These nutty brownies from brownie mix have a crunchy nut topping and a drizzle of melted chocolate.
Use your favorite nuts or a mix of whatever you have on hand.
A little flaky salt on top is optional, but I like it with the chocolate!
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Ingredients You'll need
Brownie base ingredients
Toppings
Notes and Substitutions
- Brownie mix: Use one standard 18-ounce box. Any brand works - just follow the package directions.
- Water: You can use the same amount of milk, buttermilk, or cooled brewed coffee instead.
- Instant coffee: Optional, for a stronger chocolate taste. Leave it out if you're using brewed coffee.
- Nuts: Walnuts, pecans, almonds, or a mix work well. Leave them whole or chop them into smaller pieces. If using salted nuts, go easy on the salt topping.
- Chocolate: Use semisweet or bittersweet chocolate chips, or chop a chocolate bar into small pieces.
- Flaky salt: Sprinkle a little over the chocolate drizzle, or leave it out.
How to Make Nutty Brownies
Preheat the oven to the temperature listed on the box.
Grease an 8×8-inch pan and line it with parchment paper.
Step 1: Prepare the brownies
Prepare 1 box brownie mix with the eggs, water, and oil listed on the package.
Mix in ½ teaspoon instant coffee (¼ teaspoon espresso powder), if using.
Spread the batter evenly in the prepared pan.
Scatter 1 cup whole or chopped nuts over the top.
Step 2: Bake and add the chocolate drizzle
Bake according to the package directions for an 8×8-inch pan. Check a few minutes early. A toothpick inserted near the center should have a few moist crumbs and no wet batter.
Let the brownies cool in the pan.
Microwave ¼ cup semisweet or bittersweet chocolate, stopping to stir every 15 seconds until smooth.
Put the melted chocolate in a small zip-top bag and cut off a tiny corner.
Drizzle over the cooled brownies. Sprinkle with flaky salt, if you like.
Refrigerate for about 1 hour, until the chocolate sets, then cut into squares.
Tips for Nutty Brownies
- Spread the nuts evenly. This helps each slice get some of the topping.
- Check the brownie underneath. The nuts can hide the surface, so use a toothpick to check near the center.
- Melt the chocolate in short intervals. Stir each time so it doesn't burn.
- Chill before cutting. The chocolate sets, and the brownies are easier to slice neatly.
Recipe FAQs
Walnuts and pecans are common choices, but almonds also work. Use one kind or a mix. Chop larger nuts if you want smaller pieces in each bite.
No. Since the nuts go on top before baking, they'll toast as the brownies cook.
Yes. Make them the day before and let the chocolate topping set. Keep them covered in the refrigerator until you're ready to serve.
For more tips and answers to common questions, see my guide to boxed brownies.
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📖 Recipe
Nutty Brownies (From Brownie Mix)
Equipment
- 8x8-inch pan
Ingredients
For the brownie base (see package instructions)
- brownie mix about 18 ounces
- eggs room temp & lightly beaten
- water
- oil
- ½ teaspoon instant coffee or ¼ teaspoon espresso powder optional
Extra ingredients
- 1 cup assorted nuts whole or chopped
- ¼ cup bittersweet or semisweet chocolate chips or chopped
- flaky salt optional
Instructions
- Make the brownie batter as directed in the package and spread it on an 8x8-inch pan.
- Add whole or chopped nuts on top.
- Bake the brownies according to the package instructions.
- Melt the chocolate in the microwave, then put it in a zip-top bag.
- Snip off one end and drizzle over the brownies.
- Sprinkle some flaky salt.
- Let it set for at least an hour in the fridge before cutting.
Video
Notes
- Brownie mix: Use a regular box, about 18 ounces. Follow the package directions.
- Water: Substitute the same amount of milk, buttermilk, or cooled brewed coffee.
- Instant coffee: Optional. Skip if using brewed coffee.
- Nuts: Use whole or chopped walnuts, pecans, almonds, or a mix.
- Chocolate: Use semisweet or bittersweet chips, or chopped chocolate.
- Flaky salt: Optional. Use less if the nuts are salted.
Christine says
All your desserts are just wonderful. Thank you for sharing. I need to find time to make them. I don’t know where to start.
Nora Rey says
Thank you so much for your kind words! I'm happy that you like the desserts I've shared.