There’s something irresistibly nostalgic about the smell of brownies baking on a cold winter afternoon. For me, the memory is as vivid as my Nonna’s red-checkered apron standing beside her in the kitchen, watching her whip up warm chocolatey treats with love in every stir. But while she made everything from scratch, I’ve learned a delicious little shortcut: chocolate cake mix brownies.
This recipe is perfect when you’re craving homemade comfort but want to keep things easy. Using a boxed chocolate cake mix as the base, we’ll create fudgy, rich, and decadent brownies that rival any bakery all in under an hour. Whether you’re hosting a cozy movie night, packing a winter bake sale box, or just need something warm and chocolatey to brighten the day, these brownies are your new go-to.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love These Brownies
- Quick & Easy: Minimal prep and just a few pantry staples.
- Ultra Fudgy: Thanks to the cake mix base, they’re gooey and soft with the perfect crackly top.
- Customizable: Add nuts, chocolate chips, caramel drizzle, or whatever your wintery heart desires.
- No Mixer Needed: Just a bowl, a spoon, and a warm oven.
Ingredients
Serves 9 generous squares
- 1 box (15.25 oz) chocolate cake mix (devil’s food or fudge cake works best)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional but adds depth)
- 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips or chunks
- Pinch of salt
Optional Winter Add-Ins:
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon or espresso powder for warmth
- Chopped walnuts or pecans
- Mini marshmallows (for s’mores-style brownies)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy removal.
Step 2: Mix It Up
In a large mixing bowl, combine:
- Cake mix
- Eggs
- Oil
- Water
- Vanilla (if using)
Stir until everything is well blended. The batter will be thick—that’s what makes them fudgy!
Step 3: Fold and Flavor
Add the chocolate chips and any optional wintery extras like cinnamon or nuts. Gently fold them into the batter.
Step 4: Bake
Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Smooth the top with a spatula. Bake for 22–25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out with moist crumbs (not wet batter).
Step 5: Cool and Slice
Let the brownies cool in the pan for at least 10–15 minutes. Slice into 9 big squares, or more if you’re sharing.
Serving Suggestions
These brownies are versatile and make the perfect treat for nearly any occasion. Here’s how to make them shine:
- A la Mode: Warm up a brownie and top it with a scoop of vanilla or peppermint ice cream.
- Holiday Platter Star: Cut into festive shapes using cookie cutters and dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with white chocolate.
- Brownie Sundae Bar: Set out toppings like crushed candy canes, caramel sauce, whipped cream, and sprinkles.
- Fireside Snack: Pair with a cup of hot cocoa or mulled wine on a chilly evening.
Storage Tips
Room Temperature:
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days.
- Add a slice of bread to the container to keep the brownies soft and moist.
Refrigeration:
- Store in the fridge for up to 1 week. Let them sit at room temperature before serving for that gooey texture.
Freezing:
- Wrap each brownie in plastic wrap and freeze in a sealed bag or container for up to 2 months.
- Thaw at room temp or warm briefly in the microwave to enjoy.
Variation Ideas
- Craving cookies? Use similar ingredients from our chocolate crinkle cookies recipe and scoop them onto a tray instead.
- Make holiday-themed bars with inspiration from cake mix cookie bars.
- Want bite-sized treats? Check out our tips for mini muffin baking and adapt this recipe to brownie bites!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different flavor of cake mix?
Absolutely! Try red velvet, dark chocolate fudge, or German chocolate for fun variations.
Can I make these brownies gluten-free?
Yes—just swap in a gluten-free chocolate cake mix and adjust the liquid if needed.
Do I need to refrigerate these brownies?
No, they keep well at room temperature for a few days, but refrigeration works if you want to extend their life.
How do I make these brownies even more fudgy?
Use 1 less tablespoon of water and add a tablespoon of melted chocolate or an extra egg yolk.
Can I double the recipe?
Definitely! Use a 9×13-inch pan and bake for 28–32 minutes.
Chocolate Cake Mix Brownies
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl
- Spatula
- 8×8 Baking Dish
Ingredients
Brownie Batter
- 1 box chocolate cake mix any brand
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1/4 cup milk optional, for fudgier texture
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips semi-sweet or dark
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease or line an 8×8 baking dish.
- In a mixing bowl, combine cake mix, eggs, oil, and milk. Stir until well blended.
- Fold in chocolate chips and pour the batter into the prepared dish.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out mostly clean.
- Let cool before slicing. Enjoy!
Notes
Conclusion: Your Winter Brownie Bliss Awaits
If you’re craving that homemade brownie comfort without the long list of ingredients or complicated steps, these chocolate cake mix brownies are your answer. They bring together the richness of traditional brownies with the ease of cake mix—fudgy, flavorful, and oh-so-satisfying.
Whether you’re baking with little hands on a snow day or whipping up a last-minute dessert for friends, this is a recipe that delivers every time. So grab that box of cake mix and your coziest socks , it’s brownie time.