We Tried 9 Brownie Mixes and Found the BEST (2024)

Updated: Apr. 28, 2024

Our Test Kitchen sampled nine brands to find the best brownie mix brands. Trust us, our top picks are just as good as homemade.

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We Tried 9 Brownie Mixes and Found the BEST (1)Taste of Home

If you’re looking for a decadent but easy dessert to whip up for a weeknight (or anytime really), you can never go wrong with a pan of homemade brownies. But let’s get real: When you’re having a serious chocolate craving, you need something fast and satisfying. That’s where snagging the best brownie mix comes in.

But do you really know which brand is the fudgiest? The chocolatiest? The most tempting? That’s where our Test Kitchen comes in!

You can thank us later for these tips and tricks to make box brownies better.

How We Tested Brownie Mixes

While sampling brownie mixes is a pretty fun job, our Test Kitchen takes it seriously! Our team did their research and purchased nine popular brownie mix brands, then prepped each exactly according to the package instructions. Once baked and cooled, our pros tested these nine brownies in a blind sampling, all the while keeping these criteria in mind:

  • Chocolate flavor:How did the brownies taste? Were they super chocolaty? Was the chocolate deep and dark or sweet like milk chocolate? Were there any chocolate chips stirred into the mix? Was the chocolate of good quality?
  • Texture:What was the texture of the brownies like? Chewy? Fudge-like? Cakey?
  • Appearance:Did the brownies look appetizing? Were they a dark chocolate shade? Lighter in color? Did the top look delicate and crackly?

Our Test Kitchen-Preferred Brownie Mix Brands

We Tried 9 Brownie Mixes and Found the BEST (2)Taste of Home

Our team sampled plenty of brownies (there were only a few crumbs left!) and these were the brands that earned top marks.

Best Overall Brownie Mix: Ghirardelli Double Chocolate Premium Brownie Mix

We Tried 9 Brownie Mixes and Found the BEST (3)Taste of Home

When you want a delicious brownie for a baking emergency—or just to treat yourself—look no further than a box of Ghirardelli Double Chocolate Brownies.

These fudgy brownies were packed with that Ghirardelli chocolate flavor that so many of us love. They tasted of rich cocoa and the generous amount of chocolate chips in the mix really make these brownies feel like a special treat. For those of you that love the edges and corner pieces—you’ll be pleased with these brownies. The edges were oh-so chewy with a very slight crispness around the very edge.

And when it comes to the appearance, our Test Kitchen squad loved the crackled top on these brownies. There’s something about that texture that just invites you to dive right in (a scoop of vanilla ice cream, though, would be a welcome addition).

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Best for Dark Chocolate Lovers: King Arthur Baking Company Brownie Mix

We Tried 9 Brownie Mixes and Found the BEST (4)Taste of Home

For some, the darker the chocolate, the better the brownie. If that sounds like you, you must tryKing Arthur Baking Company Brownie Mix.

This super moist brownie had the deepest dark chocolate flavor of any brownie option our team tried. It was rich and the texture really felt fudgy—something truly decadent to enjoy after a long day.

Because of this dark chocolate taste and not-so-sweet flavor, our Test Kitchen team suggests that you bake up a box of King Arthur Baking Company brownies for your next book club or adults-only shindig. The depth of flavor and lack of sugar might not be as appealing to kids.

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Best Cakey Brownie: Duncan Hines Chewy Fudge Brownie Mix

We Tried 9 Brownie Mixes and Found the BEST (5)Taste of Home

If you like your brownies a bit more cakey than fudgy, skip all the other mixes and pick upDuncan Hines Chewy Fudge Brownie Mix.

These Duncan Hines brownies were light and tender—not terms we normally associate with brownies, but that’s part of the appeal. These cake-like brownies had a nice chocolate flavor and a beautiful tissue paper-like top that really made our Test Kitchen team dive right in.

Another bonus: This mix makes enough to fill a 13×9 pan—more than the other mixes listed here. If you’ve got a bigger group to serve, you can snag just one box of this Duncan Hines brownie mix rather than mixing up a few batches of the others.

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Best Organic Brand: Annie’s Organic Double Chocolate Brownie Mix

We Tried 9 Brownie Mixes and Found the BEST (6)Taste of Home

Just because you want to eat organic doesn’t mean you have to settle for less when it comes to boxed mixes.Annie’s Organic Double Chocolate Brownie Mixwas given our Test Kitchen’s stamp of approval in our blind taste test.

These boxed brownies baked up dense and fudgy with a very rich chocolate flavor. Our kitchen pros could really pick up on the flavor of the chocolate in this mix, remarking that it tasted like a high-quality cocoa powder and good mini chocolate chips studded throughout. In fact, Annie’s got some of the highest praise you could get for a boxed baking mix: “It tastes homemade.”

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What to Make with a Box of Brownie Mix

Of course, when you’re craving a quickie dessert, a box brownie on its own (well, maybe topped with a dusting of powdered sugar) is a great treat. But why stop at just basic brownies? A good box of brownie mix can help you create all kinds of treats like brownie-based bars and gorgeous trifles. When you start with a good foundation you can create something really special. Just take a look!

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We Tried 9 Brownie Mixes and Found the BEST (7)

Grilled Banana Brownie SundaesMy niece Amanda Jean and I have a lot of fun in the kitchen creating different dishes. One of us will start with a recipe idea and it just grows from there—and so does the mess. We always have a blast. That's exactly what happened with this brownie mix recipe! —Carol Farnsworth, Greenwood, IndianaAlso, check out these best Christmas pies for your sweet holiday season!Go to RecipeNot sure which brand of brownie mix to buy? These brownie mixes are our Test Kitchen's favorites.

Fruity Brownie Pizza Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Fruity Brownie PizzaI start with a basic brownie mix to create this fruit brownie pizza. Sometimes I add mandarin oranges for even more color. —Nancy Johnson, Laverne, Oklahoma

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Fudgy Brownies with Peanut Butter Pudding Frosting Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Fudgy Brownies with Peanut Butter Pudding FrostingThese rich peanut butter fudge brownies are topped with a peanut butter pudding frosting, making this a recipe the whole family will love. These are perfect for a potluck, bake sale or yummy after-dinner treat. —Amy Crook, Syracuse, Utah

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Also, check thistwo ingredients fudge recipe, which is easy to make and will save a lot of your time.

Mini Brownie TreatsI like to take these quick and easy treats to potlucks and family gatherings. They're always well received! —Pam Kokes, North Loup, Nebraska

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Taste of Home

Fudgy Oat BrowniesThese cakelike brownies have a rich, crunchy oat crust and a smooth homemade chocolate frosting. A packaged brownie mix makes the recipe easy to prepare. You can make it even easier by using canned frosting. —Diana Otterson, Canandaigua, New York

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Taste of Home

Caramel Fudge CheesecakeIt's hard to resist this chocolaty cheesecake with its fudgy crust, crunchy pecans and gooey layer of caramel. I combined several recipes to create this version that satisfies both the chocolate lovers and the cheesecake lovers in my family. —Brenda Ruse, Truro, Nova Scotia

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Taste of Home

Brownie CracklesThese chocolate chips and brownie mix cookies pack a rich chocolate taste while remaining simple to make. Rolling the dough in powdered sugar gives them their inviting crackled appearance. —Ellen Govertsen, Wheaton, Illinois

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Taste of Home

Peanut Butter Brownie TrifleThis rich, tempting, peanut butter brownie trifle feeds a crowd and features the ever-popular combination of chocolate and peanut butter. Try this dessert for your next get-together. —Nancy Foust, Stoneboro, Pennsylvania

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Taste of Home

Pistachio Brownie Toffee BarsThese coveted brownie bars are homey and chocolaty awesome. They've been a sought-after staple on Christmas cookie trays for years. —Troy Shaw, Warrenton, Oregon.Hungry for more? Here’s our list of Christmas brownies for chocoholics.

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Taste of Home

Toffee Brownie TrifleThis decadent combination of pantry items is a terrific way to dress up a brownie mix. Try this trifle with other flavors of pudding or substitute your favorite candy bar. It tastes great with low-fat and sugar-free products, too. —Wendy Bennett, Sioux Falls, South Dakota

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Taste of Home

Magic Brownie BarsWhen I was a kid, one of my all-time favorite treats was magic cookie bars. This recipe combines all the same classic flavors in a magic brownie bar! —Mandy Rivers, Lexington, South Carolina

Banana Cream Brownie DessertI always keep the ingredients for this extremely delicious dessert on hand because I make it quite often for potlucks and family gatherings. I'm always asked for the recipe. After one bite, you'll understand why. —Julie Nowakowski, LaSalle , Illinois

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Cheesecake Brownie SquaresBrownies are my grandson Noah's favorite, so we always make some when he comes to visit. These cheesecake brownies are a definite crowd-pleaser. —Barbara Banzhof, Muncy, Pennsylvania

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Peanut Butter-Filled Brownie CupcakesI have made this outstandingly delicious recipe for years. These rich cupcakes are sure to delight everyone you make them for. —Carol Gillespie, Chambersburg, Pennsylvania

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Taste of Home

Chocolate-Almond Brownie PizzaDessert pizza has never been so elegant! Featuring a chewy coconut topping and brownie crust, this treat gives traditional holiday pies and cakes some serious competition. —Pat Cassity, Boise, Idaho

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Valentine Heart Brownies Recipe photo by Taste of Home

Valentine Heart BrowniesSteal hearts this Valentine's Day with brownies that have cute frosting centers. They're simply irresistible. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

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Peanut Butter Brownie BitesI used to make these brownie bites with a cherry in the center. Then I discovered that my granddaughter Lily is big on peanut butter, so I switched it up. Now she loves to help me make them. —Donna McGinnis, Taylor Ridge, Illinois

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S'more Bacon Brownies Recipe photo by Taste of Home

S’more Bacon Brownies

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To make a dairy-free dessert, I created chocolate peanutty bars. My kids and their friends gobble them up. I've written about it on my blog, joyfulscribblings.com. —Dawn Pasco, Overland Park, Kansas

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Angela's XOXO Shortbread BrowniesEveryone loves a brownie. This one has a buttery crust with a sweet finish, thanks to the touch of candy on top. —Angela Kamakana Baptista , Hilo, Hawaii

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Pumpkin Cheesecake with Brownie Bottom

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Taste of Home

Double Chocolate Coconut BrowniesThanks to a head start from a mix, it's easy to bake up these crowd-pleasing treats. It's hard to stop at just one brownie, but don't worry—my recipe makes 30 servings! —Brenda Melancon, McComb, Mississippi

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Taste of Home

Brownie Swirl CheesecakeIt may look fancy, but this cheesecake is so simple. The secret is the speedy crust—it's from a packaged brownie mix! You don't need to be an experienced cook to make the elegant chocolate swirls on top—anyone can do it. —Janet Brunner, Burlington, Kentucky

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Easy Mexican BrowniesI was hosting a fun Mexican-themed co*cktail party and needed a quick dessert. Dressing up an ordinary boxed brownie mix made life easy and delicious! —Susan Stetzel, Gainesville, New York

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Taste of Home

Brownie Mocha TrifleBy using instant pudding and a convenient box of brownie mix, there's nothing to the preparation. The result is moist and chewy. And the layers look so pretty spooned into a glass trifle bowl. —Louise Fauth, Foremost, Alberta

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Taste of Home

Brownie SundaesCap off dinner with these Brownie Sundaes. With prepared brownies, I can fix this sweet treat in a flash. For extra flair, I roll the ice cream in pecans before placing them on top of the brownies. It's a perfect finish to a mouthwatering meal. —Ruth Lee, Troy, Ontario

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Whichever top-rated mix you prefer, you’re going to end up with a dessert that your friends and family will be raving about. Imagine this amazing grilled banana brownie sundae made with one of these ultra-rich mixes. Sounds like chocolate heaven.

Check Out More Test Kitchen-Preferred Products

Best White Cake Mixes

Best Stand Mixers for Home Bakers

Best Cream Cheese Brands

We Tried 9 Brownie Mixes and Found the BEST (2024)

FAQs

What is the number 1 brownie mix? ›

What's the best boxed brownie mix? We tried 10 top brands.
  1. Kodiak Protein-Packed Brownie.
  2. 365 Fudge Brownie (Whole Foods)
  3. Betty Crocker Fudge Brownie.
  4. 6. ( tie) Duncan Hines Chewy Fudge Brownie.
  5. 6. ( ...
  6. King Arthur Gluten-Free Ultimate Fudge Brownie.
  7. Ghirardelli Chocolate Supreme.
  8. Pillsbury Chocolate Fudge Brownie.
Jan 17, 2024

What can I add to brownie mix to make it taste better? ›

Six Sneaky Ways To Make Brownie Mix Taste Homemade
  1. Use melted butter instead of oil.
  2. Use milk, flavored creamers, or brewed coffee instead of water.
  3. Add extracts or flavorings.
  4. Add mix-ins like cookies and candies.
  5. Underbake, just slightly.
  6. Toppings.
  7. My Favorite Mix-Ins and Toppings.
Jan 19, 2021

Which is better, Duncan Hines or Betty Crocker brownie mix? ›

Duncan Hines and Betty Crocker fell in the middle of the pack — neither were bad, but Duncan Hines' brownies were a little too chewy for my taste, and Betty Crocker's were a bit too sweet. But I could see both mixes making many people happy.

What is the best brownie mix for cake like brownies? ›

If you want a cakey but dense and moist brownie, I recommend: Pillsbury Chocolate Fudge Brownie Mix.

What is the best box brownie mix at America's Test Kitchen? ›

Best Boxed Brownies: King Arthur All-American Brownie Mix and Ghirardelli Chocolate Supreme Brownies. In the end, we think two brownie mixes are worth a spot in your pantry. King Arthur All-American Brownie Mix, a mail-order mix, gave us simple, classic brownies with rich, intense chocolate flavor.

Is it cheaper to buy brownie mix or make from scratch? ›

A clever hybrid between cake and cookie, brownies are a dense, chocolaty bar cookie baked in a rectangular pan; they can be fudge-like, cake-like, or anything in between. It was about three times more expensive to make the brownies from scratch than to use a mix, owing mostly to the cost of chocolate and walnuts.

How to doctor up box brownies? ›

Adding a layer of cream cheese, marshmallow fluff, caramel, or peanut butter goes a long way towards turning a mix into something special. You can add this layer before or after baking the brownies.

Do brownies taste better with milk or water? ›

One change is to use milk or heavy cream instead of water. This change will make brownies more moist and gooey since milk is more fatty and flavorful than water. A second change is to use butter instead of oil. For similar reasons to using milk, butter adds a rich and more decadent quality to the batter.

Why are Betty Crocker brownies so good? ›

#2: Betty Crocker Triple Chunk Brownie Mix — The top 2 brownie mixes were the winners by a good margin. Reviewers loved this brownie mix and it received an average of 8.2 points. Reviewers loved the added chocolate chunks which gave it great chocolate flavor. They also loved the chewy texture.

What happens when you add an extra egg to brownie mix? ›

Want Fudgy Brownies? Add an Extra Egg Yolk! As you may know, eggs not only act as a binding agent in baked goods, but they also add structure, richness, and enhance texture.

What makes brownies cakey vs fudgy? ›

Fudgy brownies have a higher fat-to-flour ratio than cakey ones. So add more fat—in this case, butter and chocolate. A cakey batch has more flour and relies on baking powder for leavening. The amount of sugar and eggs does not change whether you're going fudgy or cakey.

Can I use butter instead of oil in brownies? ›

You can absolutely substitute butter for the vegetable oil. Use the same quantity specified in the directions (for example, if it calls for 1/3 cup of oil, use 5 1/3 tablespoons of butter). Melt it down, then let it cool a bit. You might not ever go back to oil!

What brownie mix takes the most oil? ›

*The least amount of oil called for in brownie mix recipe was Ghirardelli. *The most amount of oil called for in brownie mix recipe was Pillsbury.

Which brownie piece is the best? ›

The edge piece, specifically the corner piece is what I consider the best piece. It is the heterogeneity of textures that I like the most.

What are the sixes in brownies? ›

A Brownie Pack was divided into groups of six girls called a Six. Each Six was called after 'little people' such as Elf, Imp, Sprite or Gnome. A brown wool beret was introduced for Brownies in 1950 and stockings were changed to socks.

How to make box brownies chewy not cakey? ›

Try using one less egg than called for in the recipe. That will make it more chewy and less cake like.

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