pouring it into a baking dish, pour it into a greased slow cooker. You can use a 6-quart slow cooker for a standard box mix.
Next, cook the brownies on low for 2-3 hours or on high for 1-2 hours. You can check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center of the brownies. If it comes out clean, they’re done. If not, cover the slow cooker and cook for an additional 30 minutes to 1 hour.
Can I customize my slow cooker box brownies with mix-ins?
One of the best things about making slow cooker box brownies is that you can customize them with your favorite mix-ins. Some popular options include nuts (walnuts or pecans work well), chocolate chips, dried fruit, or even candy pieces. Simply fold your chosen mix-ins into the batter before pouring it into the slow cooker.
When adding mix-ins, keep in mind that they may affect the cooking time. For example, if you add a lot of nuts or chocolate chips, the brownies may take a bit longer to cook. Just be sure to check on them periodically to avoid overcooking.
How do I prevent my slow cooker brownies from becoming too dry?
To prevent your slow cooker brownies from becoming too dry, make sure to grease the slow cooker thoroughly before adding the batter. You can use cooking spray or oil to prevent the brownies from sticking.
Another tip is to avoid overcooking the brownies. Since slow cookers cook at a low temperature, it’s easy to get away with cooking the brownies for a bit longer than necessary. However, this can cause them to dry out. Check on the brownies periodically and remove them from the slow cooker as soon as they’re done.
Can I make slow cooker box brownies ahead of time?
Yes, you can make slow cooker box brownies ahead of time. In fact, this is one of the best things about this recipe. Simply prepare the batter and pour it into the slow cooker, then cook on low for 2-3 hours or on high for 1-2 hours.
If you want to make the brownies ahead of time, you can prepare the batter and refrigerate it overnight, then cook it in the slow cooker the next day. Alternatively, you can cook the brownies and let them cool, then refrigerate or freeze them for later use.
How do I store leftover slow cooker box brownies?
Leftover slow cooker box brownies can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can also refrigerate them for up to 5 days or freeze them for up to 2 months.
When storing leftover brownies, make sure to let them cool completely first. This will help prevent moisture from building up and causing the brownies to become soggy. If you’re freezing the brownies, consider cutting them into individual portions and wrapping each one in plastic wrap or aluminum foil for easy thawing.
Can I use a different type of cake mix to make slow cooker desserts?
While this recipe specifically uses a box brownie mix, you can experiment with other types of cake mixes to make different slow cooker desserts. For example, you could try using a chocolate cake mix, a red velvet cake mix, or even a cookie mix.
When using a different type of cake mix, keep in mind that the cooking time may vary. Some mixes may require more or less time in the slow cooker, so be sure to check on them periodically to avoid overcooking. You can also customize your slow cooker desserts with mix-ins, such as nuts, chocolate chips, or dried fruit.