Bye-Bye, Boxed Mix: Everyone Thinks These Deliciously Fudgy Store-Bought Brownies Are From a Bakery

If you’re a brownie lover like I am, you know that in almost every instance, freshly baked brownies are much better than anything store-bought. But as with any rule, there are exceptions … and in this case, it’s Abe’s Brownies.

Abe’s launched these packaged brownies in December 2020, and I discovered them soon after. They quickly became one of my favorite desserts of all time, as well as my go-to for bringing to holiday parties — and I can’t wait to bust them out this holiday season.

Abe’s Brownies seriously taste as good as fresh ones from a bakery. They’re ultra rich, moist, and so ooey-gooey that Abe’s actually trademarked the phrase “the smudgier the fudgier!” to describe them. They’re even peppered with chocolate chips for an extra chocolatey crunch.

The brownies are also allergy-friendly and school-friendly; in fact, all Abe’s products are free of dairy, eggs, nuts, soy, sesame, and pea protein. They do contain wheat and gluten, though Abe’s offers a number of gluten-free muffins. There are no artificial flavors or preservatives, either.

Abe’s foods are freezer-friendly — just make sure to freeze your brownies while they’re still fresh, and take them out to thaw an hour before serving. On top of all that, these brownies are vegan, meaning they’re a compassionate choice for animals and the planet.

Ever since I discovered Abe’s Mini Brownies four years ago, I’ve brought them to countless potlucks, birthday gatherings, and holiday parties. (People always think they’re homemade.)

That said, the only thing I don’t love about these brownies is the redundant packaging: They’re on a plastic tray wrapped in cellophane, and in a cardboard box. In addition to being a bit wasteful, it’s also pretty bulky. So when I have an extra few minutes before heading to a holiday party, I take all 12 brownies out of the box and lay them out on a dish, which I cover with a reusable vegan wax wrap for transport.

If you do the same this holiday season, I guarantee that someone will compliment your baking. Go ahead, take the credit — I’m sure Abe won’t mind.