Cake Mix Brownies Recipe

Cake mix brownies turn a box of chocolate cake mix into a soft, chocolatey dessert recipe with just a few pantry ingredients.

Mix the cake mix with oil, eggs, and vanilla, then stir in chocolate chips for extra chocolate in every bite.

The batter comes together in one bowl and bakes in a 9×9 pan, so cleanup is easy, too.

They’re a simple dessert for an after-school treat, a party, or any day you want brownies without measuring out flour and cocoa powder.

Let the pan cool before cutting to get squares that hold their shape and are easy to serve.

A stack of rich, fudgy Cake Mix Brownies sits on a beige background, with a text overlay that reads “Cake Mix Brownies” and “Easy Baking Hack!”.

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Ingredients for Cake Mix Brownies

  • Chocolate chips: Mix them into the batter for pockets of chocolate. You can save a few to sprinkle on top.
  • Chocolate fudge cake mix: Use one 15.25-ounce box. You’ll use the dry mix, not the ingredients or directions printed on the box.
  • Vegetable oil: Adds richness and helps give the brownies a denser texture.
  • Eggs: Bind the batter. This recipe uses three, so expect a softer, more cake-like brownie than a dense traditional brownie.
  • Vanilla extract: Adds flavor to the chocolate batter.

How to Turn Chocolate Cake Mix Into Brownies

  • Preheat the oven to 350°F. Line a 9×9-inch baking pan with parchment paper and lightly coat it with nonstick spray.
  • Stir the dry cake mix, oil, eggs, and vanilla together in a large bowl until combined.
  • Fold in the chocolate chips, reserving a few for the top if you like. The batter will be thicker than regular cake batter.
  • Spread it evenly in the prepared pan and add the remaining chocolate chips.
  • Bake until the edges are set and a toothpick inserted near the center comes out with a few moist crumbs.
  • Let the brownies cool completely before lifting them from the pan and slicing.
A metal baking pan filled with smooth chocolate batter—perfect for learning how to turn cake mix into brownies—is being spread with a silver spoon on a light gray surface.

Don’t Forget To…

  • Scroll down to print the full recipe with step-by-step instructions and exact measurements.
  • Check out my Kitchen Essentials for the pans, mixing bowls, and baking tools I use to make this recipe a breeze.
  • Save or share this recipe on Pinterest!
A plate stacked with rich, fudgy Cake Mix Brownies sits beneath text that reads, How to turn a cake mix into brownies. Great baking hack! The website www.mommaleew.com is noted at the bottom.

Tips for the Best Cake Mix Brownies

  • Don’t follow the cake mix box directions. Use the amounts in this recipe instead.
  • Check the brownies early. Start checking at 20 minutes; a clean toothpick can mean they’ve baked longer than needed.
  • Let them cool before cutting. Warm brownies are harder to slice neatly.
  • Use the box size listed. A different amount of cake mix may change the batter and baking time.
How can I make boxed cake brownies better?

Stir chocolate chips into the batter, then sprinkle a few on top before baking. For a different flavor, try chopped nuts or peanut butter chips. Watch the baking time closely and let the brownies cool before slicing.

Is brownie mix the same as chocolate cake mix?

No. The mixes are formulated for different results: cake mix is meant to rise into a lighter cake, while brownie mix makes a denser bar. You can make brownies with chocolate cake mix, but use a cake mix brownie recipe instead of following the directions on the box.

How should I store cake mix brownies?

Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to four days, or freeze them for up to three months.

A close-up of brownies made by learning how to turn cake mix into brownies. One square is lifted out by a metal spatula, revealing a cracked, glossy top and a rich, fudgy interior.

More Easy Baking Recipes

Have another box of cake mix in the pantry? Try these cake mix quick bread recipes next. For another shortcut, learn how to make a cake with pancake mix. And if you’re in the mood for more brownies, these peanut butter brownies add a sweet and salty twist.

A close-up of thick, fudgy brownies stacked on top of each other, with text overlay explaining how to turn cake mix into brownies using chocolate chips, eggs, oil, and vanilla. Find the full recipe at mommalew.com.

Cake Mix Brownies Recipe

Turn a box of chocolate cake mix into soft, chocolatey brownies with oil, eggs, vanilla, and chocolate chips.
Print Pin Rate
Course: desserts
Cuisine: American
Keyword: cake mix brownies, How to Turn a Cake Mix into Brownies
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 9
Author: momma lew

Ingredients

  • 15.25 ounce box of Chocolate Fudge cake mix
  • ½ cup vegetable oil
  • 3 large eggs
  • 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract
  • 1 cup chocolate chips semi-sweet chocolate chips or milk chocolate chips

Instructions

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F. 
  • Prepare a 9×9 baking pan by lining it with parchment paper and spraying it with nonstick cooking spray. 
  • In a large bowl, mix together the box of cake mix, oil, eggs, vanilla extract, and water.
  • Don't overmix the batter for a fudgier texture.
  • Pour the cake mix brownie batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. 
  • Sprinkle a few extra chocolate chips on top. 
  • Bake for 20-25 minutes in the preheated oven or until the sides are set, and a toothpick inserted into the comes out with a few moist crumbs.
  • To maintain that beloved fudgy texture, avoid overbaking. 
  • Allow the brownies to cool completely. 
  • Once cooled, lift them out using the parchment paper and cut into 12 squares.
  • Serve your gooey brownie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a drizzle of hot fudge sauce.

Notes

Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
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