Food and Recipes Kitchen Assistant From Now on We're Substituting This for Water in Chocolate Baking Mixes All that stands between you and the stress-free dessert of your dreams is probably already in your kitchen. By Meghan Overdeep Meghan Overdeep Meghan Overdeep has more than a decade of writing and editing experience for top publications. Her expertise extends from weddings and animals to every pop culture moment in between. She has been scouring the Internet for the buzziest Southern news since joining the team in 2017. Southern Living's editorial guidelines Published on September 9, 2018 Share Tweet Pin Email Photo: stacey_newman/Getty Images Even the most skilled bakers resort to using boxed mixes from time to time. Hey, time is money, y'all! But what if we told you that you could elevate that old mix so far beyond the grocery store aisle that you'll be calling yourself a Southern Mary Berry? According to Lifehacker, a simple hack is all that stands between you and the stress-free dessert of your dreams is a pot of coffee. Yes really. Perhaps unsurprisingly, the flavor of any chocolate mix—whether for cake or brownies—benefits big time from a swig of Joe. (Then again, who doesn't?) Simply substitute water for coffee, mix and bake as usual and voila: Chocolatey deliciousness! WATCH: How to Make Homemade Nutella "Coffee adds depth and nuance, intensifying chocolate flavors and obscuring any 'processed' ones, giving the dessert a more homemade quality," writer Claire Lower explained. You better believe we're filing this tip away for the next birthday that comes around! Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit