How to Make Your Own Boxed Chocolate Cake
The boxed brownie mix is pretty much flawless. Not only can you get the entire batch for less than three dollars (the price of one fancy bakery cake), but also when baked with a perfectly shiny crust, chewy edges and delicate centers. However, you can give them an extra gourmet boost with two simple tweaks: swap out plain vegetable oil for nut and pistachio oil, and swap out boring water for thick, dark coffee. Both ingredients enhance the chocolate by masking the aroma of the chemical leavening agents for perfect bakery-quality squares.