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    Home » Recipes » Cookies, Brownies & Bars

    Brownies from Chocolate Cake Mix

    Published: Feb 23, 2023 · Modified: Mar 2, 2024 by Cara Lanz · As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

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    overhead shot of brownies cut into squares.
    close up shot of a chocolate cake mix brownie with a bite taken out of it.
    stack of chocolate cake mix brownies.
    close up shot of a chocolate cake mix brownie with a bite taken out of it.

    Chocolate Cake Mix Brownies are gooey, fudgy brownies loaded with rich chocolate flavor. These delicious semi homemade brownies stir together in minutes for an easy dessert chocolate lovers will adore.

    If you love this cake mix brownie recipe, try my Red Velvet Oreo Brownies and Strawberry Brownies next! 

    cake mix brownie with a bite taken out of it with brownies in the background.

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    Jump to:
    • Why You'll Love This Recipe
    • Ingredients
    • How to Make Brownies from Chocolate Cake Mix
    • Expert Tips
    • FAQs
    • More Delicious Cake Mix Recipes
    • 💌Let's Stay in Touch
    • 📖 Recipe

    Why You'll Love This Recipe

    • Gooey, fudgy, chocolate brownies from cake mix
    • Fast and easy cake mix brownies to cure your chocolate craving
    • Delicious brownies that stir together in minutes -- no electric mixer needed!

    Ingredients

    cake mix brownies ingredients.

    See recipe card at the bottom of the post for the full list of ingredients and exact amounts.

    Box of chocolate cake mix. I like Betty Crocker Super Moist Triple Chocolate Fudge Cake Mix with pudding and tiny chocolate chips. Use any chocolate boxed cake mix like German chocolate cake mix or devil's food cake mix.

    Brown sugar. Brown sugar adds rich flavor and moisture for super fudgy brownies. Also, brownies are sweeter than cake, so a little sugar helps transform the cake mix into brownie mix.

    Instant espresso powder, optional. It amps up the chocolate flavor. Don't worry, you won't detect the coffee flavor.

    One whole egg and two egg yolks. Use room temperature eggs. Two egg yolks add richness, and moisture, and give the brownies a fudgier consistency.

    Melted butter. Butter gives the brownies rich flavor. You can also use vegetable oil.

    Chocolate chips. I like dark chocolate chips. You can also use semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips, or even throw in some peanut butter chips!

    Flaky sea salt, optional. A little salt is a great way to enhance the chocolate flavor and highlight the sweet flavors.

    How to Make Brownies from Chocolate Cake Mix

    chocolate cake mix, brown sugar, and espresso powder in white mixing bowl.

    Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk the cake mix, brown sugar, and espresso powder together, removing any clumps in the brown sugar.

    cake mix brownie batter in white mixing bowl.

    Step 2: Add the egg, egg yolks, melted butter, and 1 cup of chocolate chips. Stir the mixture together with a sturdy rubber spatula until just combined. The batter will be quite thick.

    cake mix brownie batter in foil lined baking pan.

    Step 3: Spread the mixture evenly into an 8x8 square baking pan prepared with aluminum foil or parchment paper. Sprinkle the remaining chocolate chips on top, gently pressing them into the brownie batter. Add a little flaky sea salt on top, if desired. 

    cake mix brownies cut into squares on white countertop.

    Step 4: Bake at 325 for 25-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted 2 inches from the edge of the pan comes out with moist crumbs. Cool the brownies completely on a wire cooling rack. 

    hand holding up a cake mix brownie with brownies in the background.

    Expert Tips

    • Use room temperature eggs to help the batter come together smoothly and bake evenly.
    • Check for doneness at the earlier side of the baking time to avoid overbaking. For fudgy brownies, the internal temperature should read 180-190 degrees. 
    • To check for fudgy brownies with the toothpick test, insert the toothpick two inches from the edge of the pan. If the toothpick comes out with moist crumbs, they're ready.

    FAQs

    What is the best way to store chocolate cake mix brownies?

    Store brownies in an airtight covered container at room temperature for 3-4 days or in the refrigerator for up to one week.

    Can I freeze brownies made from cake mix?

    Yes, this cake mix brownies recipe freezes well. Freeze baked brownies wrapped in a double layer of plastic wrap and again in foil, a freezer-safe airtight container, or ziptop freezer bag. To thaw, remove the plastic wrap and let sit at room temperature until defrosted.

    What is the secret to making fudgy brownies from cake mix?

    Two tips for making fudgy brownies with chocolate cake mix are not overmixing the brownie batter and not overbaking.

    What else can I make with a simple box of cake mix?

    When you're not in the mood for cake, you can turn your cake mix into red velvet cookies, Oreo red velvet brownies, pumpkin magic bars, even cake mix peach cobbler!

    stack of three cake mix brownies on white countertop.

    More Delicious Cake Mix Recipes

    • white plate with peach cobbler and ice cream
      Peach Cobbler with Cake Mix
    • two carrot cake mix bars on a a white counter top.
      Carrot Cake Mix Cookie Bars
    • piece of apple pie coffee cake on a white plate
      Easy Apple Pie Coffee Cake (Cake Mix Recipe)
    • piece of chocolate caramel poke cake on white plate
      Chocolate Caramel Poke Cake

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    📖 Recipe

    cake mix brownie with a bite taken out of it with brownies in the background

    How to Make Brownies from Chocolate Cake Mix

    Cara Lanz
    Chocolate Cake Mix Brownies are gooey, fudgy brownies loaded with rich chocolate flavor. These delicious semi homemade brownies stir together in minutes for an easy dessert chocolate lovers will adore.
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save Recipe Saved Recipe!
    Prep Time 5 minutes mins
    Cook Time 30 minutes mins
    Total Time 35 minutes mins
    Course Dessert, Snack
    Cuisine American
    Servings 16
    Calories 261 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 15.25 oz. chocolate cake mix
    • ¼ cup brown sugar
    • 1 teaspoon instant espresso powder
    • 1 egg
    • 2 egg yolks
    • 1 stick melted butter
    • 1 ¼ cup chocolate chips, divided
    • flaky sea salt, optional
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    Instructions
     

    • Preheat the oven to 325. Line an 8x8 square baking pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil, leaving an overhang for easy removal.
    • Whisk the cake mix, brown sugar, and espresso powder together in a large mixing bowl.
    • Add the egg, egg yolks, melted butter, and 1 cup of chocolate chips. Stir the mixture together with a spatula until just combined.
    • Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared pan. Sprinkle the remaining chocolate chips on top, gently pressing them into the brownie batter. Add a little flaky sea salt on top, if desired.
    • Bake for 25-35 minutes or until a toothpick inserted 2 inches from the edge of the pan comes out with moist crumbs.
      For fudgy brownies, the internal temperature should read 180-190 degrees.
    • Cool the brownies completely on a wire baking rack.
      Lift the brownies out of the pan with the foil sling, peel off the foil, and place the entire slab on a cutting board. Use a sharp knife to cut the brownies into squares.

    Notes

    • Check for doneness a few minutes early to avoid overbaking.
    • Use room temperature eggs to ensure the brownie batter comes together smoothly. Cold eggs may solidify the melted butter. 

    Nutrition

    Calories: 261kcalCarbohydrates: 32gProtein: 2gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0.2gCholesterol: 50mgSodium: 274mgPotassium: 144mgFiber: 1gSugar: 22gVitamin A: 225IUCalcium: 60mgIron: 1mg
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    Hi, I'm Cara!

    I love sharing easy, delicious everyday recipes from the heartland.

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