Class It Up With Cream Cheese

• A marbled layer of cream cheese adds a decadent touch to brownies made from a mix. The flavor contrast between the sweet, crumbly brownie and the creamy, slightly tangy cream cheese transforms plain treats into a rich dessert. After preparing the brownie mix according to the box's instructions, pour it into a greased and floured pan. In a separate bowl, mix cream cheese, sugar, a dash of vanilla and an egg until well blended. Drop spoonfuls of the mixture over the batter, then gently swirl the cream cheese into the batter with a knife to produce a marbled effect. Cream cheese brownies shouldn't require any more baking time than called for in your mix instructions; you'll know they're done when the cream cheese layer is a light golden brown.

Let Them Eat Cake-Like Brownies

• The simple addition of an extra egg to your brownie mix changes the texture of the brownies, converting the dense, fudge-like crumb to a light, cake-like consistency. Because of their airier texture, it may be easier to pair these brownies with ice cream, glaze or a rich frosting. After adding the extra egg, stir the batter as outlined in the mix instructions. Overmixing can produce sticky, tough brownies. Cake-like brownies may cook more quickly than brownies without an extra egg, so check for doneness approximately five minutes before the mix instructions tell you to.

Go Nuts

• Many brownie mixes include walnuts or pecans, but roasted peanuts add an unexpected flavor contrast to the sweet chocolate. They're an easy ingredient to throw in, too, since they're so small you don't even have to chop them. Roasted peanuts with salt will enhance the flavor of any brownie milk, while honey-roasted peanuts will add a sweet and salty contrast to dark chocolate varieties. Simply stir the roasted peanuts into the batter just before pouring it into the baking pan, adding about 1/2 cup for a light flavor addition, or up to 1 1/2 cups for dramatic peanut flavor and a noticeable crunch. Peanuts will not effect your baking time.

Make Them Want S'more

• Brownies enhanced with the texture and flavors of s'mores, a popular campfire treat, are certain to be a hit at your next outdoor gathering. After following the brownie mix instructions to mix the batter and bake the brownies, dot the fresh-from-the-oven brownies with marshmallows and broken graham crackers. Broil the brownies about 5 inches from the heat for approximately 30 seconds, or until the marshmallows turn a light golden brown. If you like your s'mores extra chocolatey, sprinkle broken milk chocolate bars on top. Cool the brownies for about 30 minutes if you want to serve them while they're still warm and gooey.