We Tested 5 Popular Brands and Found the Best Brownie Mix
Updated: Aug. 14, 2018When 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?
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. Psst! If you’re looking for all edge pieces, give this product a try!
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!
Special-Occasion Chocolate Cake
This cake won grand champion at the 2000 Alaska State Fair, and you will see why once you taste it. My decadent chocolate cake boasts a luscious ganache filling and fudge buttercream frosting. —Cindi DeClue, Anchorage, Alaska
Three-Layer Chocolate Ganache Cake
This decadent triple-layer beauty is pure chocolate indulgence. The cake layers can be frozen prior to final assembly; in fact, they're easier to work with when frozen. —Kathleen Smith, Overland, Missouri
Slow-Cooker Chocolate Pots de Creme
Lunch on the go just got a whole lot sweeter. Tuck jars of rich chocolate custard into lunch bags for a midday treat. These desserts in a jar are fun for picnics, too. —Nick Iverson, Denver, Colorado
Chocolate Truffle Cheesecake
If 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
Decadent Chocolate Crepe Cake
No other dessert has wowed family and friends the way this stunning crepe cake did the first time I made it. A showstopper in every sense of the word, it features layers of tender chocolate crepes and rich white chocolate buttercream frosting draped in a semisweet chocolate ganache. —Tina Sawchuk, Ardmore, Alberta
Chocolate Truffles
You may be tempted to save these chocolate truffles for a special occasion since these smooth, creamy chocolates are divine. But with just a few ingredients, this truffle recipe is easy to make anytime. —Darlene Wiese-Appleby, Creston, Ohio (Try these chocolate meringue cookies when you're craving a bite-sized treat!)
Hot Cocoa Souffle
A 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 Cake
To 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 Stout Brownies
These stout brownies are so rich and fudgy. I love how quickly they come together. They're perfect for a busy weeknight. —Mandy Naglich, New York, New York
Chocolate Chess Pie
This is one of my mother's go-to recipes. It's a yummy spin on classic chocolate chess pie. — Ann Dickens, Nixa, Missouri
Spiced Chocolate Molten Cakes
This splurge dessert is the kind you just have to linger over. Plunge your fork into one of the cakes and the chocolate and conversation start flowing. —Deb Carpenter, Hastings, Michigan
Devil's Food Snack Cake
My 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 Cake
The combination of mocha and peanut butter will satisfy every sweet tooth at your table. The garnish is a little extra work, but what are special occasions for? —Tammy Bollman, Minatare, Nebraska
Chocolate Lebkuchen Cherry Balls
Here’s my twist on the traditional German holiday lebkuchen—with a surprise inside. —Arlene Erlbach, Morton Grove, Illinois
Semisweet Chocolate Mousse
A friend shared this rich velvety chocolate mousse recipe with me. I love to cook and have tons of recipes, but this one is a favorite. Best of all, it's easy to make. —Judy Spencer, San Diego, California
Triple-Chocolate Cheesecake Bars
What 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 Pie
I first made French silk pie when I was in high school. Years later, I tinkered with the recipe until I was happy with it. Now it’s one of my husband's favorites. —Lisa Francis, Elba, Alabama
Special Mocha Cupcakes
Topped 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 Tart
When 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
Chocolate Syrup Brownies
These chocolate syrup brownies are a favorite for summer picnics. I received the recipe from a dear friend many years ago, and I still make it at least once a month. Whenever I'm asked to bring a dessert to an outing or I want to send a treat to a neighbor or friend, I prepare these wonderful bars. —Goldie Hanke, Tomahawk, Wisconsin
Sandy's Chocolate Cake
Years ago, I drove 4-1/2 hours to a cake contest, holding my entry on my lap the whole way. But it paid off. One bite and you'll see why this velvety beauty was named the best chocolate cake recipe and won first prize. —Sandra Johnson, Tioga, Pennsylvania
Chocolate Bread Pudding
This is a fun recipe because the chocolate makes it different from traditional bread pudding. It's a rich, comforting dessert. —Mildred Sherrer, Fort Worth, Texas
Crazy Cake
I 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 Creme
I made these for an office party cookie contest—not a crumb was left on the platter! —Noelle Myers, Grand Forks, North Dakota
Yummy Chocolate Cake
My 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
Jumbo Brownie Cookies
Take these deeply fudgy cookies to a party, and you're sure to make a friend. A little espresso powder in the dough makes them over-the-top good. —Rebecca Cababa, Las Vegas, Nevada
Dark Chocolate Truffle Tart
Espresso enhances and intensifies the dark chocolate flavor of my truffe tart. I make the crust with toasted walnuts and dust the cooled dessert with baking cocoa before serving. —Johnna Johnson, Scottsdale, Arizona
Dark Chocolate Pumpkin Truffles
The 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.”
Rich Hot Chocolate
Each winter in early February my friends and I gather for an outdoor show called Mittenfest. We skip the Bloody Marys and fill our thermoses with these hot cocoas instead.
Almond Biscotti
Our teenage son, John, has done lots of 4-H baking. This old-fashioned chocolate cream pie recipe with a flaky crust was his favorite thing to make. —Mary Anderson, De Valls Bluff, Arkansas
Peppermint Lava Cakes
It never ceases to amaze to see warm chocolate pudding ooze out of the center of this tender chocolate cake. These cakes are a showstopper on a plate! Serve lava cakes with whipped cream or ice cream. —Carolyn Crotser, Colorado Springs, Colorado
Tootsie Roll Fudge
When my husband came home with 50 pounds of Tootsie Rolls he bought at a discount store, I had to figure out a way to use them—so I came up with this Tootsie Roll fudge recipe! A red or green M&M's candy atop each piece makes them extra jolly. —Carolyn McDill, Ohatchee, Alabama
Flourless Chocolate Torte
Here's the perfect dessert for chocoholics—like me! I bake this melt-in-your-mouth torte all the time for special occasions. For an elegant finish, dust it with confectioners' sugar. —Kayla Albrecht, Freeport, Illinois
Chocolate Espresso-Nut Torte
I 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 Cake
This 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
Silky Chocolate Pie
Chocolate makes the world go round! We have a family that loves chocolate pies, and this version with a splash of brandy is smooth as silk and oh, so special. —Kathy Hewitt, Cranston, Rhode Island
Sacher Torte
Guests 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 Cake
If 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
Old-Fashioned Chocolate Pudding
One of the nice things about this easy pudding is you don't have to stand and stir it. It's a must for my family year-round! I also make it into a pie with a graham cracker crust that our grandchildren love. —Amber Sampson, Somonauk, Illinois
Chocolate Mint Truffle Tart
Eating 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 Cake
If 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 Tart
I love inventing my own recipes and entering contests—I won a blue ribbon at the Iowa State Fair for this one!
Contest-Winning German Chocolate Cream Pie
I've won quite a few awards in recipe contests over the past 10 years, and I was delighted that this luscious pie sent me to the Great American Pie Show finals. —Marie Rizzio, Interlochen, Michigan
Chocolate Hazelnut Torte
Most 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 Cupcakes
A delightful coconut and ricotta cheese filling is hidden inside these chocolate cupcakes. —Dolores Skrout, Summerhill, Pennsylvania
Raspberry Fudge Torte
This 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
Mocha Truffle Cheesecake
I went through a phase when I couldn't get enough cheesecake or coffee, so I created this rich dessert. Its brownie-like crust and creamy mocha layer really hit the spot. It's ideal for get-togethers because it can be made in advance. —Shannon Dormady, Great Falls, Montana
Chocolate Hazelnut Gateau
Gateau (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 Brownies
A 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
Double Chocolate Almond Cheesecake
This cheesecake is easy to make—but it's definitely not easy to wait till the next day to eat it! The recipe is from a friend I used to work with. —Darlene Brenden, Salem, Oregon
