When you don't have the time for homemade, a gooey, fudgy brownie from the box does the trick. We tried five different brands looking for the best brownie mix. Do you agree with our favorites?
We Tested 5 Popular Brands and Found the Best Brownie Mix
Updated on Jan. 31, 2024
When it comes to brownies, nothing beats a fudgy brownie right from the oven and dusted with a little powdered sugar. But like all things good, making an exquisitely chocolatey brownie like that (or one of our top ten recipes) takes a little extra time. When you’re in a rush and craving an easy treat – or needing one for an office party, scout meeting or visiting friends – there’s nothing wrong with reaching for a good box mix.
But that’s where I get tripped up. Which is the best brownie mix for these last-minute occasions? Should you choose a classic brand like Betty Crocker or reach for a fancier name like Ghirardelli? And on top of that, there are so many varieties: fudge, double fudge or triple fudge? (The more fudge the better, right?)
With lots to choose from at the store, I wanted to put five fudge brownie mixes to the test to find out which was worthy of snacking on or incorporating into a tasty recipe, like this brownie trifle. To get to the bottom of this chocolate conundrum, a dedicated group of taste testers sampled five brownies blindly and ranked them.
For this tasty test, we tried Baker’s Corner Fudge Brownies (that’s an Aldi brand), Betty Crocker Fudge Brownies, Duncan Hines Chewy Fudge Brownies, Ghirardelli Double Chocolate Brownie and Pillsbury Chocolate Fudge Brownies.
After careful consideration we chose our top three. Here’s what you should know:
3. Betty Crocker Fudge Brownies
“These would be great with some ice cream on top.”
Score: 4.6/10
This brownie mix from Betty Crocker produced a small pan (the package only makes an 8×8″ pan option), of dense and chewy brownies with a good milk chocolate taste. When it comes to brownies, a handful of testers chatted about how the prefer chewy, fudgy brownies to more cake-like options. After all, that bit of chewiness helps distinguish a good brownie from an unfrosted cake!
The edges of these brownies were exceptionally crisp and chewy which made them a favorite of our edge- and corner-lovers. While tasty in their own right, they were just a touch dry (we’d recommend baking them for the shortest recommended time on the box). That’s nothing a good scoop of ice cream and some hot fudge can’t fix, though! And if you’re looking to make your own hot fudge, we’ve got you covered!
2. Duncan Hines Chewy Fudge Brownies
“These are so fluffy but still really fudgy.”
Score: 6.4/10
Remember how I said our testing crew was full of fans of dense, chewy treats? Well, it looks like this pan of Duncan Hines brownies might have just converted them. So many of our testers’ ballots made notes of this brand’s amazing cakey texture. In fact, the word “fluffy” was used five different times to describe these brownies.
But just because these brownies got points for cakiness, doesn’t mean they lacked in the fudgey chocolate factor. These brownies managed to have a lot of rise and a dense, fudge-like texture once you bit into them. We suspect that if this box was baked in a 13×9 pan (instead of our trial 8×8), they wouldn’t seem so cakey, but would retain that same fudgy quality.
One note for fans of chewy corners and edges: This brownie mix didn’t produce any notable crispy edges like the box of Betty Crocker Brownies did.
1. Pillsbury Chocolate Fudge Brownies
“OMG, these are super chocolatey!”
Score: 7/10
Coming in above the rest was pantry staple, Pillsbury. These brownies gained major—ahem—brownie points for combining the best of both worlds: chewy edges and a fudgy center. Oh, and how could I forget: They had the best chocolate taste by far – rich and dark without a hint of bitterness or artificial flavors.
You might think you can’t please them all, but this boxed brownie mix managed to appeal to our chewy brownie fans, cake-like brownie crowd and our crispy edge folks. It was the best of all brownie worlds.
The Takeaways
The great dense and fudgy vs. chewy debate
When it comes to brownies, some people prefer cake-like recipes and others like their bars to be almost like fudge (and if you like straight-up fudge, check out our top 10 recipes!). For those looking for light and cakey brownies, Duncan Hines is likely the mix for you, while Pillsbury or Betty Crocker’s mixes are better for fudge fans.
There are plenty of brownie mixes in the sea… err, aisle
Wondering about the other brands? They didn’t rank as highly as these three favorites (though I’d argue that there’s no such thing as a bad brownie). With brands offering so many options in their product line, there could be some other favorites out there that we didn’t get to explore this time around.
As always, nothing beats homemade
We know that nothing beats homemade, but you can’t deny the convenience of a good mix. I recommend the best of both worlds: creating your own homemade mixes to have on hand. We’ve got plenty of recipes!
Craving more chocolate? Check out these decadent desserts.
Three-Layer Chocolate Ganache CakeThis decadent chocolate ganache cake is what every chocolate lover dreams of!
Slow-Cooker Chocolate Pots de CremeThese rich, custardy chocolate 'pots' are the sweetest treat! I love the ease of using a slow cooker water bath for gentle heating—no need for the oven. They're a simple, make-ahead dessert, perfect for any occasion, any time of year. —Sarah Farmer, Waukesha, Wisconsin
Chocolate Truffle CheesecakeIf you delight in the taste of chocolate, then this is the cheesecake for you. Every creamy bite melts in your mouth. It's so impressive yet not difficult to prepare-I whip up this dessert each time I want a yummy treat for my family, friends or co-workers. —Mary Jones, Cumberland, Maine
Mille Crepe CakeOur showstopping mille crepe cake layers white chocolate buttercream, rich ganache and chocolate crepes. It takes some time to make, but it's worth it.
Chocolate TrufflesThese chocolate truffles with condensed milk are so quick and easy that you'll have almost no reason not to bring a batch to your next event
(Try these chocolate meringue cookies when you're craving a bite-sized treat!)
Hot Cocoa SouffleA friend invited me to go to a cooking demo at her church years ago, and one of the recipes prepared was this luscious souffle. It was so easy—and absolutely delicious. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
Ganache-Topped Chocolate CakeTo say this cake is elegant would be an understatement. It’s worthy of special occasions, but once you learn how to make chocolate ganache, it's so easy to whip together that you can enjoy it any day of the week. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Skillet BrowniesSkillet brownies boast a rich, chocolaty flavor and the perfect velvety, fudgy texture. Serve them warm with ice cream, whipped cream or strawberries, and you'll be more than pleased.
Chocolate Chess PieChocolate chess pie is all the gooey yumminess of chocolate pecan pie, without the pecans!
Spiced Chocolate Molten CakesTake some time to linger over this decadent dessert. There is nothing better than a gooey chocolate cake with a warm melted center. —Deb Carpenter, Hastings, Michigan
Devil’s Food Snack CakeMy husband and his friends request this devil's food snack cake for camping trips because it’s easy to transport. That makes it great for taking to potlucks and other events, too, as there's no frosting involved. —Julie Danler, Bel Aire, Kansas
Rich Chocolate Peanut Butter CakeDecorate like a professional baker and become everyone's favorite host when you bake this sweet and salty chocolate peanut butter cake.
Chocolate Lebkuchen Cherry BallsHere’s my twist on the traditional German holiday lebkuchen—with a surprise inside. —Arlene Erlbach, Morton Grove, Illinois
Chocolate MousseOur favorite chocolate mousse recipe makes a light, fluffy, rich showstopper of a dessert.
Triple-Chocolate Cheesecake BarsWhat could be better than a brownie crust layered with chocolate cheesecake and topped with chocolate ganache? These cheesecake bars will satisfy even the biggest chocolate lovers out there. —Andrea Price, Grafton, Wisconsin
French Silk PieFrench silk pie combines the light texture of chocolate mousse with the delicate crunch of flaky pastry in every bite.
Special Mocha CupcakesTopped with a fluffy frosting and chocolate sprinkles, these extra-rich, extra-delicious cupcakes smell wonderful while baking and taste even better! —Mary Bilyeu, Ann Arbor, Michigan
Salted Dark Chocolate TartWhen I was little, my grandpa always had a bag of caramels in his truck and a few in his pocket. Whether we were camping or going to a movie, I enjoyed sharing caramels with him. Now I try to put caramel in as many of my desserts as possible, including this sweet and salty tart. —Leah Tackitt, Austin, Texas
Frosted BrowniesThese Frosted Brownies have an amazing chocolate frosting that you'll adore. Sit back and savor every bit of the chewy brownie base and rich, fudgy frosting.
Chocolate CakeWe can confidently say that this is the best chocolate cake recipe and, at Taste of Home, we make (and eat!) a lot of cakes. With three moist, fluffy cake layers and a rich, decadent chocolate frosting, we think this will become your go-to chocolate dessert as well.
Chocolate Bread PuddingHumble chocolate bread pudding is given the luxe treatment with a semisweet chocolate custard and creamy whipped cream. It's the perfect end to a weeknight meal or a fancier dinner with friends.
Crazy CakeI have made this cake for over 50 years. Otherwise known as "crazy cake," this classic, tender and moist dessert requires only a two-step procedure to make.
Jamaican Chocolate Cookies with Caramel CremeI made these for an office party cookie contest—not a crumb was left on the platter! —Noelle Myers, Grand Forks, North Dakota
Yummy Chocolate CakeMy husband and I are trying to eat lighter but still crave sweets. This moist, healthy chocolate cake really helps with that. With the rich frosting, it makes a decadent treat! —LaDonna Reed, Ponca City, Oklahoma
Brownie CookiesThe next time you long for a chocolaty dessert, bake up a batch of these jumbo-size brownie cookies. They are tender, rich and irresistibly delicious.
Dark Chocolate Pumpkin TrufflesThe combination of pumpkin and dark chocolate is unexpected and delectable. These delicious truffles make a pretty addition to a party plate, a sweet way to finish up a meal, or a gift your friends and family will love. —Monica Mooney, Roseville, California
Coconut Fudge Cake“A big piece of this moist cake is a chocolate and coconut devotee's dream," notes Johnnie. "You should see my husband, children and grandkids smile when I serve it.”
Hot ChocolateIt is time to skip the mix! Learn how to make the best hot chocolate you have ever tasted. This decadent recipe is as easy as it is delicious.
Almond BiscottiWith a shortened baking window for the crust and a quickly cooked filling, our chocolate cream pie comes together with minimal hands-on time.
Flourless Chocolate TorteFlourless chocolate torte is the perfect dessert for chocoholics—no flour gets in the way of the rich chocolate flavor. Bake this melt-in-your-mouth torte for special occasions or any time a craving hits. For an elegant finish, dust it with confectioners' sugar.
Chocolate Espresso-Nut TorteI love chocolate and nuts, and they come together deliciously in this torte. Serve it with sweetened whipped cream or your favorite ice cream. —Thomas Faglon, Somerset, New Jersey
Chocolate Comfort CakeThis moist and delicious chocolate cake is usually the first dessert to go. People even eat the crumbs. It’s always my top choice for holiday dinners. —Ellen Riley, Murfreesboro, Tennessee
Sacher TorteGuests will be surprised to hear that this Sacher torte recipe starts with a convenient cake mix. Each bite features chocolate, almonds and apricots. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Dream Cupcakes My grandchildren absolutely love these cream-filled cupcakes, and I hope the chocolaty treats become a favorite in your home as well. —Dorothy Bahlmann, Clarksville, Iowa
Malted Chocolate & Stout Layer CakeIf you want a dessert that will take the cake at a St. Patrick's Day celebration, look no further! The rich chocolate cake is incredibly moist and has a nice malt flavor that's perfectly complemented by the Irish cream frosting. —Jennifer Wayland, Morris Plains, New Jersey
Chocolate PuddingBring your favorite childhood lunchbox treat to life with this rich and decadent homemade chocolate pudding recipe.
Chocolate Mint Truffle TartEating a slice of this decadent dessert is like biting into a smooth truffle candy. You can vary the flavor by using raspberry-flavored chocolate baking chips.—Sally Sibthorpe, Shelby Township, Michigan
Classic Chocolate CakeIf you need to learn how to make chocolate cake from scratch, this easy homemade chocolate cake recipe is a perfect place to start. It appeared on a can of Hershey's cocoa way back in 1943. I tried it, my boys liked it, and I've been making it ever since. —Betty Follas, Morgan Hill, California
Fudge Pecan Brownie TartI love inventing my own recipes and entering contests—I won a blue ribbon at the Iowa State Fair for this one!
Chocolate Hazelnut TorteMost cake recipes feed a crowd. So we came up with this elegant little cake that serves six. That's enough for two…with just the right amount of leftovers! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Chocolate Macaroon CupcakesA delightful coconut and ricotta cheese filling is hidden inside these chocolate cupcakes. —Dolores Skrout, Summerhill, Pennsylvania
Raspberry Fudge TorteThis special-occasion cake impresses all who see and taste it. People are surprised to hear that this torte starts with a simple cake mix—they're sure I bought it at a bakery. —Julie Hein, York, Pennsylvania
Layered Mocha CheesecakeIn my search for the perfect mocha cheesecake, I ended up combining a few of my favorite recipes to create this delicious version. It’s as much a feast for the eyes as for the palate! —Sue Gronholz, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin
Chocolate Hazelnut GateauGateau (pronounced ga-toe) is the French word for any rich and fancy cake. I think you'll agree that this dense chocolate dessert fits the bill, with just the right amount of sweetness. —Michelle Krzmarzick, Torrance, California
Coffee ‘n’ Cream BrowniesA friend gave me the recipe for these rich cakelike brownies topped with a creamy coffee-enhanced filling and a chocolate glaze. I like to garnish each square with a coffee bean. —Michelle Tiemstra, Lacombe, Alberta
Chocolate CheesecakeWhat's better than buying a chocolate cheesecake? Making a homemade chocolate cheesecake yourself! This cheesecake is chocolate throughout, and it has a crushed chocolate cookie crust.
