Recently, I searched, “How to make boxed brownies better” looking for box brownies hacks. I stumbled across a simple hack that I have since coined as my “Crack Brownies”.
This boxed brownies hack has since become one of my favorite family dessert recipes, especially for the holidays.
I’ve inherited the title of “Family Fudge Maker” from my Mawmaw and it’s definitely a Christmas must-have for most of my family members on my mom’s side.
Mawmaw’s fudge is so decadent.
Dare I say that I like these brownies even better?
They are positively sinful.
*UPDATE: Since originally posting this recipe in 2019, it has gone viral on Pinterest several times.
And I totally get why they keep going viral, they’re SO easy to make and every single person who tried them LOVES them!
These crack brownies with sweetened condensed milk are officially the best brownies I have ever tasted.
And probably the easiest too. They’re basically just poke brownies with sweetened condensed milk and chocolate chips.
I prefer to always bake my crack brownies in this glass 9×13 pan from Amazon.
Love this Crack Brownies Recipe? Here are more treats you’ll love!
Mom’s (Better Than Dairy Queen!) Ice Cream Cake
Cinnamon Crescent Roll Cheesecake – Easy & Delicious Sopapilla Cheesecake
If you’ve never heard of poke brownies or poke cake before, it’s exactly what it sounds. It’s a cake or brownies that you poke holes in after baking and pour a topping over so that it seeps into the center. Talk about ooey gooey deliciousness.
I dare you to try them and tell me otherwise. Hint… You won’t!!
This recipe has now gone viral on Pinterest multiple times and with good reason…
They really are THAT GOOD, y’all.
If you haven’t made these sinful brownies yet, then what the heck are you waiting for?!
You’ll never make box brownies without sweetened condensed milk again.
Here’s my crack brownies condensed milk recipe.
baking must haves
CRACK BROWNIES RECIPE NOTES:
You can use any combination of brownies and chips that you want.
I’ve made several batches now and my favorite combination has been dark chocolate brownies with milk chocolate chips. They melted into the most incredible ooey gooey dessert I’ve ever tasted.
Top these crack brownies with ice cream, they are the closest thing your tastebuds will get to heaven.
If you don’t like gooey brownies, then go with a traditional brownie mix (like pictured above) and follow the instructions for cake-like brownies.
Personally, I don’t think this version comes anywhere near close to the gooey version, but my hubby prefers this style. To each your own!
If you have a Christmas party coming up, consider giving this delicious dessert a try!
Crack Brownies
Ingredients
- 1 Box Brownie Mix (These are my favorite)
- 1/4 Cup Water
- 1/2 Cup Vegetable Oil
- 2 Whole Eggs
- 1/2 Can Sweetened condensed milk (This is the only brand I use)
- 1/2 Bag Milk chocolate chips (Here's my favorite brand)
Instructions
- Prepare and bake brownies according to instructions on box.
- Once baked (toothpick should come out clean!) poke holes throughout baked brownies with a knife.
- While brownies are hot, pour 1/2 a can of sweetened condensed milk over brownies. Use a spatula to spread milk evenly.
- Sprinkle 1/2 a bag of milk chocolate chips on top.
Love this Crack Brownies Recipe? Here are more treats you’ll love!
Mom’s (Better Than Dairy Queen!) Ice Cream Cake
Cinnamon Crescent Roll Cheesecake – Easy & Delicious Sopapilla Cheesecake
No need to bake again. Once fully cooked, add your topping and just let your brownies sit.
Any brownies you want!
I don’t see why not! Try it out and let me know how it turns out. 🙂
Another great brownie hack for yummy and gooey boxed brownies is adding (…sounds gross but wait for it) a big cup of mayonnaise! If you think about it, Mayo is made with oil and eggs so it makes them very moist. When my boys were growing up all their friends always begged me to make what they called, “God Brownies” (because they’re so good lol) To this day whenever their friends visit, I’m still asked to make them.
Author
I’ve heard of this trick before but I’ve never tried it!
What do you do with the other half can of condensed milk?
Eat it with a spoon!!!! Or pour it over snow cones. Or maybe make a second batch of brownies!
Delicious used as a coffee creamer!
Yum!!
Put it in your coffee!
Mix it in coffee, Vietnamese coffee, so good.
My Italian grandmother used it in her coffee all her life. So good!
Use it to make ‘Brazilian limeade’ mix in with the lemon or lime aid- oh. Yum.
I happen to have half a can of con/sweet milk to spare, a brownie mix, and mini chocolate chips. My brownies will be ready in 20 min, and with these ingredients, they can’t miss. Thank you for this!
Hope you love them!!
Label the ziplock bag and freeze it flat freezing flat will thaw easier for the next batch.
Make another pan!
Why not use the entire can of condensed milk?
Mini years ago we were all eating a chocolate cake at a party and everybody was raving about it until they said it was made with mayonnaise and everybody just stopped and looked at each other. It was amazing and you would never have known it was mayonnaise.
Author
Sure!!
I have made mayonnaise cake since1960.
My grandma makes mayo cake and it is requested by a lot of us! It’s so moist!!!!
That sounds so good!
Does the Mayo replace the egg and oil or is it an additional ingredient to add?
Do you just add mayo?
also is the mayo in replace of oil and egg
I make my banana bread with mayonnaise
I’ve always used mayonnaise instead of oil for packaged brownies and cakes. My mum taught me that. Aldis has a brand that works well. Just use the same amount that is called for the oil.
Author
Here’s the recipe!
https://angelalanter.com/2015/12/mawmaws-fudge-recipe/
Use “real mayo”, not Miracle Whip?
Yes real mayo nor miracle whip.
Use real mayo. Miracle Whip is classified as a dressing by the FDA.
Do you still use the eggs that the boxed mix calls for?
Do you use the same amount of Mayo as it calls for with oil?? 1/2 cup oil = 1/2 cup of Mayo?
I’m trying these for our July 4th get together and I’m going to do chocolate chips on one half and butterfinger bits on the other side a lot of my family loves peanut butter.
Do you substitute the mayo for the eggs and oil or in addition to them?
Author
I’ve never tried that before!
Wondering the same – do you changed the ingredients or do you just add the mayo?
I use mayo in all my cake and brownies follow the ingredients on the box just substitute mayo for the oil.
Substitute the mayo for the oil in direct proportion. The eggs don’t change — add as it says on the box. Just the mayo for oil is swapped.
I make all my cakes/brownies with mayo as a substitute. Much more moist than with the oil.
Now I am a Hellman’s girl, through and through. So I cannot attest to any other brand being good 🙂
Is there another real
Mayonnaise other than Hellmans’s? When my kids told me they were going to stop selling, I almost fell to the floor. I told all my kids, go buy up as many as possible( check dates). I can’t live without after only using that my whole life. Almost 60 years lol. When I make things and bring into work everyone loves it. It’s because I use Hellmans’s. I didn’t grow up here so they’ve haven’t had it before. Plus I use seasoning when I cook… a lot don’t.
Duke’s Anything that is mayonnaise will have the word Mayonnaise on the label.
I use the mayo instead of the oil but still use the eggs.😊
How much mayonnaise in does it replace the other ingredients or is it in addition to to the other ingredients
can I use Greek yogurt instead of mayo/oil? or should I add more or less than required amount?
Don’t you Put the brownies back in the oven to melt chocolate chips??
Thats my question after condensed milk and chips Are you done or do you put it back in the oven?
Nope! It should be warm enough to melt the chips a bit!
I’m a miracle whip user. Can I use that or it has to be real mayonnaise
Author
I’ve never tried Miracle Whip or Mayo in this recipe.
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I would say NO to Miracle Whip.
It’s has more of a sandwich tanginess to it- better for sandwiches.
Use real MAYONAISE
I’ve had mayonnaise cake my entire life, but growing up my mom always bought miracle whip and never mayonnaise. I’m in my 50’s and to this day can’t remember ever purchasing real mayonnaise, so technically I guess I’ve grown up with miracle whip cakes, but whatever you call it, it’s amazing, so I’m going to say, yes, you can absolutely substitute mayo with miracle whip
Does the cup of mayo replace the eggs & oil. Or is in ” in addition to”?! Thanks for the tip!!
Do you add that addition to the ingredients listed in this recipe?
what is your recipe exactly and do you use Hellmans or Dukes?!! I’ll give it a try.
How much mayo???
So do you still use oil and eggs in addition to the big scoop of mayonnaise? Or eliminate them
Would that be in place of the oil and eggs or in addition to?
Do you substitute the Mayo for the eggs and oil or in addition to?
We always made “Mayonnaise cake “ when I was little. Just remember if you use mayonnaise for the oil in a cake, it will not rise as much.
Do you put it back in the oven to bake longer?????
My hack is replacing the water the recipe calls for with kahlua!!! I’m going to try your hack with mine!!
Hello! I was just wondering if you use the recipe on the box with the oil, eggs and mayo or instead of the oil and eggs?
I follow the box directions!
I forgot to poke holes! What should I expect?? Looks heavenly though! 😋
Is the 1 cup of mayonnaise in place of the oil and eggs noted in the recipe? Or in addition to?
WENN!!! Recipe please and THANK YOU!!!
Love everything about your blog 🙂 glad I subscribed finally!! These crack brownies will be a bonus❤️ Thank you for sharing
Hey, once you add the chocolate chips on top do you place it back in the oven to melt?
Following!!
following!
it seems like the chips would need to melt!
The recipe doesn’t seem complete. Once you have it the choc chips on do you put it back in the oven or do they not melt?
Following, too!
How do u store? In fridge?
I don’t but you can!
Do you have to put the brownies back in over after adding condensed milk and chips and for how long?
Author
Nope, no need to bake again!!
Curious also if you put it back in the oven after you put the chocolate chips on?
This is what I want to know….
I imagine the brownies should be hot enough… but I think I’d put it back in for at least 5 minutes
Making these for Christmas with the family!!
Author
I’ve heard of this, but haven’t tried it before!
These brownies were the hit of our Christmas party!! No one could get enough!
Omg 😱 these were mouth watering delicious 🤤 my whole family loved them! Thank you so much for sharing this recipe.
Author
Does the mayo affect the taste at all?
I’m making these brownies tonight. I’ve been so excited to try them!
Author
Yay!! So happy to hear that!
Author
I hope they loved the brownies!
Just made these to bring to super bowl party 🏈🏈🏈 can’t wait to taste them
Author
They’re so yummy, right?!
My 9×13″ brownie mix usually makes a thin layer so I always use 2 mixes. Can I double your recipe?
Author
Yay! I hope you love them!
How long do the brownies need to sit, to completely soak in the condensed milk?
These are so delicious! Now how about your MawMaw’s fudge recipe?!
Author
Yay! Were they a crowdpleaser?
Does your box of brownies say it makes an 8×8 or 9×13? My box says 8×8… so just curious what your box says!
Author
I prefer my brownies thinner so I use a 9×13. 🙂
Hi,
You received a comment about doubling the brownie mix, you replied “sure”, do you also have to double the condensed milk and the chocolate chips.
Also, if you replace the oil with mayonnaise do you use the same amount of mayonnaise as the oil and is that the only thing you replace in the recipe.
Thankyou
Author
If you double a recipe, you need to double all of the ingredients. 🙂
I have never baked brownies with mayo, so you would need to google.
Do these brownies need to be kept in the refrigerator?
Author
I keep them on my countertop. 🙂
So you don’t bake anymore after you pour the condensed milk and chocolate chips on top?
Author
Exactly!
Hi, I’m dying to try these for my daughter’s bday party – my one question – after you pour on condensed milk and chips do you bake again? Or that’s it – you just let cool and serve?
Thanks so much!
I bake a lot of brownies but can’t wait to make this recipe, sounds awesome. Thanks for sharing, Angela.
Walmart substituted the brownie mix that I ordered for a different brand. They call for 1 egg. Should I use 2 as your recipe says?
What do you do with the other half of the can of condensed milk?? Make another pan of brownies? 😉
Author
YOU KNOW IT!!! lol
Are these cut into squares or do they fall apart
Author
I serve in squares!
Great REcipe
Thanks!
I think toasted coconut and pecans on top would be really yummy.
Made recipe exactly as written in an 8×8 pan. Delicious! Will try again using a homemade brownie recipe. Thank you Ang!
I make brownies according to directions and before baking add 1 cup sour cream and 1/2 cup chocolate chips or whatever flavor you want. You can also add nuts if you like.
I noticed the bag of chocolate chips in your picture are semi-sweet chocolate but the recipe calls for milk chocolate chips. Did you use milk chocolate? Thanks.
I use both. Just whatever I have on hand.
Omg I cannot wait to make this!!!! I bet they are soo good!!
You’re going to LOVE them!!
I only have triple chocolate brownie mix which has chocolate chips and chunks in the mix. Do you thunk this would still work?
Oh, I’m sure it would!
Can I make the night before ? Will they be okay or watery?
Should be just fine!!
Hello! Are you making these in an 8×8 pan or 9×13?
It doesn’t look square but you say to make the brownies according to the package directions.
Thanks!!
I use the 9X13!
Replying to Gina:
You’ll have to check your brownie mix. Some brownie mixes are made for only 8×8, and some are made for 9×13 (but you can put them in an 8×8 to make them thicker.) If you have an 8×8 size brownie mix, maybe try two mixes in a 9×13.
Just baked it today and it’s gooey alright. Thanks.
YAY! I hope you love it!
Dang girl all your recipes are so good!!!! You are going to turn me into an oinker 🐷 hahaha
HAHA!!
Well my American friends, now you have got me ! All your talk about chocolate brownies has my mouth watering. Tomorrow I’m off to the shops to buy brownie mix, condensed milk and chocolate drops etc and have a bash at this recipe that you have all been talking about ! Problem is though, in Australia we don’t have any of the brands that you mention so I just hope that they turn out somewhere as good as yours sound ? Then the next problem is, my husband doesn’t like chocolate anything . Poor me, looks like I will have to eat them all myself ! I love reading all your comments, In my mind I’m reading them with your wonderful American accent . It makes me feel soooo far away though . ( big sob ).
YAY! I hope you love them, Maxine!
Were you able to make the brownies?
It’s so funny that you said, “wonderful American accent”.
I LOVE the Australian accent. It has always been my favorite 💛
How long do they have to sit before you can eat them?
Author
until they don’t burn your mouth lol
I’m going to make these for a small family BBQ birthday party this Saturday. I’m excited to try this, because I do love brownies! This will be the extra dessert besides the birthday cake. I’m just curious…does the chocolate chips melt and soak into the brownies?
They do! Everyone’s going to love it!
Since the choc. chips on put on top while still hot, do they melt and make a frosting which needs to be spread over the top? Seems like there should be a number 5 step…… ???? And yes, if you use mayo which I often do, you substitute it in place of the oil. Another sub. for oil is applesauce which I use often. You can’t taste the difference & it’s just as moist if not more so!
Just let them melt! No need to spread!
Do they need to be refrigerated if you make them the day before your event?
I don’t refrigerate mine so I don’t think you’d need to.
Do you put them back into the oven for a few mins? Do they stay soggy then or not. They look good
I don’t put them back in.
I use toffee pieces instead of the chocolate chips!
I’ll have to try that!
In case this hasn’t been answered. Reading through the comments, I can say that Miracle Whip can be used instead of real mayonnaise. My mom used Miracle Whip 60 years ago in place of oil in brownies. Also the Mayonaise Cake can be made with Miracle Whip. The only ‘mayonaise’ we had in our house was Miracle Whip. Hope this helps.
Thanks, Jane!
Tasty and simple!
I used a GF/DF brownie mix then topped it with sweetened condensed coconut milk and shredded coconut.
My brownie mix was super fudgy so the finished recipe was RICH – but that’s exactly the way I like it!
YUM! Thanks for sharing!
That sounds amazing! Thanks for sharing with us!
I used butterscotch chips and mmmm, can’t for the husband to try them
That sounds amazing!!
Do these need to go in the refrigerator? Thanks
We leave them out but you could put them in the fridge!
I love this crack brownies recipe.
YAY! Thank you! So glad you like them!
Just add mayonnaise real mayonnaise not miracle whip. It does not taste the same with miracle whip. It does not replace any other ingredients it’s just an extra additive. About 3/4 of a cup (little more little less depending on how moist you like your cakes) per box of brownies or cake mix any flavor. Can be added to your own from scratch recipe also.
This recipe is delicious chips melted no need to put back in oven.
So glad you liked it!
I topped with half toffee bits, half white chips, toasted chopped pecans and caramel sauce. Pretty decadent. Hope it’s good, giving as a gift for a friend having surgery who is a brownie lover.
Thanks!
That sounds so good!!