And it turns out their unanimous favorite is our favorite, too.
Our Panel of Boxed Brownie Mix-Rating Chefs
- Jonathan Gutierrez, executive chef at the Grand Geneva Resort & Spa in Lake Geneva, Wis.
- Jess Robertson, executive pastry chef at Oak Park restaurant in Des Moines, Iowa
- Leslie Rohland, chef and owner of The Cottage Cafe in Bluffton, S.C.
- Amanda Buhrman, owner of the now-closed Sweetly Baked: Cafe & Dessert Bar in Milwaukee, Wis.
Qualities of a Good Boxed Brownie Mix
When searching for a boxed brownie mix that could pass as homemade, the chefs we spoke to steered clear of anything overly sweet or artificial-tasting. Additionally, Jonathan Gutierrez, executive chef at the Grand Geneva Resort & Spa in Wisconsin, steers clear of mixes that contain “too many artificial additives or preservatives” because he prefers “a more natural taste” in his baked goods.
Instead, they look for boxed brownie mixes that deliver:
- Rich chocolate flavor.
- Moist and chewy texture.
- Clear instructions.
- The option for additions, such as chocolate chips or caramel.
Our chef panel prefers brands such as Ghirardelli, Betty Crocker, and Duncan Hines. Amanda Buhrman of Sweetly Baked: Cafe & Dessert Bar believes these brands “often provide a more consistent experience” than generic brands.
The Best Boxed Brownie Mix, According to Chefs
All four of the chefs agreed: Ghirardelli makes the best boxed brownie mix.
“Ghirardelli is known for its premium chocolate, and this translates beautifully into their brownie mix,” Gutierrez says. “What sets Ghirardelli’s brownie mix apart is its use of high-quality cocoa and chocolate chips. The result is a brownie that has a deep, intense chocolate flavor and a wonderfully dense yet moist texture. The chocolate chips in the mix melt perfectly, adding pockets of extra chocolaty goodness throughout the brownie. This attention to quality ingredients truly elevates the baking experience.”
Ghirardelli’s Premium Brownie Mix line comes in a variety of flavors, which vary by retailer. They all contain sugar, flour, and cocoa. Then the plot thickens with other mix-ins by flavor:
