“Mum, can we bake?”

Usually asked just as you’re starting dinner, opening your laptop or finally sitting down with a coffee.

My kids love baking, and I love that they enjoy getting into the kitchen. But sometimes their timing leaves a little to be desired. 😂

So here’s something I’ve started doing: Making our own brownie mixes ahead of time and storing them in Sinchies reusable ziplock bags.

After sharing this idea on Instagram and TikTok, it turns out plenty of other parents know that badly timed baking request all too well!

It’s a simple bit of prep that makes baking easier to say yes to. And making your own brownie mix can be more affordable than buying a ready-made packet every time.

Homemade convenience, without buying another box

There’s something handy about a packet mix. Most of the measuring is done, and you only need to add a few ingredients before baking.

But you can create that same convenience yourself using your favourite brownie recipe and ingredients you may already have in the pantry.

Measure once, prep a few batches and have your own brownie mixes ready to go.

You still get homemade brownies. You just do some of the work when it suits you, instead of when someone announces they need to bake while you’re halfway through dinner.

How to make your own brownie mix bags

You don’t need a special recipe for this. Start with a brownie recipe your family already loves.

1. Get your dry ingredients out. Check your recipe for the quantities of flour, sugar, cocoa and any other dry ingredients.

2. Measure one batch into a clean, completely dry Sinchies reusable ziplock bag. Include only ingredients suitable for storing together at room temperature. Keep wet ingredients separate.

3. Seal the bag. Give it a gentle shake to combine the mix.

4. Label it clearly. Write the recipe name, date prepared, wet ingredients to add, oven temperature, tin size and baking time on a label.

5. Store it in a cool, dry pantry. Follow the storage guidance and earliest best-before date of the ingredients you’ve used.

While everything is out, make a few bags. It takes a little extra measuring now, but saves getting all the ingredients out again next time.

When the kids want to bake, tip a mix into a bowl, follow your recipe to add the wet ingredients and bake with whatever help and supervision they need.

Is making your own brownie mix more affordable?

It can be, especially when you use pantry staples across several batches.

A bag of flour, cocoa and sugar can contribute to multiple baking sessions, rather than buying a separate boxed mix each time.

The actual saving depends on your recipe, ingredient brands and supermarket specials. To compare fairly, divide the cost of each ingredient by the amount used per batch, then compare that with a similar packet mix. Remember to include any ingredients you need to add to either option.

You don’t need fancy ingredients or a cupboard full of new purchases. Start with what you already have and a recipe you know gets eaten!

One reusable bag, plenty of possibilities

Once your brownie mix is in the bowl, your Sinchies bag isn’t heading for the bin.

Wash it, let it dry completely and use it again.

Another brownie mix. Lunchbox snacks. Sandwiches. Freezer prep. Our durable reusable ziplock bags are made to earn their place in a busy family kitchen.

Reusing the same bags also means buying fewer disposable bags over time. A handy little saving that keeps going beyond baking day.

A little prep for the next “Mum, can we bake?”

This won’t stop the flour ending up on the bench. And I can’t promise anyone will volunteer to wash the bowl.

But having a homemade brownie mix ready means there’s less to organise when the kids want to get baking.

Less measuring in the moment. Pantry ingredients put to use. A reusable bag ready for its next job.

Save money, reduce waste, and keep it fun!

P.S. Selected Sinchies reusable ziplock bags are buy one, get one free. Shop the offer and put a few to work in your pantry.