Brownies are one of my favorite comfort desserts. They pack a delicious, chocolaty punch and offer an incredible textural juxtaposition (edge piece, anyone?).
Ingredients
How to Make Boxed Brownie Mix Even Better
Our winning boxed brownie mix is my secret to whipping up last-minute desserts that taste like I planned them for days.
By Published Feb. 24, 2023.
I love making brownies from scratch, but sometimes I just don’t have the time. When last-minute guests or busy work days put me in a time crunch, I reach for one of my family’s favorite pantry staples: Ghirardelli Chocolate Supreme Brownie Mix.
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This mix won my colleague Carolyn Grillo’s in-depth boxed brownie mix taste test with its “strong, chocolate-forward flavor” and “crackly” yet lusciously “fudgy” texture.
The secret? Two different types of cocoa powder and an included chocolate-sauce packet, all of which amped up the chocolate flavor decadently.
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My husband, the real brownie wizard in our household, has also loved it for years. He’s fantastic at whipping up a last-minute batch, while I quickly plan on how we’re going to use them for delightful, memorable desserts.
My favorite brownie-based, showstopping dessert is a warm brownie sundae. Start with your favorite ice cream and with the time you save using boxed brownie mix, you can make a luxurious coffee whipped cream or simple fudge sauce that will blow guests away. I’m all about “high-low” combinations like these.
Or, if time really isn’t on your side, heat up our winning hot fudge for a dead-simple yet scrumptious topping.
You can also bake the brownies in a cast-iron skillet and assemble the ice cream, hot fudge, and whipped cream on top for a shareable, unforgettable treat.
But the good ideas don’t stop there. Here are some more to help you make the most of your brownie mix.
- Add coffee or instant espresso powder to your brownies for an even deeper, more complex chocolate flavor.
- Swirl them with peanut butter, cream cheese, or even pumpkin filling to mix things up.
- Mix in nuts, add a marshmallow topping, or spread on your favorite frostings for fun, simple, or seasonal twists.
- Take advantage of Girl Scout cookie season and make Thin Mint Brownies.
- Or, you could even whip up a decadent milkshake and crumble a brownie on top as a garnish.
Brownie mix has prime real estate in my pantry, and it should find a home in yours as well. Try out these inventive tips to treat yourself or your guests without any stressful prep.