Pudding Mix Brownies

My kids love brownies. When I promised to make some for an after school snack, I didn't realize I was out of cocoa powder. Not wanting to run to the store, I decided to try using pudding mix instead.

Adding pudding mix to cakes and breads delivers moist baked goods, something I learned while experimenting with Amish friendship bread starter.

My boys agree that it works just as well in brownies.

Mangia! Mangia!
Andrea

Pudding Mix Brownies
Inspired by this recipe from Food.com

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
3/4 cup dark or light brown sugar
1/4 cup white sugar
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 3.9 ounce package, plus 2 tablespoons chocolate instant pudding mix (change the flavor to whatever you prefer)
2 1/4 cups white whole wheat flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 to 3 tablespoons water
2 cups chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Spray a 9 by 13 inch baking pan with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside.

In a large bowl, combine butter, oil and sugar. Beat in eggs, vanilla and pudding mix with an electric mixer.

Add flour and baking soda and mix together by hand or with an electric mixer. If batter is too dry, add up to 3 tablespoons of water, one at a time, until all dry ingredients are combined. Batter should be moist, but not wet.

Add chocolate chips and mix well.

Pour brownie batter into prepared pan. Bake for 20 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the middle of the pan comes out clean.

Let cool, then cut into squares and enjoy!