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If you’re craving something chocolatey but don’t want to measure out a long list of ingredients, these cake mix brownies are the answer. This easy brownie recipe with cake mix turns a simple box into rich, fudgy, bakery-style brownies in just minutes!
Brownie lovers, be sure to try my Peanut Butter Cup Brownies and Oreo Brownies too!
Why you’ll love this brownie recipe with cake mix!
Did you know you can use a cake mix to make brownies? (Not to mention Boston Cream Pie!) With a few recipe tweaks you can quickly whip up a perfect tray of cake mix brownies. Woo hoo!
My kids love it when I have a freshly baked batch of brownies ready on the counter when they come home from school, and I love having an easy-to-make treat for all of us. (These Blonde Brownies are a favorite, too!)
When you use a store-bought cake mix, the brownies turn out a little more cakey than brownies made with a box of brownie mix. But I personally love the fluffy texture, and I think you will too!
- Only 5 simple ingredients: You can whip these brownies up with pantry staples you probably already have.
- Quick and effortless: Using a box of cake mix cuts prep time so you can enjoy warm, chocolatey brownies faster.
- Rich, chocolatey flavor: Every bite is packed with decadent cocoa goodness.
Happy baking!
Table of Contents
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll just need a handful of ingredients to make the easiest cake mix brownies!
- Chocolate cake mix – Use any brand of standard chocolate cake mix you like best. Or, use my cake mix recipe to create homemade chocolate cake mix.
- Melted butter – Adds moisture and creates that fudgy texture. You can substitute the butter for vegetable oil, but keep in mind that the butter will result in a deeper, richer flavor.
- Eggs – Help bind the batter and give the brownies structure.
- Vanilla extract – Be sure to use pure vanilla extract, not imitation!
- Mini chocolate chips – For extra pockets of melted chocolate.
Variations
While these brownies taste amazing as is, I love switching it up with these variations:
- Peanut Butter Swirl: Drop spoonfuls of peanut butter on top and swirl before baking.
- Cookies & Cream: Stir in crushed chocolate sandwich cookies.
- Red Velvet Brownies: Use a red velvet cake mix and white chocolate chips.
- Salted Caramel: Drizzle caramel over the batter and sprinkle with flaky salt.
How to Make Brownies With a Cake Mix
It doesn’t really get any easier. Just mix together the ingredients in the bowl and bake in the prepared baking pan. So easy!
- Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350ºF, and lightly grease an 8×8 square baking dish with cooking spray. Alternatively, you can line the pan with parchment paper, letting it hang over the sides.
- Make the batter: Add the cake mix, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla to a large mixing bowl. Stir together to create a smooth, thick batter, scraping down the bowl as needed with a rubber spatula. Fold in the mini chocolate chips.
- Bake: Pour the brownie batter into the baking dish. Bake the brownies for 25 minutes. A toothpick inserted into the center of the brownies will come out cleanly.
- Cool and cut: Allow the brownies to cool completely in the pan completely before cutting.
Serve these cake-like brownies on their own or add a scoop of ice cream or some caramel drizzle for an extra special treat! With plenty of chocolate flavor, you will want to reach for this easy recipe again and again.
How to Store
- Room temperature: Store cakebox brownies in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerator: Keep for up to 5 days for a firmer, fudgier texture.
- Freezer: Freeze brownies in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature.
Frequently Asked Questions
A cake mix will contain more leavener to make it rise, while a brownie mix has very little leavening agent. Brownie mixes also generally have more sugar and chocolate content than chocolate cake mixes.
Yes! Chocolate, devil’s food, red velvet, and even spice cake mixes work well. They won’t necessarily taste exactly like brownies, but they will still be delicious!
Use melted butter instead of oil and avoid overbaking.
Absolutely. Chocolate chips, nuts, caramel, or cookies all work well.
More Brownie Recipes You’ll Love
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S’mores Brownies
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Slutty Brownies
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Red Velvet Brownies
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Easy Cheesecake Marble Brownies Recipe
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Cake Mix Brownies Recipe
Equipment
- 1 8×8 baking dish
- 1 Large mixing bowl
Ingredients
- 1 (15 oz) box chocolate cake mix
- ⅓ cup melted butter
- 2 eggs
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup mini chocolate chips
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350℉ and lightly grease an 8×8 square baking dish.
- Add the cake mix, melted butter, eggs and vanilla to a large mixing bowl and stir together to create a smooth, thick batter.1 (15 oz) box chocolate cake mix, ⅓ cup melted butter, 2 eggs, 1 tablespoon vanilla extract, 1 cup mini chocolate chips
- Stir in the mini chocolate chips then pour the batter into the baking dish.
- Bake the brownies for 25 minutes. A toothpick inserted into the center of the brownies will come out cleanly.
- Let the brownies cool in the pan completely before cutting. Then enjoy!
Video
Notes
- The brownies will cut nicely when cooled. If you try to cut them while still warm, they tend to crumble. So try to wait until they are at least mostly cool before cutting into them!
- Line your pan with parchment for easy removal and clean slices.
You really can’t go wrong with brownies, and this makes it even better.
So chocolatey and delicious!
I made this and it turned out amazing!
Absolutely delicious! Reminded me of something my grandma used to make.
This is comfort food at its best. My house smelled incredible while it baked.