Brownie Bakeoff
Good news, treat-loving locavores. Our little corner of the country is home to a surprising number of chocolate cake and brownie mix makers. Always looking out for her fellow local-food lovers, expert recipe tester Jess Thomson tried out nine of their products—plus one from Utah (it’s not that far away)—in her own desserts lab. Here, her findings on which to buy, which to avoid, and tips on what to do to make your quick mixes taste like you’ve been baking for hours.
Brownie Bakeoff in our Shopping Guide
Top Mix Picks
Firenza Chocolate Ecstasy Cake
Locavore brownie points: 2.5 out of 5
Made 181 miles away in Beaverton, Oregon, this cake wouldn’t qualify for the 100-mile diet. But it earns points for coming from a neighbor state.
Prep time 9 minutes
Prep difficulties None
We’re sweet on The fact that directions call for a mixer, so you can con yourself into thinking you’re actually baking.
The test kitchen suggests The mix puffs up into a dome when baked as directed, in a nine-inch pan—not ideal for double-layer cakes. We say: Embrace the dome. Plan for a single-layer cake and glaze with drippy chocolate ganache. For a coffeescented version, add three tablespoons of freshly ground espresso powder.
Ghirardelli Double Chocolate Brownie Mix
Locavore brownie points: 4 out of 5
It is manufactured just 17 miles away in Kent.
Prep time 5 minutes
Prep difficulties None
We’re sweet on The chocolate chips in the mix, which offer decadent little hits of chocolate flavor.
The test kitchen suggests These almost taste too real for boxed brownies, so stir in a handful of imitation chocolate chips, if you can’t handle the truth. If you want people to believe they are homemade, just keep quiet.
Ghirardelli Chocolate Syrup Brownie Mix
Locavore brownie points: 4 out of 5
It’s another Ghirardelli product made nearby in Kent (17 miles from Seattle).
Prep time 6 minutes
Prep difficulties None
We’re sweet on The crinkly-wrinkly layer that forms on top.
The test kitchen suggests Real-food advocates will find much to disapprove of in the ingredient list, so we suggest you toss out the chemical-loaded syrup pouch and stir in a quarter cup of melted dark chocolate instead. Throw in one cup of chopped toasted walnuts or pecans for added crunch and flavor.
Published: March 2009
