Making brownies from a box might seem simple, but with so many options at the store, picking the right mix can be tricky. After testing dozens of popular brands and reading thousands of reviews, I found some surprising winners and losers. Whether you want fudgy, cakey, or somewhere in between, this complete ranking will help you choose the perfect brownie mix for your next chocolate craving.
Simple Mills falls short with grainy texture
Simple Mills aims to provide a healthier alternative to traditional brownie mixes by using almond flour and coconut sugar. While the ingredients list might look promising, the final product leaves much to be desired. The texture comes out noticeably grainy, making it hard to ignore the alternate flour base.
The brownies tend to bake unevenly, with edges that become too dry while the center remains underbaked. Even following the instructions precisely doesn’t seem to solve this issue. The chocolate flavor is mild at best, lacking the rich intensity most people expect from a good brownie.
Another significant drawback is the price point, which runs considerably higher than conventional mixes. While some might appreciate the health-conscious ingredients, the compromises in taste and texture make it hard to justify the extra cost. The brownies also tend to crumble easily, making them difficult to cut into neat squares.
Despite being made with natural ingredients, these brownies have an artificial sweetness that lingers unpleasantly. The lack of proper binding ingredients results in a product that falls apart too easily. Even with added eggs and oil, the mixture never quite achieves the right consistency that makes brownies so satisfying.
Miss Jones mix struggles with consistency issues
Miss Jones brownie mix starts with promise but ultimately disappoints in several key areas. The powder has an excellent cocoa smell when you first open the package, creating high expectations. However, things start to go downhill during the mixing process, where achieving the right consistency proves surprisingly challenging.
The batter often turns out too thick or too thin, regardless of careful measuring. This inconsistency leads to unpredictable results, where one batch might turn out perfectly while the next becomes a disappointment. The mixing instructions could be clearer about the optimal consistency to aim for.
When baked, these brownies tend to develop an unusual film on top that doesn’t quite achieve that desirable crackly crust. The interior texture varies widely between batches – sometimes coming out too cakey, other times too dense. This lack of reliability makes it difficult to count on this mix for consistent results.
The chocolate flavor profile lacks depth, presenting mostly as sweet without the complex notes that make brownies truly satisfying. Even adding extra vanilla or a pinch of salt doesn’t seem to help develop the flavor. The brownies also tend to dry out quickly, losing what little appeal they had after just a day of storage.
Whole Foods 365 misses the mark on flavor
The Whole Foods 365 brownie mix presents itself as a premium option, but the results tell a different story. Despite the brand’s reputation for quality ingredients, their brownie mix produces lackluster results that fail to justify its higher price point. The most noticeable issue is the lack of rich chocolate flavor that good brownies should have.
These brownies come out surprisingly bland, even when following the recipe exactly. The chocolate taste is muted and one-dimensional, missing the depth and richness that makes brownies so special. Adding extra chocolate chips helps somewhat but shouldn’t be necessary for a mix at this price point.
The texture also presents problems, often turning out too dry and crumbly. Even reducing the baking time by a few minutes doesn’t solve this issue. The brownies lack that perfect balance between fudgy and cakey that makes the best mixes stand out. They tend to fall apart when cut, making them difficult to serve neatly.
Despite using organic ingredients, these brownies have an artificial undertone that’s hard to ignore. The sweetness level seems off, tasting more processed than natural. Storage becomes an issue too, as these brownies tend to harden quickly, becoming almost stale-tasting within a day or two.
Betty Crocker original needs improvement
Betty Crocker’s original brownie mix has been around for years, but that doesn’t automatically make it great. While it might bring back childhood memories for some, the mix falls short in several important areas. The most obvious issue is the overwhelming sweetness that masks any real chocolate flavor.
The mix consistently produces brownies that are too sweet and lacking in chocolate intensity. The sugar content seems to dominate every bite, making it difficult to enjoy more than a small piece. Even coffee or salt additions don’t help balance out the excessive sweetness.
Texture-wise, these brownies often turn out more cakey than fudgy, regardless of how carefully you follow the instructions. They tend to be somewhat dry and crumbly, missing that dense, rich quality that makes brownies so satisfying. The top crust rarely develops that sought-after crackly surface.
Another drawback is the artificial aftertaste that becomes more noticeable as you eat. The brownies also don’t hold up well over time, becoming dry and stale-tasting within a day or two. Even storing them in an airtight container doesn’t seem to preserve their freshness effectively.
Pillsbury shows room for improvement
Pillsbury’s brownie mix presents a mixed bag of results that might work for some but definitely won’t satisfy everyone. The mix produces brownies with an unusual texture that sits somewhere between cakey and fudgy, but not in a good way. It’s almost as if they tried to please everyone and ended up pleasing no one.
These brownies often come out slightly undercooked in the middle, even when following the instructions precisely. Adjusting the baking time helps somewhat, but then you risk overdoing the edges. The consistency can be quite unpredictable from one batch to the next.
The chocolate flavor lacks depth and complexity, tasting more like generic sweetness than real chocolate. Even adding extra vanilla extract or a pinch of espresso powder doesn’t seem to help develop the flavor profile. The sweetness level feels artificial and one-dimensional rather than rich and satisfying.
Another issue is the way these brownies age. They tend to become dry and lose their appeal quickly, usually within a day. The texture becomes increasingly grainy over time, and the already modest chocolate flavor seems to fade even further. These definitely taste best fresh out of the oven but decline rapidly after that.
Duncan Hines basic mix needs flavor boost
Duncan Hines has been a familiar name in baking for decades, but their basic brownie mix leaves something to be desired. While the mix is straightforward to prepare, the results often fall short of expectations. The most noticeable issue is the lack of rich chocolate flavor that good brownies should have.
The brownies tend to come out too cakey and dry, missing that dense, fudgy texture many people prefer. Even following the “fudgy” variation instructions on the box doesn’t quite achieve the right consistency. The texture feels somewhat artificial and lacks the satisfying chewiness of better mixes.
Another drawback is the sweetness level, which seems to overpower any chocolate flavor. The sugar taste dominates each bite, making it difficult to detect any real cocoa notes. Adding extra chocolate chips helps somewhat but shouldn’t be necessary for a basic brownie mix to taste good.
The mix also struggles with producing that desirable crackly top that many people look for in brownies. Instead, the surface often turns out dull and unremarkable. The edges tend to get too crispy while the center remains somewhat underdone, making it tricky to achieve consistent results across the entire pan.
Annie’s organic mix surprises with decent results
Annie’s Organic brownie mix manages to stand out among natural options, though it still has room for improvement. Unlike many organic alternatives, these brownies achieve a pretty good texture that comes close to conventional mixes. The organic ingredients don’t seem to compromise the basic brownie experience as much as other natural brands do.
The mix produces brownies with a notable papery top and good distribution of chocolate chips. While not perfect, the texture strikes a reasonable balance between cakey and fudgy. The chocolate flavor is mild but pleasant, without the artificial notes that plague some other organic options.
One advantage is that these brownies hold their moisture fairly well over time. They don’t dry out as quickly as some competitors, maintaining their texture for at least a couple of days when properly stored. The mix also produces consistent results, with fewer variations between batches than many other brands.
However, the price point remains higher than conventional mixes, which might be a deterrent for some. The brownies also tend to be slightly less sweet than traditional options, which could be either a pro or con depending on personal preference. The chocolate intensity could be stronger, though it’s adequate for a basic brownie.
King Arthur delivers solid gluten free option
King Arthur’s gluten-free brownie mix proves that dietary restrictions don’t have to mean sacrificing taste. Unlike many gluten-free alternatives that struggle with texture issues, this mix produces brownies that could easily pass for traditional ones. The consistency is remarkably good, avoiding the graininess that often plagues gluten-free baked goods.
These brownies come out surprisingly fudgy and chocolatey without being overwhelmingly sweet. The chocolate flavor has good depth, striking a nice balance between sweet and rich. Even people who don’t follow gluten-free diets often can’t tell the difference between these and regular brownies.
The mix produces consistent results batch after batch, which is particularly impressive for a gluten-free product. The edges develop a nice chew while the center stays soft and moist. Another plus is that these brownies maintain their texture well when stored, not becoming dry or crumbly like some other gluten-free options.
However, the price point is notably higher than regular mixes, which might make some hesitate. The brownies also require careful measurement of wet ingredients to achieve the best results – being even slightly off can affect the texture more than with traditional mixes.
Trader Joe truffle mix impresses with rich flavor
Trader Joe’s truffle brownie mix stands out by offering something a bit different from standard options. Opening the box reveals a mix that looks darker than most, hinting at the intense chocolate experience to come. The preparation process is straightforward, though the batter appears thicker than typical mixes.
These brownies bake up with a rich, velvety texture and gooey chocolate chips throughout. The truffle element adds an extra layer of indulgence that sets them apart from basic chocolate brownies. The top develops a thin, delicate crust that provides a nice textural contrast.
One notable feature is the chocolate intensity – these brownies taste more like dark chocolate than milk chocolate. They aren’t overly sweet, which allows the complex cocoa flavors to shine through. The chocolate chips stay slightly melted even after cooling, creating pleasant pockets of gooeyness.
Some might find these brownies almost too rich to eat more than a small piece at a time. They also tend to be quite dense, which might not appeal to those who prefer a lighter, cakier texture. The mix is also only available at Trader Joe’s stores, which might limit accessibility for some people.
Ghirardelli takes the crown as best overall mix
Ghirardelli’s Double Chocolate brownie mix consistently delivers outstanding results that put it at the top of the rankings. From the moment you open the package, you can tell this mix is different – it contains real chocolate chips and has a rich cocoa smell that promises good things to come.
The brownies bake up with a perfect balance of flaky crust and fudgy center. They achieve that ideal texture that’s neither too cakey nor too dense, with edges that have just the right amount of chew. The top develops that coveted crackly surface that brownie enthusiasts look for.
The chocolate flavor is complex and well-balanced, featuring both dark and milk chocolate notes. These brownies manage to be rich without becoming overwhelming, sweet without being sugary. The included chocolate chips melt perfectly during baking, creating pockets of intense chocolate throughout.
While the price is higher than basic mixes, the quality justifies the cost. These brownies also maintain their texture well when stored, staying fresh for several days in an airtight container. They cut cleanly without crumbling, making them perfect for bake sales or gatherings.
After testing multiple brands and variations, it’s clear why some mixes stand above others. Factors like chocolate quality, texture balance, and consistency make a huge difference in the final product. While personal preference plays a role in choosing the perfect mix, the top-ranked options consistently deliver better results than their competitors. Remember that even the best mix can be enhanced with simple additions like vanilla extract or an extra egg for chewier results.
