Have you ever wondered if you can put pudding mix in brownie mix? If you’re looking for a way to make your brownies extra moist, rich, and fudgy, adding pudding mix might be the secret ingredient you need!
Pudding mix is a popular baking hack used to enhance cakes and cookies, but does it work just as well in brownies? The answer might surprise you. By adding instant pudding to your brownie batter, you can achieve a softer texture, deeper flavor, and a more indulgent bite. But before you grab that box of Jell-O pudding, it’s important to know how it affects your recipe.
In this guide, we’ll explore the benefits of adding pudding mix to brownies, the best types to use, and how to get the perfect consistency. Plus, we’ll cover expert tips, common mistakes to avoid, and whether this trick works with all brownie mixes. Let’s dive in and find out if pudding mix is the upgrade your brownies need!
Why Add Pudding Mix to Brownie Mix?
Adding pudding mix to brownie mix might sound like an unusual idea, but many bakers swear by this simple trick to enhance texture, flavor, and moisture. Pudding mix contains stabilizers and emulsifiers that help create a soft, fudgy consistency while locking in moisture, making your brownies richer and more indulgent. But how exactly does it work? Let’s break it down.
How Pudding Mix Changes Brownie Texture
One of the biggest reasons to add pudding mix to brownie batter is to enhance the texture. Regular boxed brownie mixes can sometimes turn out dry or crumbly, but pudding mix helps prevent this by adding extra moisture. Here’s how:
- Moisture Retention: The cornstarch and modified food starch in pudding mix help absorb and hold moisture, preventing your brownies from drying out as they bake.
- Fudgier Consistency: Because pudding mix thickens when mixed with liquids, it helps create a dense, chewy texture rather than a cakey one.
- Smoother Mouthfeel: The stabilizers in pudding mix create a silky, velvety bite, making each piece taste rich and indulgent.
If you love thick, gooey brownies, adding pudding mix can give you that perfect bakery-style consistency without requiring extra butter or oil.
Does Pudding Mix Enhance Brownie Flavor?
Beyond texture, pudding mix can also intensify the flavor of your brownies. Since pudding comes in various flavors, it adds depth and richness to the chocolatey goodness of your brownies. Here’s what happens when you use different flavors:
- Chocolate Pudding Mix: Enhances the deep cocoa taste, making brownies even more chocolatey.
- Vanilla Pudding Mix: Adds a subtle sweetness and creaminess, balancing the intensity of chocolate.
- Butterscotch or Caramel Pudding Mix: Introduces a warm, caramelized flavor that complements chocolate beautifully.
- White Chocolate Pudding Mix: Creates a creamy, slightly sweeter brownie with a unique twist.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even mix different pudding flavors to create a completely customized brownie experience!
Comparing Regular Brownies vs. Pudding Brownies
Still unsure whether pudding brownies are worth trying? Let’s compare traditional brownies to pudding brownies side by side:
| Feature | Regular Brownies | Pudding Brownies |
|---|---|---|
| Texture | Can be dry or cakey | Moist, fudgy, and dense |
| Flavor | Chocolatey, but may need extra ingredients for richness | Deeper, richer flavor with pudding enhancement |
| Shelf Life | Dries out faster over time | Stays softer and fresher for longer |
| Ease of Mixing | Simple, but needs oil/butter for moisture | Just mix in pudding powder—no extra fat needed |
As you can see, pudding brownies have a clear advantage if you prefer a soft, gooey, and intensely flavorful treat. While traditional brownies are still delicious, adding pudding mix can take them to the next level with minimal effort.
Best Pudding Mix to Use for Brownies
Not all pudding mixes are created equal when it comes to baking, and choosing the right one can make a big difference in how your brownies turn out. The type of pudding mix you use affects the texture, flavor, and overall consistency of your brownies. Below, we’ll explore which pudding mix works best, compare instant vs. cook-and-serve pudding, and discuss the top brands and flavors to use.
Instant vs. Cook-and-Serve Pudding Mix
When adding pudding mix to brownie batter, instant pudding mix is the best choice. Here’s why:
✅ Why Instant Pudding Mix Works Best
- Quick Dissolving: Instant pudding mix is designed to dissolve easily in liquid without the need for cooking, which makes it blend seamlessly into brownie batter.
- Better Moisture Retention: The cornstarch and emulsifiers in instant pudding mix help trap moisture, resulting in extra fudgy and moist brownies.
- Stronger Flavor Infusion: Since instant pudding mix is formulated to provide flavor instantly, it enhances the chocolate taste of your brownies without requiring additional ingredients.
🚫 Why Cook-and-Serve Pudding Doesn’t Work Well
- Requires Cooking First: Cook-and-serve pudding must be heated and thickened before use, which can alter the consistency of your brownie batter.
- Can Make Batter Too Runny: If added directly to the mix, it may introduce too much moisture, making brownies overly dense or even undercooked in the center.
- Less Flavor Impact: Since cook-and-serve pudding is designed to develop flavor as it cooks, it doesn’t provide the same immediate chocolate boost that instant pudding does.
Top Brands for Pudding Mix and Brownie Mix
Not sure which pudding mix to use? These are some of the best and most trusted brands for getting rich, fudgy brownies:
Best Instant Pudding Mix Brands
- Jell-O Instant Pudding Mix – The most popular choice, known for its rich flavor and smooth consistency.
- Royal Instant Pudding Mix – A good alternative that’s budget-friendly and works well in brownie recipes.
- Hershey’s Instant Chocolate Pudding Mix – Perfect for extra chocolatey brownies with a deep cocoa flavor.
- Great Value (Walmart) Instant Pudding Mix – A decent store-brand option that delivers moist and soft brownies.
Best Brownie Mixes to Pair with Pudding Mix
If you’re starting with a box of brownie mix, these brands work best when combined with pudding mix:
- Betty Crocker Fudge Brownie Mix – Pairs beautifully with pudding mix for ultra-fudgy brownies.
- Duncan Hines Chewy Fudge Brownie Mix – Already rich on its own, but pudding makes it even softer.
- Ghirardelli Double Chocolate Brownie Mix – A premium choice that blends well with pudding for an indulgent treat.
- Pillsbury Chocolate Fudge Brownie Mix – Works great with pudding for a soft and chewy bite.
Chocolate vs. Vanilla Pudding – Which One to Choose?
The flavor of pudding mix you choose will determine how your brownies taste. Here’s how different flavors affect the final result:
🍫 Chocolate Pudding Mix – The Best Choice
- Intensifies the chocolate flavor in brownies.
- Makes brownies extra rich and decadent.
- Works best with double chocolate or dark chocolate brownie mixes.
🍦 Vanilla Pudding Mix – A Subtle Enhancement
- Adds a slight sweet creaminess without overpowering the chocolate.
- Softens the bitterness of dark cocoa, creating a balanced flavor.
- Pairs well with milk chocolate or milk-based brownie recipes.
🍮 Other Unique Pudding Flavors to Try
- Butterscotch Pudding – Adds a warm, caramel-like sweetness.
- White Chocolate Pudding – Creates a creamier, slightly sweeter brownie.
- Banana or Coconut Pudding – A creative twist for a tropical, fruity undertone.
How to Add Pudding Mix to Brownie Batter
Adding pudding mix to brownie batter is an easy yet game-changing trick that enhances moisture, texture, and flavor. However, to get the best results, you need to know how much to use, when to add it, and whether any adjustments are needed in the recipe. Below, we’ll cover step-by-step instructions, ingredient modifications, and tips for achieving the perfect fudgy brownies with pudding mix.
Step-by-Step Guide to Adding Pudding Mix to Brownies
Follow these simple steps to incorporate pudding mix into your brownie batter for extra-rich, soft, and gooey results:
Step1: Gather Your Ingredients
- Before you start, make sure you have the right ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 box brownie mix (or a homemade brownie recipe)
- 1 small box (3.4 oz) instant pudding mix (chocolate or vanilla works best)
- Eggs (as required by the brownie mix)
- Oil or butter (as required by the brownie mix)
- Water or milk (as required by the brownie mix)
- Optional: Extra mix-ins like chocolate chips, nuts, or caramel
Step2: Combine Dry Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together:
- Brownie mix
- Instant pudding mix (dry, do NOT prepare it first)
By adding the pudding mix directly into the dry ingredients, it blends evenly and thickens the batter properly when combined with liquids.
Step3: Add Wet Ingredients
Next, incorporate the eggs, oil, and water/milk as instructed by the brownie mix. Stir gently until everything is well combined.
💡 Pro Tip: If using homemade brownie batter, simply mix the dry pudding powder into the flour mixture before adding wet ingredients.
Step4: Adjust the Batter Consistency
Since pudding mix absorbs more moisture, your brownie batter may be thicker than usual. If it’s too thick, add:
- 1–2 tablespoons of milk or water to loosen it up
- An extra egg for a richer, more structured texture
- A bit more oil if you want ultra-moist brownies
The key is to keep the batter smooth and spreadable but not runny.
Step5: Bake as Usual
Pour the pudding-enhanced brownie batter into a greased or parchment-lined baking pan and bake at the temperature recommended on the brownie mix box (usually 325°F–350°F).
💡 Baking Tip: Since the pudding mix makes brownies denser and moister, they might take 2–5 extra minutes to bake fully. Check with a toothpick—it should come out with a few moist crumbs, but not raw batter.
Step6: Cool and Enjoy
Let the brownies cool for at least 15–20 minutes before cutting. This helps them firm up while staying soft and fudgy. Serve warm for a gooey treat or chill them for extra chewiness.
How Much Pudding Mix to Add for Perfect Brownies?
The amount of pudding mix you add depends on the recipe type:
| Recipe Type | Recommended Pudding Mix Amount | Effect on Brownies |
|---|---|---|
| Boxed Brownie Mix (18 oz box) | ½ to 1 small (3.4 oz) box | Enhances moisture & richness |
| Homemade Brownie Recipe | 2–3 tablespoons | Adds slight fudginess |
| Cake-Like Brownies | ¼ small box | Keeps structure while adding softness |
| Fudgy Brownies | 1 full small box | Maximizes moisture & chewiness |
💡 Pro Tip: Adding more than 1 full box (3.4 oz) to brownies may make them too dense and gummy—stick to the recommended amounts for the best texture.
Tips for Perfect Pudding Brownies
To get bakery-style brownies with pudding mix, keep these expert tips in mind:
Use Instant Pudding Mix – It blends smoothly and locks in moisture. Cook-and-serve pudding mix can make the batter too runny.
Chocolate Pudding Works Best – If you want a deep, rich chocolate flavor, go for chocolate pudding mix instead of vanilla.
Adjust the Liquids If Needed – If the batter is too thick, add a splash of milk or water to loosen it up.
Don’t Overbake – Pudding-enhanced brownies take slightly longer to bake, but check early to avoid dry or crumbly brownies.
Experiment with Mix-Ins – Try adding chocolate chips, nuts, caramel swirls, or peanut butter for even more deliciousness.
Does Pudding Mix Work with All Brownie Mixes?
Adding pudding mix to brownies can elevate their texture and flavor, but does it work with all brownie mixes? The short answer is mostly yes—but the outcome can vary based on the type of brownie mix you use. Some mixes benefit more than others, and a few might require adjustments to avoid overly dense or gummy results. In this section, we’ll explore which brownie mixes work best with pudding mix, when to modify the ingredients, and potential pitfalls to watch out for.
Which Brownie Mixes Work Best with Pudding Mix?
Pudding mix works well with most boxed brownie mixes, but some yield better results than others. Here’s a breakdown of how pudding mix interacts with different types:
| Brownie Mix Type | Does Pudding Mix Work Well? | Effect on Texture | Adjustments Needed? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fudgy Brownie Mix | ✅ Best option | Enhances chewiness, makes brownies extra moist | No major adjustments needed |
| Chewy Brownie Mix | ✅ Great choice | Boosts chewiness, makes brownies softer | May need slight liquid adjustment |
| Cake-Style Brownie Mix | ⚠️ Works, but changes texture | Makes brownies denser and less airy | Reduce pudding mix amount (½ box or less) |
| Gluten-Free Brownie Mix | ✅ Works well | Adds moisture, prevents dryness | No major adjustments needed |
| Keto or Low-Carb Brownie Mix | ❌ Not ideal | Can become too dense or gummy | Use less pudding mix (1–2 tbsp) |
💡 Pro Tip: If your goal is extra fudgy, chewy brownies, pudding mix is a fantastic addition. However, if you prefer a lighter, more cake-like texture, be mindful that pudding mix can make the batter heavier and more compact.
Adjustments Needed for Different Brownie Mixes
While pudding mix can be a game-changer, some brownie mixes require slight ingredient adjustments to maintain the best texture. Here’s what you might need to tweak:
1. Adjusting Liquid Ingredients
Pudding mix absorbs moisture, making the batter thicker than usual. If it’s too thick:
- Add 1–2 tablespoons of extra water or milk to loosen it up.
- If using a cake-style mix, you may need 3–4 extra tablespoons of liquid.
2. Egg Adjustments
The extra starch and sugar in pudding mix can alter the structure of brownies.
- For cake-like brownies, you might want to add an extra egg for fluffiness.
- For chewy/fudgy brownies, stick to the number of eggs listed on the box.
3. Cooking Time Adjustments
Since pudding mix locks in moisture, your brownies may take 2–5 minutes longer to bake than usual.
- Check for doneness with a toothpick: It should come out with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter).
- Avoid overbaking—pudding mix keeps brownies soft even when fully cooked.
When Should You Skip Pudding Mix?
While pudding mix enhances most brownie mixes, there are a few situations where it might not be ideal:
❌ If Using a Very Dense Brownie Mix – Some ultra-rich brownie mixes (like Ghirardelli Double Chocolate) are already packed with moisture and fat, so adding pudding mix may make them too heavy and gummy.
❌ If Making Keto or Low-Carb Brownies – Most keto brownie mixes use almond or coconut flour, which behave differently than regular flour. Adding pudding mix could make them overly thick and dense.
❌ If You Prefer a Crisp Top – One downside of pudding mix is that it softens the brownie’s crust, so if you love that signature shiny, crackly top, you might want to skip it.
💡 Alternative: If you still want extra moisture but don’t want to lose the crisp top, try adding an extra egg yolk or a tablespoon of sour cream instead of pudding mix.
Final Verdict: Should You Add Pudding Mix to Any Brownie Mix?
✅ Yes, for fudgy or chewy brownies! Pudding mix is a fantastic way to make brownies moister, softer, and richer in flavor.
⚠️ Modify for cake-style brownies. If you like lighter brownies, use less pudding mix and add a bit more liquid to maintain the right texture.
❌ Skip it for ultra-dense, keto, or crisp-top brownies. Some specialty mixes don’t pair well with pudding mix, so use caution in these cases.
In general, pudding mix is a simple, foolproof trick to upgrade most brownie mixes—but knowing when to adjust the recipe ensures you get perfect results every time! 🍫✨
Final Thoughts: Is Adding Pudding Mix to Brownie Mix Worth It?
So, after exploring the why, how, and best practices of adding pudding mix to brownies, the big question remains: Is it actually worth it? The short answer is yes—if you love soft, fudgy, and extra-moist brownies! However, whether or not it’s the right choice depends on your taste preferences, the type of brownie mix you’re using, and the texture you’re aiming for.
Let’s break it down so you can decide if pudding mix is the brownie upgrade you need!
The Pros of Adding Pudding Mix to Brownies
For most brownie lovers, pudding mix is a game-changer because it:
- Makes brownies softer and moister – The added starches and emulsifiers in pudding mix help retain moisture, resulting in a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Enhances chewiness – If you love chewy, dense brownies, pudding mix can help achieve that perfect balance between fudgy and structured.
- Boosts flavor – Since pudding mix comes in various flavors, it allows you to add vanilla, chocolate, butterscotch, or even caramel undertones to your brownies without extra ingredients.
- Helps prevent dry brownies – If you tend to overbake brownies, pudding mix is forgiving. It helps keep them moist and tender, even if they stay in the oven a little too long.
- Easy to use – Unlike other brownie upgrades (like sour cream, yogurt, or melted chocolate), pudding mix is a no-fuss, one-step addition. Just mix it in, and you’re good to go!
The Cons of Adding Pudding Mix to Brownies
While pudding mix has many benefits, it’s not always the best choice for every brownie recipe. Here’s why:
❌ Can make brownies too dense – If you prefer a lighter, more cake-like brownie, pudding mix may make them too thick and heavy.
❌ Alters the crackly top – The signature shiny, crinkly crust on brownies comes from the sugar melting on top. Pudding mix can interfere with this, making the top softer instead of crisp.
❌ Not ideal for all brownie mixes – As discussed earlier, ultra-rich brownie mixes (like Ghirardelli or keto brownies) may become too gooey or heavy with pudding mix added.
❌ May require small adjustments – If you’re using a mix that’s already super moist, you might need to tweak liquid or baking time slightly to get the best results.
Who Should Try Adding Pudding Mix to Brownies?
If you’re wondering whether you should try this hack, here’s a simple way to decide:
👉 Yes, try it if you:
- Love fudgy, chewy brownies that are extra soft.
- Want to enhance flavor without extra ingredients.
- Have had issues with dry or crumbly brownies in the past.
- Enjoy experimenting with different flavors in baking.
🚫 Skip it if you:
- Prefer light, airy brownies with a cake-like texture.
- Love crisp, crackly tops on your brownies.
- Are using a low-carb or keto brownie mix.
- Want brownies that are more structured and less gooey.
Final Verdict: Is It Worth It?
✅ Yes, if you love moist, chewy brownies with a rich flavor boost. Adding pudding mix is a simple trick that delivers incredible texture and taste with minimal effort.
⚠️ Maybe, if you like lighter brownies. In this case, using half a box of pudding mix instead of a full one might give you the best of both worlds.
❌ Not the best option if you want a crisp top or very light brownies. If that’s the case, stick with the classic recipe!
Ultimately, pudding mix is an easy and effective way to elevate boxed brownies. If you love soft, rich, and extra-chocolatey treats, this hack is absolutely worth trying. Give it a go, and you might never make brownies the same way again! 🍫✨
Chef’s Note: My Final Take on Adding Pudding Mix to Brownies
As a baker, I’m always on the lookout for simple ways to elevate classic recipes, and adding pudding mix to brownie batter is one of those easy but game-changing tricks. It’s a fantastic way to achieve moist, rich, and ultra-fudgy brownies without extra effort.
That said, baking is all about personal preference. If you love chewy, melt-in-your-mouth brownies, pudding mix is a must-try. But if you’re after that crackly top and light texture, you may want to skip this hack.
At the end of the day, the best brownies are the ones you love the most—so don’t be afraid to experiment and find your perfect texture. Happy baking! 🍫👩🍳