The best boxed desserts to wow your family during the holidays
As we get older, there becomes an increasing pressure to not only bring home a significant other during the holiday break but to also bring something delicious to the dinner table that’s not store-bought bread rolls (I’ve tried). So, for all of those who do not know exactly how to cook or are a little short on time because of finals, here are a few of the best boxed desserts I have found and a few ways to spice them up for the holidays to impress everyone at the dinner table this year!
Betty Crocker Super Moist German Chocolate Cake Mix
This Betty Crocker cake mix is definitely the best chocolate cake mix out there, believe me. It has a better flavor profile and is a bit more chocolatey than the average chocolate cake mix, which makes it taste a bit more homemade. I know the phrase “super moist” is not a fan favorite, but it’s worth it, I promise. This cake also goes perfectly with Betty Crocker chocolate frosting.
Pro tip: Add one chocolate pudding packet when you add in the eggs, oil and water. It will make the cake more moist and chocolatey!
Hershey’s Kisses peanut butter cookies
These peanut butter chocolate cookies are not widely known, but they are vastly underrated. They are small enough so that you can eat multiple, and the peanut butter and chocolate flavors are amazing. These little cookies will leave you and your family wanting more.
Pro tip: Add red and green M&M’s to the top of the Hershey’s Kiss once melted to make the cookies more festive, and add more peanut butter to get a stronger flavor!
Ghirardelli chocolate brownies
After years of searching, I have come to the conclusion that Ghirardelli makes the best chocolate fudge brownies for all the chocolate-loving families. Perfectly chewy and chocolatey, this brownie is perfect for any holiday occasion and is sure to impress Grandma and Grandpa this season.
Pro tip: Add coconut oil instead of vegetable oil to increase the chocolate flavor and give a coconut flavor to your brownies!
Betty Crocker Super Moist Vanilla Cake Mix for strawberry cake
If you are a strawberry cake lover, this is the cake for you. Although this recipe begins as a vanilla cake and ends as a strawberry one, it is easy to make and will definitely set a high bar for the other desserts on the table. Simply puree one cup of strawberries and add half a packet of strawberry jello into the cake mix.
We hope you enjoy these easy-to-make desserts. Happy holidays!
Contact Isabella Carreno at icarreno@dailycal.org.