This Chocolatey Dolly Parton Baking Mix Outshines The Cornbread And Biscuits

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When a celebrity attaches their name to a product, it tends to go one of two ways — customers either flock to stores or veer away completely. But when it comes to Dolly Parton, a rare middle ground tends to rise. When Duncan Hines released a line of Dolly-backed baking mixes, it was no surprise that they sold out immediately, and the limited-edition collaboration turned into a multi-year partnership that has won over even the harshest of critics. Still, while the cornbread and biscuits are legendary, there is a chocolatey mix that we prefer: The Fabulously Double Fudge Brownies.

We have featured the Duncan Hines brand of Dolly Parton baking mixes in a number of different taste tests, and the Fabulously Double Fudge Brownie Mix has impressed again and again. In fact, this offering ranked above both the sweet cornbread and buttermilk biscuits in this line up of 14 Dolly Parton baking mixes, thanks to that trademark fudgy texture and rich flavor. This is probably because, unlike most boxed brownies, this mix calls for melted butter rather than oil.

Because butter solidifies at room temperature, it can lead to a denser, fudgier bite with a more complex, slightly nutty flavor. It's that profile that makes this boxed mix shine. Our taste tester felt that the instructions called for a little too much fat (½ cup), as the brownies didn't hold together very well, but otherwise loved the sheen it created. This Dolly Parton-branded brownie mix resulted in a dessert that looked and tasted like bakery brownies, but a little tweaking is needed.

Despite the praise for this Dolly Parton mix, our taste tester felt like the brownies needed longer in the oven — and some of the other mixes were enjoyed a bit more, such as the famous coconut cake mix and delicious chocolate cake mix, which topped the list. However, the mix did claim the number two spot on our ranking of store-bought fudgy brownie mixes, and so many others have raved about it since.

One Walmart customer called it the "best brownie mix ever," while another referred to it as the "absolutely the number one, first choice, gotta have fudge brownie mix available on the planet!" Amazon reviewers have also complimented the "addicting" flavor and "excellent quality" of this mix. "They were super easy to make, and the instructions were very clear," one wrote. "They also were the perfect moistness (not too wet, but not too dry), and the texture of the top was smooth and had the perfect small thin crust on the top."

The batter can apparently look stiff until it's mixed well, and some like to add an extra egg yolk for more richness, vanilla extract for flavor, or a little strawberry jam for a fruity twist. White chocolate chips also work well, as do M&Ms, chopped nuts, or a layer of frosting on top. You could also use the mix to make pecan pie brownies or a brownie skillet. Just be cautious if you use your cast iron pan for savory dishes, as it can retain flavor.