How to Make the Best Brownie Cupcakes – Crispy Outside, Chewy Inside!
Brownies are one of the most beloved desserts of all time, but let’s be honest—everyone fights over the chewy, crispy corner pieces from a traditional brownie pan. The solution? Brownie cupcakes! By baking brownies in a muffin pan, you get the perfect texture every time—crispy on the outside, chewy and fudgy on the inside. Plus, they’re easy to grab and serve, making them perfect for parties, bake sales, or just an indulgent treat at home.
If you’re a chocolate lover who craves the ultimate brownie experience, this method is a game-changer. No more uneven baking, soggy centers, or fights over the best pieces—every brownie cupcake is perfectly baked and packed with rich, chocolatey goodness.
Why Brownie Cupcakes Are Better Than Regular Brownies
Baking brownies in a muffin tin has several advantages over the traditional square pan method:
- Perfect Texture: The muffin tin creates a crispy edge around the entire brownie while keeping the center soft and gooey.
- No More Cutting: No need to slice a big pan of brownies—just pop them out and enjoy.
- Less Mess: No more sticky knives or crumbling edges.
- Easy to Serve: Great for parties, lunchboxes, and quick snacks.
- Customizable: You can add different mix-ins to each cup—nuts, caramel, peanut butter, or extra chocolate chips.
What You’ll Need to Make Brownie Cupcakes
This recipe is super easy, and you only need a few ingredients:
Ingredients:
- 2 boxes of brownie mix (your favorite brand)
- 1 extra egg (for extra fudginess)
- Vegetable oil (as called for on the brownie mix box)
- Water (as called for on the brownie mix box)
- Nonstick spray (to prevent sticking)
Optional Mix-Ins:
- Chocolate chips (for extra gooeyness)
- Chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans work great)
- Caramel drizzle (for a sweet, gooey surprise)
- Peanut butter swirl (for a delicious contrast)
Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Brownie Cupcakes
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures even baking and a perfect texture.
- Prepare the Muffin Pan: Spray a 12-cup muffin pan (or two, if making 24 cupcakes) generously with nonstick spray. This step is crucial—brownies can stick if you skip it!
- Mix the Batter: In a large bowl, combine the 2 boxes of brownie mix, eggs, oil, and water according to the package instructions. Add an extra egg for extra chewiness. Stir until the batter is smooth.
- Fill the Muffin Cups: Divide the batter evenly among the muffin cups, filling each about ¾ full.
- Bake: Place the muffin pans in the oven and bake for 20 minutes. The edges should be crispy, and the centers should be slightly soft.
- Cool: Let the brownie cupcakes cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before removing them. This helps them set up and makes them easier to remove.
- Remove and Enjoy: Use a butter knife to gently lift the brownies from the pan. Serve warm for melty chocolate goodness, or let them cool for a firmer texture.
Tips for the Best Brownie Cupcakes
- Use Quality Brownie Mix: A good-quality mix makes a big difference in flavor and texture. Brands like Ghirardelli, Betty Crocker, and Duncan Hines work well.
- Don’t Overbake: Brownies continue to cook after being removed from the oven. If you bake them too long, they’ll lose their chewy center.
- Let Them Cool Slightly: Removing them too soon can cause breakage. A 5-minute cooling period is perfect.
- Experiment with Fillings: Add peanut butter, Nutella, caramel, or even marshmallows for a fun twist!
Brownie Cupcake Variations
Want to take your brownie cupcakes to the next level? Try these fun variations:
1. Double Chocolate Brownie Cupcakes
Mix in ½ cup of chocolate chips to the batter for extra gooeyness.
2. Caramel Swirl Brownie Cupcakes
Drizzle caramel sauce into each cup and swirl with a toothpick before baking.
3. Peanut Butter Brownie Cupcakes
Drop a teaspoon of peanut butter into the center of each brownie before baking.
4. S’mores Brownie Cupcakes
Top with a marshmallow and graham cracker crumbs for a campfire-inspired treat.
5. Oreo Brownie Cupcakes
Place an Oreo cookie at the bottom of each muffin cup before adding the batter.
Serving & Storing Brownie Cupcakes
How to Serve
- Warm & Fresh: Serve right after baking for the ultimate gooey texture.
- With Ice Cream: Top with vanilla ice cream and hot fudge for a decadent dessert.
- With Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream makes them extra special.
How to Store
- Room Temperature: Keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerator: Store in the fridge for up to a week for a firmer texture.
- Freezer: Wrap individually in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months.
Why You’ll Love These Brownie Cupcakes
Crispy Outside, Chewy Inside – The perfect texture in every bite.
No More Fighting Over the Corner Pieces – Every brownie has crispy edges.
Easy to Make & Serve – No slicing, just grab and enjoy.
Perfect for Any Occasion – Great for parties, bake sales, and snacks.
Customizable – Add your favorite mix-ins for endless flavor combinations.