I’ve got a little secret that saves me on busy days yet satisfies every chocolate craving—my Quick Chocolate Cake Mix Brownies Recipe. It’s the kind of recipe you can whip up with just a few ingredients, and trust me, it straight-up dazzles every time. Whether you’re a brownie newbie or a seasoned pro looking for a no-fuss treat, these brownies are your new best friend. Stick around—I’m sharing everything you need to nail it perfectly!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super Quick & Easy: Using a chocolate cake mix means you’re minutes away from delicious brownies without sacrificing flavor.
- Rich, Fudgy Texture: The mix of butter and heavy cream creates that perfect balance between cakey and gooey—my family goes crazy for them.
- Chocolate Lovers’ Dream: Two kinds of chocolate chips fold in for pockets of melty goodness in every bite.
- Minimal Ingredients, Maximum Flavor: I love that you probably already have everything in your pantry, ready to go!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe thrives because the ingredients are simple yet complementary. The cake mix acts as the base, the eggs and butter add richness and moisture, while the heavy cream ups the fudginess. Plus, those chocolate chips? Total game-changers for texture and chocolate bursts.
- Chocolate Cake Mix: Choose your favorite brand for that rich cocoa flavor; it dramatically impacts the final taste and texture.
- Eggs: They bind everything together and add structure—you want large eggs for consistency.
- Salted Butter: Melted butter brings in the silky texture and just the right hint of saltiness.
- Heavy Cream: Helps create a chewy, moist bite that makes these brownies stand out.
- Dark Chocolate Chips: They add that deep, bittersweet chocolate hit.
- Milk Chocolate Chips: These round out the flavor with sweetness and creaminess in every melty cluster.
Variations
One thing I adore about this Quick Chocolate Cake Mix Brownies Recipe is how easy it is to make your own tweaks. Whether you’re feeling adventurous or accommodating dietary needs, you can customize it with confidence.
- Nutty Upgrade: I like folding in chopped walnuts or pecans for a satisfying crunch—my kids love that little surprise in every bite.
- Spicy Kick: Adding a pinch of cinnamon or a dash of cayenne gives these brownies a subtle warmth that took me by surprise in the best way.
- Gluten-Free Swap: Using a gluten-free chocolate cake mix works wonderfully, so friends with gluten sensitivities can still join the brownie party.
- Extra Chocolate Intensity: Double the dark chocolate chips or sprinkle some cocoa nibs on top before baking for a richer experience.
How to Make Quick Chocolate Cake Mix Brownies Recipe
Step 1: Get Your Oven and Pan Ready
First things first — preheat your oven to 350°F. Think of that as setting the stage for some magic. While it heats, grab a 9×13-inch baking pan and give it a good spray with baking spray to make sure your brownies don’t stick. I’ve learned that prepping your pan ahead cuts down on stress and keeps cleanup easy.
Step 2: Mix Together the Base Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, two large eggs, melted butter, and heavy cream. You’ll find the batter’s thick and luscious—that’s exactly what you want. Stir gently but thoroughly, so everything is well incorporated. I usually give it about 30 to 40 seconds with a sturdy spoon or spatula, but avoid overmixing, or your brownies can turn cakey.
Step 3: Fold in the Chocolate Chips
Next, it’s time for the real fun—the chocolate chips! Fold in both dark and milk chocolate chips evenly throughout the batter. This part always gets me excited because I know I’m about to get those melty chocolate pockets that make these brownies irresistible. Use a rubber spatula for gentle folding to keep the texture perfect.
Step 4: Spread the Batter and Bake
Spread the thick batter evenly into your prepared pan—don’t rush it, use an offset spatula or the back of a spoon to get a smooth top. Pop it in the oven and bake for 23 to 26 minutes. Here’s what I learned: the trick is to check for doneness by poking a toothpick into the center of the brownies. You want it to come out with a bit of goo but no raw batter. This keeps them fudgy, not dry.
Step 5: Cooling is Key
Once out of the oven, resist the urge to cut right away. These brownies need to cool completely—trust me, this step transforms them from fragile to perfectly set. I usually let mine cool in the pan for at least an hour before cutting into squares. This patience pays off with neat slices and divine texture.
Pro Tips for Making Quick Chocolate Cake Mix Brownies Recipe
- Mix Choice Matters: I experimented with different cake mixes, and the fudgier ones yield a richer brownie—don’t hesitate to try a few brands.
- Don’t Overbake: This was a game changer for me—pull them out when the toothpick still has some moist crumbs for that perfect fudgey bite.
- Butter Temperature: Melt your butter but let it cool a bit first; too hot, and you might partially cook the eggs during mixing.
- Cooling Is Patience: Avoid the urge to slice early—these brownies firm up and cut beautifully after cooling completely.
How to Serve Quick Chocolate Cake Mix Brownies Recipe
Garnishes
I usually keep it simple with a dusting of powdered sugar or a light sprinkle of flaky sea salt on top—a tiny contrast that really amplifies the chocolate goodness. On special occasions, I’ll add a dollop of whipped cream or scoop of vanilla ice cream right on the side. It never fails to impress guests!
Side Dishes
These brownies shine perfectly alongside a hot cup of coffee or creamy milk, which I find balances the richness just right. For brunch or dessert parties, I sometimes serve them with fresh berries or a raspberry coulis for a pop of freshness and color.
Creative Ways to Present
One time for a birthday, I cut the brownies into bite-sized squares and stacked them like mini brownie towers tied with a festive ribbon. Another fun idea is layering them with whipped cream and fruit inside small glass jars for individual brownie parfaits—a total crowd-pleaser and visually stunning.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover brownies? I swear, the leftovers get better after a day! Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. If I want them to last longer, I pop them in the fridge for up to a week, but I always let them come back to room temp before serving for that right chewy texture.
Freezing
I freeze these brownies all the time. Wrap individual squares tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container—they keep for up to 3 months. When it’s brownie craving time, I just thaw them overnight in the fridge and they come out almost as good as fresh!
Reheating
To warm up your brownies, I pop one or two squares in the microwave for about 10-15 seconds. It rejuvenates the gooey texture and melts the chocolate chips just a bit more. If you want to keep that slight crust on top, a quick 5-minute warm in a 300°F oven works wonders.
FAQs
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Can I use a different type of cake mix for this recipe?
Absolutely! While the recipe calls for chocolate cake mix, you can experiment with devil’s food or fudge-flavored mixes for a more intense chocolate flavor. Just keep in mind that different brands vary in sweetness and texture, which can slightly alter your brownies’ final consistency.
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Why does the recipe include heavy cream?
The heavy cream adds richness and moisture, helping create that gooey, fudgy texture that I love about these brownies. If you don’t have heavy cream, you can substitute with whole milk, but the texture won’t be quite as decadent.
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My brownies came out cakey instead of fudgy—what did I do wrong?
This can happen if the cake mix is too light or if you overbake the brownies. I recommend checking them early, around 23 minutes, and removing them once the toothpick has moist crumbs but no raw batter. Also, using the recommended amount of butter and cream helps maintain that fudgy balance.
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Can I make this recipe vegan or dairy-free?
To adapt for dairy-free or vegan diets, swap the butter for coconut oil or a plant-based alternative, and replace heavy cream with coconut cream or almond milk. Make sure you find a dairy-free chocolate cake mix and chocolate chips too. It may take some experimenting to get the texture just right, but it’s definitely doable!
Final Thoughts
I absolutely love how this Quick Chocolate Cake Mix Brownies Recipe comes together with minimal effort and maximum reward. Over the years, it’s become my go-to when friends drop by unexpectedly or when I just need that chocolate fix without a fuss. You’ll find that it’s forgiving, delicious, and endlessly adaptable—a real kitchen MVP. Honestly, once you try it, you’ll wonder how you ever made brownies any other way!
Print
Quick Chocolate Cake Mix Brownies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 23 minutes
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: 14 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Deliciously fudgy Cake Mix Brownies made easy with a simple combination of chocolate cake mix, eggs, butter, and cream, studded with both dark and milk chocolate chips for extra richness. These brownies have a perfect texture balance between cakey and gooey, ideal for a quick homemade treat.
Ingredients
Brownie Batter
- 15.25 ounce box chocolate cake mix
- 2 large eggs
- ½ cup (1 stick) salted butter, melted
- ⅓ cup heavy cream
Chocolate Chips
- ¾ cup dark chocolate chips
- ¾ cup milk chocolate chips
Instructions
- Prepare the oven and pan: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) and spray a 9×13-inch baking pan thoroughly with baking spray to prevent sticking.
- Mix the batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, eggs, melted salted butter, and heavy cream. Stir until all ingredients are well incorporated and the mixture forms a thick batter.
- Add chocolate chips: Gently fold in both the dark and milk chocolate chips evenly into the batter ensuring a uniform distribution throughout.
- Spread the batter: Pour and spread the brownie batter into the prepared baking pan, smoothing the top into an even layer for consistent baking.
- Bake the brownies: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 23 to 26 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with moist crumbs or gooey residue but no raw batter.
- Cool and serve: Remove the brownies from the oven and allow them to cool completely in the pan on a wire rack. Once cooled, slice into squares and serve.
Notes
- Storage: Store leftover brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for 2 to 3 days or refrigerate for up to 1 week.
- Freezing: Freeze brownies in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
- Texture variations: Brownie texture may vary depending on the brand of cake mix used; some may produce fudgier or cakier results.
- Substitutions: Be cautious with ingredient swaps as they may alter the brownie texture and flavor.
- Doneness: Brownies are done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out with some goo but no raw batter.
- Cooling tip: Allow the brownies to cool completely before slicing, as they will set further as they cool despite looking slightly underbaked at first.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square (approx. 2×2 inches)
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 22g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 55mg