Rich Fudgy Brownie Mix in a Jar (Just Add Butter & Eggs)
A homemade brownie mix layered in a jar is the kind of gift that feels thoughtful and takes almost no time to put together. The recipient just adds butter, eggs, and a quick stir before baking a pan of rich, fudgy brownies.
It’s all the convenience of a boxed mix without the chalky aftertaste, and the striped layers inside the jar look beautiful tied with a ribbon.
What Makes This Mix So Good
The cocoa layer sits right above the flour, so when you dump the whole jar into a bowl it blends into a deep chocolate batter with almost no effort. You get that crackly top and a dense middle that stays soft for days.
I keep a couple of these jars in the pantry for last-minute host gifts. They take about ten minutes to assemble and hold fresh for months.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour: spooned and leveled, not scooped
- 1 tsp baking powder: helps the brownies rise just enough
- ½ tsp fine salt: brings out the chocolate
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder: Dutch-process gives the richest color, but natural works too
- 1 cup granulated sugar: fine white sugar dissolves quickly
- ½ cup semisweet chocolate chips: a handful on top makes the jar look finished
Variations / Substitutions
- Chewier brownies: swap the white sugar for packed light brown sugar
- A little crunch: layer ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans between the cocoa and sugar
- Extra dark flavor: use dark cocoa powder and dark chocolate chips
- Dairy-free as a mix: it already is. The recipient just needs oil or plant-based butter and eggs (or flax eggs) when they bake.
- Try another giftable jar: Our Double Chocolate Brownies pack into a jar the same way.
Flaky Portuguese Egg Tarts are another dessert you’d probably love if you enjoy this brownie.
How to Make Brownie Mix in a Jar
Step 1: Whisk the Flour Base
In a small bowl, whisk the 1 ½ cups flour, 1 tsp baking powder, and ½ tsp salt until evenly combined. You want the leavening and salt distributed so no one gets a salty bite.
Step 2: Layer the Jar
Set a canning funnel over a clean 1-quart wide-mouth mason jar. Pour the flour mixture into the jar first and tap the jar gently on the counter to level it. Sift the ½ cup cocoa powder directly through a fine-mesh strainer on top of the flour for a dark, even middle band. Spoon the 1 cup sugar over the cocoa, then top with the ½ cup chocolate chips. Press down lightly so the chips sit flat and the lid closes easily.
Step 3: Seal and Add the Tag
Wipe the rim clean, screw the lid on tight, and tie a ribbon or kitchen twine around the neck. Write the baking directions on a small tag and attach it so the recipient knows exactly what to do. The finished jar looks like a little pantry treasure.
Gifting and Storage Tips
- Use a wide-mouth jar so the brownie mix slides out without getting stuck.
- If you want a shorter jar, a pint jar works. Just halve all the ingredients and use a 4-ounce layer of the flour mixture.
- Tapping the jar after each layer removes air pockets and gives clean stripes.
- Keep the sealed jar in a cool, dark spot for up to 3 months.
Scale the mix for different jar sizes:
| Jar Size | Flour Mixture | Cocoa | Sugar | Chips |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 pint (2 cups) | ¾ cup flour + ½ tsp baking powder + ¼ tsp salt | ¼ cup | ½ cup | ¼ cup |
| 1 quart (4 cups) | 1 ½ cups flour + 1 tsp baking powder + ½ tsp salt | ½ cup | 1 cup | ½ cup |
| 1.5 quarts (6 cups) | 2 ¼ cups flour + 1 ½ tsp baking powder + ¾ tsp salt | ¾ cup | 1 ½ cups | ¾ cup |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use gluten-free flour?
Yes. A 1-to-1 gluten-free all-purpose blend works without changing anything else.
What size jar do I need?
A 1-quart wide-mouth mason jar holds this recipe with a little room at the top. Pint jars work for a half batch.
Can I add nuts to the jar?
Definitely. Layer ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans between the cocoa and sugar so they stay visible.
How long does the mix last?
At least 3 months stored in a sealed jar at room temperature. The chocolate chips may bloom (get a little white) after that, but it’s harmless.
Do I need to include a tag?
It helps. Write “Preheat oven to 350°F. Whisk ½ cup melted butter, 2 eggs, and 1 tsp vanilla. Stir in jar contents. Pour into greased 8×8 pan. Bake 25 to 30 minutes. Cool before slicing.” That way there’s no confusion.
Brownie Mix in a Jar Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- Whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt together in a small bowl.
- Fit a funnel into a clean 1-quart wide-mouth mason jar. Pour in the flour mixture and tap to settle.
- Sift the cocoa powder over the flour layer.
- Add the sugar in an even layer.
- Top with the chocolate chips and press down lightly.
- Seal the jar and attach baking instructions.
Notes
