Little Bites of Goodness

• The simplest way to incorporate extra ingredients into brownies is to stir chopped or bite-size treats into the batter before baking. Use a recipe that already includes nuts or similar additions, and substitute the same volume of whatever takes your fancy. Chips or chunks of milk chocolate, dark or white chocolate, all kinds of nuts, peanut butter cups and mini marshmallows are good choices. Consider broken pretzels, shredded coconut, chopped candy bars or breakfast cereal. If you like the combination of fruit with chocolate, stir in some raisins, dried cranberries or fresh berries.

Brownie-Based Layered Desserts

• Use brownie batter as just one layer of a baked concoction that also incorporates cookie dough. Use any kind of cookie dough you like, such as chocolate chip or oatmeal raisin, and press it in a single layer into the bottom of a baking dish. Pour brownie batter over the top and bake as usual. Use a baked tray of brownies as the bottom layer of a tiramisu-inspired dessert. Soak ladyfingers in strong coffee, layer them over the brownie base and top with a whipped mixture of mascarpone cheese, egg whites and sugar or just whipped cream. Dust with cocoa powder before serving. Other desserts that can be layered above or below brownies include cheesecake and fruit flavored gelatin.

Blend Flavors into Brownie Batter

• Instead of adding bite-sized pieces to brownies, flavor the batter itself with ingredients that complement chocolate. Blend smooth peanut butter into the batter or use strong espresso to make mocha brownies. Stir a little mint extract into the batter, along with chocolate chips, for a classic combination of sweet flavors. Take inspiration from Caribbean rum and ginger cakes with dried or crystallized ginger, nutmeg, citrus zest and rum-soaked dried fruits.

Tantalizing Toppings

• Before cutting a tray of baked brownies into squares, make them even more delicious with one or more toppings. Warm jarred or homemade caramel sauce before spreading it over brownies. When the sauce layer has cooled and firmed, pour a layer of melted chocolate over it. Fudge sauce can also be layered over brownies in this manner. Make brownie-based s'mores with marshmallow creme or whole marshmallows, topped with chocolate squares and melted in the oven or under the broiler. Homemade or store-bought frosting is another easy topping for brownies.