Warm, fudgy brownies made from scratch and topped with fresh whipped cream – it really doesn’t get better than that. Unfortunately, good things don’t always come easy. Making brownies from scratch takes time you don’t have. The good news is brownie mix is better than ever. All you need is a few minutes to whip up the batter and pop it in the oven until you’re on your way to gooey deliciousness.
The Top 6 Brownie Recipes
You may think one brownie recipe is the same as any other, but it simply isn’t the case. The flavor of your brownies will vary depending on the type of cocoa used and the amount, not to mention the amount of sugar. Some recipes use additional flavors like vanilla or coffee, while some keep it simple.
You can’t really know how good a brownie recipe is until you try it, but there aren’t many who would complain about making that sacrifice.
With all of the options out there, however, you’ll probably run out of time before you get through them all. We’ve put together a list of the best brownie recipes we think you should put at the top of your list.
Here are the best 6 brownie recipes on the market:
Ghiradelli Double Chocolate Brownie Mix
Award: Best Overall
When you’re craving chocolate brownies and nothing but the best will do, this is the brownie recipe to reach for.
Packed with chocolate flavor and made with real ingredients, this Ghiradelli Double Chocolate Brownie recipe is just what you need. It is loaded with rich cocoa flavor and studded with Ghiradelli chocolate chips to create a rich, moist, and deliciously chewy chocolate treat. The key to perfect brownies is simple: better chocolate = better brownies. That’s why Ghiradelli is the best.
These Ghiradelli Double Chocolate Brownies are incredibly easy to make. All you need is a little water, vegetable oil, and an egg. Whisk everything together and pop it in the oven and you’ll have a gooey batch of brownies in less than 45 minutes. As an added bonus, you’ll also receive a recipe for cookie & brownie bars right on the box (you’d better buy two!).
Pros:
- Made with real Ghiradelli chocolate chips
- Quick and easy to prepare in under 45 minutes
- Real ingredients with minimal additives
Cons:
- May come out a little dry, users suggest under-baking by 5 minutes
- Some found the chocolate flavor too rich
Specs:
- Price: $2.14
- Capacity: 18 oz.
- Add-Ins: ¼ cup water, 1/3 cup oil, 1 egg
- Baking Temp: 325°F
Betty Crocker Fudge Brownie Mix
Award: Best Value
There are some things where quantity is what really matters and if you feel that way about brownies, this brownie recipe is the perfect choice for stocking up at a low price.
If you’re a firm believer that a brownie is a brownie, don’t waste your time reading through dozens of recipes and just buy as many as you can! This Betty Crocker Fudge Brownie Recipe comes in a 3-pack for just around $10 so you can afford to fill your whole pantry. Made with rich Dutch cocoa, these brownies are packed with chocolate flavor and come out with the perfect gooey texture.
Another thing that makes this brownie recipe so perfect is that it makes an 8×8-inch pan. Though some brownie mixes make more, this is the perfect size if you’re baking dessert for the family (or, let’s be honest, just for yourself). If 9 brownies simply isn’t enough, don’t worry – there are two more bags! Throw in your favorite mix-ins and go to town with these tasty treats.
Pros:
- Very affordable, 3-pack under $10
- Quick and easy to prepare, under 30 minutes
- Made with real Dutch cocoa
Cons:
- Makes a smaller batch (about 9 servings)
- Sweetened with corn syrup
Specs:
- Price: $10.12 (for 3)
- Capacity: 10.25 oz.
- Add-Ins: 1/3 cup oil, 2 tbsp. water, 1 egg
- Baking Temp: 325°F
Madhava Naturally Sweet Ooey-Gooey Chocolate Brownie Mix
Award: Best Organic
Enjoy the rich chocolate flavor of gooey fudge brownies without all the artificial additives. These brownies are made with ancient grains and organic natural sweeteners.
The problem with many packaged products is that manufacturers tend to load them up with artificial ingredients. If you’re looking for a brownie recipe that tastes good AND is made with real ingredients, we recommend Madhava Naturally Sweet Ooey-Gooey Chocolate Brownie Mix. These brownies are made with ancient grains and organic sweeteners but have the fudge brownie taste you want.
These Madhava Naturally Sweet Ooey-Gooey Chocolate Brownies come out with the perfect gooey texture and they’re so full of chocolate flavor you might forget to swallow. This brownie recipe is made with ancient whole grains and natural sweeteners, so you don’t have to worry about anything artificial. Don’t worry, they’re still quick and easy to prepare in under an hour.
Pros:
- Made with organic ingredients (ancient grains)
- Naturally sweetened with a sugar blend
- Rich chocolate flavor, easy to prepare
Cons:
- Baking time is a little longer than some recipes
Specs:
- Price: $35.28 (for 6)
- Capacity: 18 oz.
- Add-Ins: ½ cup water, ¾ cup oil, 1 egg
- Baking Temp: 325°F
King Arthur Flour Gluten Free Brownie Mix
Award: Best Gluten Free
Whether you follow the gluten free diet by necessity or by choice, these rich and fudgy brownies are guaranteed to hit the spot.
Most of the brownie recipes you come across are made with traditional wheat flour. There’s nothing wrong with that, in most cases, but if you follow the gluten-free diet you’ll need something different. Gluten free packaged foods have a reputation for being less than perfect, but these King Arthur Gluten Free Brownies are sure to hit the spot.
This King Arthur Gluten Free Brownie Recipe is completely gluten-free and dairy-free, made with premium ingredients like cane sugar and rice flour. The recipe has been tried and tested to perfection, guaranteeing reliable results and irresistible flavor. You won’t be disappointed.
Pros:
- Gluten free and dairy free recipe
- Sold in a convenient pack of 6
- Easy to prepare in under 45 minutes
Cons:
- Fairly pricey compared to others
- May take longer in a glass pan
Specs:
- Price: $26.94 (for 6)
- Capacity: 17 oz.
- Add-Ins: ½ cup butter, 2 tbsp. water, 2 eggs
- Baking Temp: 350°F
Keto and Co Fudge Brownie Baking Mix
Award: Best Keto
Traditional brownie recipes are packed with carbs and sugar, but these keto brownies strike the perfect balance with just 1.1g net carbs per serving.
The keto diet is based on the goal of reducing your carb intake to encourage your body to naturally burn more fat. This makes traditional brownie recipes a no-go because they are loaded with sugar and high-carb flour. If you’re looking for a keto-friendly indulgence, these Keto and Co. Fudge Brownies are the way to go. At just 1.1 grams net carbs per serving, these brownies are not just keto-friendly, they’re also diabetic friendly! While we’re making a list, they’re gluten free and dairy free too.
These Keto and Co. Fudge Brownies are quick and easy to prepare – just stir in the eggs and oil, throw them in the oven, and let them back! Made with 8 grams of dietary fiber, these brownies are filling as well, and they’re good for your gut.
Pros:
- Keto and diabetic friendly (1.1g net carbs)
- Gluten free and dairy free
- Easy to prepare in under 45 minutes
Cons:
- May not be as sweet as some recipes
- Fairly pricey compared to others
Specs:
- Price: $10.49
- Capacity: 10.2 oz.
- Add-Ins: ¾ cup butter, 3 large eggs
- Baking Temp: 325°F
Duncan Hines Mug Cakes Brownie Mix
Award: Best Microwave
When you absolutely can’t wait for a chocolate brownie, these microwave brownies are just what you need.
There’s nothing that compares to a warm chocolate brownie but if you don’t have 45 minutes to wait, these Duncan Hines Mug Cakes might be the perfect solution. Just add a few tablespoons of water and pop them in the microwave. In about 3 minutes you’ll have a gooey and delicious dessert to dig into. If you’re feeling a little extra adventurous, try one of the other flavors likes caramel brownie or walnut brownie. You can even customize the mix by adding your favorite topping after cooking it.
Pros:
- Rich chocolatey flavor
- Make in the microwave
- Only needs water to be added
Cons:
- Not designed for multiple servings
Specs:
- Price: $17.60 (for 4)
- Capacity: 4 (2.84 oz.) pouches
- Add-Ins: 2 tbsp. water
- Baking Temp: 325°F
What Can You Do with a Good Brownie Recipe?
It’s hard to compare to the deliciousness of a fudgy chocolate brownie warm from the oven, but once you’ve had your fill your mind may start to wander. What else can you do with brownie mix?
The best thing about a boxed brownie recipe is the simplicity, of course, but don’t discount the versatility! With a good box of brownie mix, you can make everything from brownie bars and cookies to cakes, truffles, trifles, and more. The options are endless!
Here are a few ideas to make use of your favorite brownie recipe:
- Chop up one of your favorite candy bars and sprinkle it into the batter after spreading it – you can also go with good old-fashioned chocolate chips.
- Warm a ¼ cup of peanut butter or almond butter in the microwave then drizzle it over the batter – swirl with a knife just before baking.
- Whip up a batch of chocolate chip cookie dough and drop dollops into the brownie batter to make brownie cookie bars.
- Make rocky road brownies by stirring in mini marshmallows and chopped nuts – you can also add the marshmallows at the end to melt them over top.
- Dress up your brownie recipe with frosting after baking. Make sure you let the brownies cool completely so they don’t melt the frosting.
- Make a batch of cheesecake filling and drizzle it over the batter then swirl before baking to make cheesecake brownies.
- Create a batch of turtle brownies by stirring in some chopped pecans before pouring the batter then swirl with caramel syrup.
- Eliminate the oil from your brownie recipe and stir in a can of fruit – it adds flavor and really amps up the moisture level as well.
If you’re just in the mood for some good old-fashioned brownies, there are still simple ways to make it even better. Give your brownie recipe an extra dose of chocolate by adding ¼ cup of cocoa power (go for dark cocoa powder if you’re feeling feisty). Add a dash of espresso powder to make the cocoa really pop and use melted butter instead of vegetable oil and buttermilk instead of water.
What to Look for in a Brownie Recipe
Brownies are a classic dessert and there really isn’t much too them, or so you may think. The truth is not all brownie recipes are made equal and some are downright disappointing. You can’t assume that a product is good just because it has a pretty picture on the box – you have to dig a little deeper.
When it comes to finding a good brownie recipe, you need to know what you’re looking for. Take a look at the list of ingredients to see what’s really inside the box. If the list of ingredients is a mile long, it’s safe to assume that it’s full of artificial additives and things you don’t really need (or want). If you’re not worried about food allergies or sensitivities, however, this may be less of an issue.
In addition to checking the ingredients, scan over the instructions to make sure there’s nothing unexpected. For the most part, brownie recipes are simple: combine the ingredients and bake. You’ll find some recipes have recommendations for certain baking pans, however, so make sure you have the tools you need to go from box to brownie.
The Bottom Line
You don’t have to be a master baker to whip up a delicious batch of brownies – all you really need is a good brownie recipe. Fortunately, you don’t even have to leave your home for most of the ingredients! You’ll definitely want to give some of these brownie recipes a try and once you do, you’ll find yourself filling the pantry with them so you never have to go without.