Recently, I searched, “How to make boxed brownies better” and came across a simple hack. That hack has since become one of my favorite 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.

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Crack Brownies
A lot of desserts call for a ton of ingredients, multiple steps and a lot of time invested. That’s another reason why I love this recipe so much, it’s so simple that it’s almost impossible to mess them up.
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.
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. Topped 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!
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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!
Mix it in coffee, Vietnamese coffee, so good.
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.
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?
Do you still use the eggs that the boxed mix calls for?
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?
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 🙂
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
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.
cwicks1976@gmail.com
I would say NO to Miracle Whip.
It’s has more of a sandwich tanginess to it- better for sandwiches.
Use real MAYONAISE
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
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?
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!!
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!
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