Brownies from Chocolate Cake Mix
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!
Want to Save This Recipe?
Enter your email & I'll send it to your inbox. Plus, you'll get more FREE recipes and tips from my Midwestern kitchen to yours!
By submitting this form, you consent to receive emails from Midwestern HomeLife
Jump to:
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
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
Step 1: In a large bowl, whisk the cake mix, brown sugar, and espresso powder together, removing any clumps in the brown sugar.
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.
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.
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.
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
Store brownies in an airtight covered container at room temperature for 3-4 days or in the refrigerator for up to one week.
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.
Two tips for making fudgy brownies with chocolate cake mix are not overmixing the brownie batter and not overbaking.
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!
More Delicious Cake Mix Recipes
💌Let's Stay in Touch
Follow Midwestern HomeLife on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest, and subscribe via email to receive all of the latest recipes!
📖 Recipe
How to Make Brownies from Chocolate Cake Mix
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
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.
