Want an easy brownie recipe but you don’t have a boxed mix on hand? These Cake Mix Brownies are just as easy as a brownie mix, and just as good!
Looking for even more brownie recipes? Try these Biscoff Brownies next!
I’ll be completely honest – making homemade brownies really isn’t very hard. (Especially my recipe!)
But sometimes you need a super simple recipe that doesn’t take any brain power to make.
Which is why I love these Cake Mix Brownies.
I don’t often keep brownie mixes on hand, but I usually have cake mixes. Especially for when the craving for cake mix cookies happens.
But did you know that a cake mix works wonderfully to make brownies as well as cakes? They are sooo easy, and only take 5 ingredients. They mix up in minutes, and you’ll have hot brownies ready for you in no time at all.
These cake mix brownies have become a favorite shortcut recipe!
Ingredients
- Cake Mix: The biggest problem with cake mixes these days is that they are shrinking, so you need to be aware of what size cake mix you get. This recipe calls for a 15.25 oz cake mix, which at the time this post was written, you can get from a Duncan Hines or Pillsbury cake mix. But Betty Crocker is 13.25. If you do use a smaller 13.25 oz cake mix, you’ll need to add in 1/4 cup of flour.
- Oil: You need a neutral flavored cooking oil. I used vegetable, but you could use canola or avocado, as well.
- Eggs: Use large eggs, and have them at room temperature if possible.
- Vanilla: This just adds in an extra boost of flavor.
- Chocolate Chips: I like a second layer of chocolate goodness, so chocolate chips really up the richness!
How to Make Cake Mix Brownies
PHOTO 1: Add the cake mix, oil, eggs, and vanilla to a large bowl. Mix this all together, but don’t fully mix it yet. You should still have some dry spots. And the batter is thick, so it will be a little difficult to mix.
PHOTO 2: Pour the chocolate chips in, then mix until everything is fully combined and the chocolate chips are even throughout the batter.
PHOTO 3: Add the batter to an 8×8-inch baking dish. You can line the pan with parchment paper, or spray it with nonstick cooking spray. Since the batter is thick, you’ll need to use your spatula to press it into an even layer.
PHOTO 4: Bake the brownies until cooked through. Once done, let them cool for a bit. If desired, you can dust with powdered sugar before cutting into bars and serving.
Tips and Tricks
You can bake these in a 9×9-inch dish, but they will be thinner. And the baking time may be a minute or two less.
If you want to use a 9×13-inch pan, you’ll probably want to double the recipe.
These cake mix brownies can be stored at room temperature. Just keep them covered, and they will be good for a couple of days.
Variations
I like to keep these pretty simple, but feel free to use any of these variations to mix things up!
- Add in 1 cup of chopped nuts instead of chocolate chips. (Or do half nuts, half chocolate chips!)
- Add in candy coated chocolates (aka M&M’s) instead of chocolate chips. I like the mini ones.
- Make an easy chocolate buttercream to spread over the top.
- Use white chocolate chips or peanut butter chips instead of regular chocolate chips.
More Cake Mix Recipes
Dump Cake Recipe
Cake Batter Blondies
Red Velvet Gooey Butter Cookies
Cake Mix Muffins
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Cake Mix Brownies
Ingredients
- 15.25 oz chocolate cake mix*
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil or other neutral flavored oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- Powdered sugar optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350ºF. Line an 8×8-inch baking dish with parchment paper, or spray with nonstick cooking spray.
- In a bowl, combine the cake mix, oil, eggs, and vanilla. Mix everything together until it is almost mixed, but a few dry patches will still remain. The dough will be stiff.
- Add the chocolate chips and continue to mix until there are no dry patches and the chocolate chips are evenly distributed.
- Press the batter into the prepared baking dish.
- Bake until a tester inserted in the middle comes out almost clean, about 20-25 minutes.
- Let the brownies cool, then cut into bars for serving. If desired, sprinkle the top with powdered sugar.
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