The pros: Trader Joe's Brownie Truffle Baking Mix makes decent brownies. It has a nice texture with chocolate chips added in.
The cons: Not as much value in this product as it is smaller in size than Duncan Hines and Pillsbury packages.
The verdict: For $2.99 you are getting a 16 ounce package of brownie mix. On the package you have two recipes: one for brownies and one for cookies. I opted for brownies. All that is needed is 2 eggs and a stick of butter. Simple enough. I followed directions.
I took out my designated brownie pan and I quickly realized that this mix does NOT make the same amount of batter as brands like Duncan Hines and Pillsbury. Upon closer research, I realized that Duncan Hines and Pillsbury mixes are at least 18 ounces. That 18 ounces is before you add any additional ingredients necessary to have brownie awesomeness. I struggled to fill my brownie pan which makes 12 perfectly cut slices. I was convinced that I would end up with brownies like Trader Joe's Brownie Crisps.
While that didn't happen, I ended up with the smallest batch of boxed brownies I've ever made. When baked, they were good, but not great. They had a good chocolate taste and chocolate chips mixed in for added texture. Notice the word good. The mix wasn't great and isn't going to make me want to buy it again.
I wasn't blown away by this product. It's only just good. On sale, you should have no problem getting a Duncan Hines or Pillsbury mix for under $2 a box. With Trader Joe's Brownie Truffle Baking Mix, you are getting a smaller product for more money. That product is just ok if not just average for a boxed brownie mix. All in all, I won't be repurchasing this item.
Here is the visual rundown of what you get if you purchase this item:
The box of Trader Joe's Brownie Truffle Baking Mix:
The nutritional information:
The ingredients:
How to prepare suggestions:
I opted for the brownies. So out of the package you get this and you'll have to add butter and eggs:
After being cooked you get:
Would I buy this again? Only if I absolutely need brownie mix and Trader Joe's is the only place to get it, otherwise I'm happy to go back to Pillsbury or Duncan Hines.
Want to see more items I've reviewed from Trader Joe's? Click on Thoughts & Reviews of Trader Joe's for a searchable list.
Did you try it? Let me know what you think in the comments section!
ibn says
May Allah reward you!
I had thrown away the box before I even made the brownies, thank you so much!
becomebetty says
Glad I could help. Thanks so much for taking the time to stop by.
Connie Hodling says
I bought Duncan Hines during the "shut down" when I had food delivered & later bought a 6pk container of Ghirardelli brownies at Costco because of the price. I now add vanilla to the Ghirardelli to try to make it better. Trader Joe's is the absolute best!! Evan though I'm a big fan of Ghirardelli when baking cookies etc Trader Joe's brownies has the best chocolate fudgy taste.
christineflaherty21 says
I think Trader Joes brownies are the best too. The mini chips are perfect. When ever I have used DH or Pillsbury I have added more cocoa powder as I feel they skimp on that in those mixes. I have never had to add cocoa to TJ mix. Their cookie recipe with the TJ mix is also excellent. I have not tried Ghiradelli, but plan to today.
becomebetty says
Thanks so much for sharing!
Quadvark says
After reading your review about these I made the cookie option last night and they are delicious. I had the box in my pantry just sitting there and then I came across your website yesterday so you saved me from small brownies! I do a lot of shopping at TJ's so your site is wonderful:)
becomebetty says
Thanks so much for your kind words