Ingredients
Our winning boxed brownie mix is my secret to whipping up last-minute desserts that taste like I planned them for days.
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Published Feb. 24, 2023.
Brownies are one of my favorite comfort desserts. They pack a delicious, chocolaty punch and offer an incredible textural juxtaposition (edge piece, anyone?).
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.
