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I’ll be honest—when it comes to baking, I’m usually a from-scratch or nothing kind of person. Boxed mixes? I’ve always assumed they were a shortcut that tasted like one. But after hearing friends and strangers alike rave about Trader Joe’s Brownie Truffle Baking Mix, I decided to toss a box into my cart on my latest TJ’s run. At just $3.99, I figured it was worth the experiment. And let me tell you—it completely changed how I feel about boxed brownies.
A staple on Trader Joe’s shelves for more than 25 years, this mix has earned a cult following for a reason. It’s been called the “Best Brownie Mix” by both home bakers and pros, and once you try it, you’ll understand why. The magic starts with Dutch cocoa, which gives these brownies an intense, rich chocolate flavor. Trader Joe’s didn’t stop there—they also packed in plenty of chocolate chips, so every bite has pockets of melty, decadent goodness. So freaking good!
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The process of making these delectable treats could not be easier. All you need is some butter, eggs and about 25 minutes in the oven. That’s it. The result? Brownies with a moist, fudgy center, chewy edges and that perfect crackly top that looks straight out of a bakery display case. I’ve made a lot of brownies in my life, and these are shockingly close to my scratch-made version—if not better.
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Of course, the fun of this mix is that you can dress it up if you’re feeling fancy. Trader Joe’s even suggests adding chopped walnuts, dried cherries or drizzling tahini or caramel sauce into the batter before baking. I’m already planning to try a peanut butter swirl next time. That sounds so good and addictive. But honestly, they’re incredible just as they are—rich, chocolatey and almost truffle-like in texture (hence the name).
Brownie Truffle Baking Mix, $3.99 at Trader Joe’s
I baked my first batch on a weeknight when I needed something sweet but didn’t have the energy to pull out a dozen ingredients. In less than half an hour, my kitchen smelled like a chocolate dream, and I had a warm pan of brownies cooling on the counter. Paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, it was the kind of dessert that makes you close your eyes with the first bite. Unreal!
Now, I’m officially converted. I’ll still make scratch brownies when I have the time, but this mix has earned a permanent spot in my pantry. It’s a $4 little box of happiness—perfect for last-minute guests, potlucks, or just a Tuesday night treat. If you’re a chocolate lover, you owe it to yourself to grab one (or three) on your next Trader Joe’s run. You might just find, like I did, that “boxed brownies” suddenly has a whole new meaning.
Related: I Tried 14 Brownie Mixes and the Winner Was Fudgy, Rich and a Total 10/10