And the best part is that you can use any flavor cake mix! Strawberry and lemon are two of my favorites – especially the strawberry.
Now you’re asking, “Doesn’t using another flavor make them not brownies since brownies are usually chocolate?”
So, I guess, technically – by today’s standards, you’re correct. But did you know the first mention of the word brownies was in the 1896 Fannie Farmer cookbook and the recipe called for molasses and no chocolate?
But you guys know I’m a culinary rebel, so I say we still call these brownies regardless of the flavor. Plus calling the strawberry ones pinkies and the lemon ones yellowies just sounds weird, right?
Anyway, regardless of what you call them, I bet you’re going to call them delicious… and super easy! You only need 3 ingredients to get these ready. And they’re a great thing for the kids to make all by themselves!
You can toss in a cup of chocolate chips, chopped pecans, walnuts, peanuts, toffee bits, peanut butter chips, white chocolate chips, etc. to mix it up a bit and add even more flavor.
Be sure to comment below and let me know all them combinations you can come up with to make this super easy recipe all your own!
Cake Mix Brownies
Ingredients
- 1 (15.25-ounce) box cake mix (any flavor) (I like dark chocoalte, strawberry, and lemon.)
- 1/3 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup chocolate chips* (optional - see note)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and lightly spray an 8x8-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- In a large bowl, mix together the cake mix, oil, and eggs. (Add the chocolate chips, if using them and stir well.) The mixture will be thick, but keep stirring. Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Bake for 20 minutes. Allow to cool, then slice.
Notes
Claudia says
When I get a cake mix I am definitely going to try this. My husband cannot have any chocolate for medical reasons and I can’t have lemon. Sooooo, strawberry here I come and whatever else I may find. Thank you so much, I have to say that they look awesome in your photos…… Take care. Claudia
Stacey says
Thanks so much, Claudia! The strawberry is probably my favorite!
Ashlee says
Tried this recipe. Think there is a missing ingredient.. wayyy too doughy to be brownies. Maybe cookies?
Stacey says
I’ve never had trouble with this recipe turning out. Did you bake it? It does make a very thick dough.
Stanley Barker says
I feel like a bow wow suddenly
Christine says
Some people like super fudge consistency brownies. Which these are. If you want them more cake like I would add an extra egg. I have done both the extra egg does make a different consistency.
Stacey says
Great tip! Thanks for sharing!
Stanley Barker says
I feel like a bow wow suddenly
Lucky says
Mine came out like a moist cake like brownie instead of an actual brownie, the only thing I did different was substitute the oil to butter (I do all my brownies that way and they always come out as brownies) …. I added 2 tablespoons of espresso into mine (I put espresso into my brownie batter regularly except for this batch I added less espresso). What did I do wrong? Adding a little bit of liquid??
Stacey says
The liquid will have an effect on the finished product. And since you added some espresso and butter (which has water and milk solids in it that oil doesn’t) that might be the cause of the different texture. Hope you were still able to enjoy them!
Teetsie says
Ok so no, I tried these with a yellow Duncan Hines cake mix and added 1/4 cup cocoa powder. I should have known this was a bad idea (I bake a lot) and should have known there was not enough sugar. The major part of brownies from scratch is granulated sugar and cake mix just does not have enough sugar. These came out great for texture but with no sweetness. If your going to make brownies from a cake mix, add at least a half cup of sugar or more or just make brownies from scratch. Cake mix is mostly flour.
Stacey says
Hey, Teetsie! Thanks for sharing your experience. I’ve removed your rating as you’ve rated a variation of the recipe and not the recipe I shared.
SuzieW says
Great post since so many of us are “sheltering in place”. I live in WA and they are asking us to stay home except for groceries or medicines.
Stacey says
Thanks, Suzie! I’m going to be doing my best to share those recipes that will use stuff most folks already have in the pantry. Enjoy!
Barbara Miller says
I have Carrot Cake, Spice Cake, Golden Butter Cake, Dark Chocolate Cake, Orange Cake, Pineapple Cake and White Cake. I may end up doing them all before this “staycation” is over. I have 4 of those golden Hershey bars that I want to layer into one of the flavors. if I do a 9×9 pan are they going to be too thin?
Stacey says
Such great ideas! They will be a little thinner in a 9×9, but it won’t make a huge difference. And if you layer in the Hershey bars, that will help as well.
Katrina says
Sounds delicious anxious to try the different flavor of cake mixes I got for brownies thank you for posting this lovely dessert have a beautiful & Blessed day
Stacey says
You, too, Katrina! Hope you enjoy them all!
Margaret says
I’ve made this with yellow cake and chocolate chips (sort of a blondie) and carrot cake with oatmeal and nuts. Yellow cake was the best. I also swap applesauce for the oil. I love how quick and easy these are. It is my go to when I need to take a dessert to an event. Never thought of strawberry or lemon but those will be next whenever I can get a mix.
Stacey says
Hope you’ll love the strawberry and lemon version, too!!
Nancy says
I usually use applesauce instead of oil but was apprehensive making brownies in case they tasted too much like a cake I’m using a white mix and white cho chips with a request for caramel sauce ,,,,,
Stacey says
I think the oil is a must for texture and moisture in this particular recipe.
Shelly in Sunny San Diego 🌞 says
These sound lovely and easy. Photos made my mouth water. Thanks Stacey. You always have great ideas. You go, Rebel! I love the name pinkies and lemonies, personally. Brownies for the brown ones, if course! 😁
Stacey says
Ha! Thanks, Shelly!!
Donna Moss says
I have used the orange mix. Grands say it reminds them of fruit loops. Lol. They always loved the strawberry ones, been making them along time. Thanks for sharing!
Stacey says
That sounds great!!
Melissa Rugg says
Any suggestions to make this in a half of full sheet pan? I like to make large batches to share. How many cokes do you think would be for a half or full sheet pan?
Stacey says
Hey Melissa! I can’t say for sure, but if my calculations are correct, you’ll need 3 batches for a half sheet and 6 batches for a whole sheet.
marjorie whitmire says
I am definitely making the strawberry ones. But I have a question that’s been bothering me for a long time. Does it matter if the pan is glass or metal? Thanks.
Stacey says
In many cases it does matter. I much prefer glass with this recipe, but either will work.
PattiAnn says
Just made chocolate brownies. Wow! Great recipe, so easy had everything in my pantry. Added 1/2 tablespoon espresso powder, chips & pecans. Really needed a boost today and these brownies were just the thing.
Thank you. 😊👍🤩
Stacey says
These sound AMAZING! So glad they turned out well for you!!
Alma Flores says
I use this same recipe but use a small ice cream scoop to make brownie cookies. Bake on a sheet sprayed with non stick spray and bake for 13 minutes.
The recipe makes 2 dozen large cookies.
Stacey says
Another GREAT idea! Thank for sharing!
deb says
fabulous idea! will be trying this today!
Stacey says
Enjoy!
Donna Ray says
I made chocolate brownies by your recipe, used a double chocolate cake mix, added the chocolate chips plus pecans. It turned out great!! I like moist not cakey brownies and these were perfect. Thanks so much for such an easy recipe!
Stacey says
So glad they turned out great for you!
Pat says
Do the strawberry brownies have an icing on them. Looks like they might have.
Stacey says
They don’t, but you could certainly add one.
Kera says
I made the strawberry ones before used Confetti sugar and water to make a glaze
Pam Avoledo says
The different flavored brownies are a good idea! It’s something that could get potentially fancy. I’m all for red velvet, though.
Stacey says
Red velvet sure it good! 🙂
Kathie Douthit-Lowe says
I have only a chocolate cake mix and did search to make Brownies and now my mouth is watering and chocolate are now what I want the least! LoL I’ll be getting a lot of cake next trip to the store! Thinking about a layered fruit for Spring/summer. Also if I used a white cake and added a package of butterscotch pudding would I need to add or adjust eggs, oil, etc…?
Stacey says
I would just stick to the recipe, but feel free to add in other things like chocolate chips, etc.
Nancy says
I am going to substitute homemade-infused coconut oil instead of vegetable oil and add lots of walnuts. I just know these will be out of this world! Thank you for this easy and in this time, oh-so-necessary, switch-up for shape-shifting things on hand to accommodate things we want!
Stacey says
I sure hope it turns out amazingly for you!!
J R Tomlin says
I have coeliac, so I had to use a gluten-free cake mix (Better Crocker as it happens). Just a note that it needs some adjustment for gluten-free. This is typical though. Cooking gluten-free normally requires adjustment and it might depend on which brand you use as well. No matter how much I stirred, it did not come together although I expected it to be a bit dry as you mentioned. Finally, I added a 1/3 cup of cold black coffee and that made it come together. It baked up great and was quite a hit.
Stacey says
Those gluten free mixes do require some adjustment when they’re substituted in recipes. Glad you enjoyed these!
Seasons01 says
Arthur GF brownies mix is the bomb! I love there cake mix too.
Emily says
20 minutes of baking time had it a bit jiggly when I took it from the oven so I let it bake another 5 minutes. Let’s hope it turns out okay….. oops!
Stacey says
I’m sure they turned out just fine. Let me know.
Adrianna says
My husband cracked up at yellowies and he hates recipes with a back story. We had coconut cake on hand and added cocoa powder to the mix before adding the wet ingredients. Almond joy like brownies were the result and now we have to make yellowies next lol. Thank you for the recipe and the awesome name.
Stacey says
Ha! So glad y’all enjoyed them!!
Seasons01 says
I used a chocolate cake mix. And added sugar free chocolate chips. I would say they are very chocolatey in flavour. But not the texture of a cake or a brownie. My husband said chalkie. My daughter said doughie (maybe to many chocolate chips). Runny.
No stars because this is advertised to be a brownie. This is not a brownie. I would make a new name for it… You would get more stars.
Seasons01 says
Changing my review… left them out on the table overnight and the kids and I had some in the am. Much better. I guess for some reason they just aren’t good warm. Taste good but texture just wasnt there. This morning way better.
So my suggestion is to either put them in the fridge or waite until they are cold and set.
Stacey says
Glad you gave them a second chance and enjoyed them!
Mei L. says
I’ve been making strawberry “brownies” for a few years now. I just kind of came up with it one day when I wanted to make some brownies for a family get-together, but realized that I was out of cocoa powder. I decided immediately to call them pinkies, because I thought it was a cute name. I even sell them as pinkies at my little bakery.
Stacey says
I LOVE that so much! Pinkies! Ha!
Alex says
I just made some with white cake mix and cotton candy flavoring! Added some blue food coloring for fun, hoping that they turn out well!
Stacey says
Sounds fun! Let me know!
Jenniifer Coronado says
mine came out raw, and i followed the directions. i don’t know what happened.
Stacey says
If it was raw, then it was probably undercooked.
Delano says
No Milk needed!? (Baking Rookie)
Stacey says
Nope, no milk. No worries! Don’t ever hesitate to ask questions around here!
Delano says
I’m using German Chocolate cake batter by the way!
Stacey says
Sounds great!! Hope they turn out amazing!
Kat says
Amazing recipe! I love how creative it is. I will definitely be checking out other recipes from this sight.
Stacey says
Thanks! Hope you’ll enjoy this one and find many more you like just as well!
Tammy says
Thanks for the tip… made Red velvet brownies with cream cheese frosting. Thought about using some mini white chocolate chips but decided to go plain this time. Yum! 😁
Stacey says
Yum! So glad you enjoyed them!!
Ellie Jay says
Would doubling this recipe work for a 9×13 glass pan? How much would that change the cooking time? I want to bring these to work… Is the batter thick enough to try two flavors in one pan, maybe separated with parchment paper?
Stacey says
Adding 5 to 10 minutes to the cook time should be enough. It’s a pretty thick batter, so I think you could probably do 2 different flavors.
Sara Kapetan says
I can’t wait to bake the strawberry flavored for the homeless shelter I bake treats for! Few questions please: Can I use a 9 x 13 pan? If so, should I double the ingredients? Would adding sliced fresh strawberries to the batter work?
Stacey says
9×13 isn’t an exact double of an 8×8 in terms of volume, but you would still need to double the recipe. They’ll just be a bit thicker and take a little while longer to bake. When it comes to adding the strawberries, I think it would work, but I’ve not tested it myself.
Janey says
Great if you have limited time. I made red velvet and added chocolate chips. It was ok. I think a cake would have been better. I still might try doing this when lemon cake though. It was quick and easy.
Stacey says
This idea is to have another option if all you have hanging around is cake mix.
Gina says
Not real tasty. I followed the recipe, used a white cake mix, and added nuts and a T of cocoa powder. I won’t waste a cake mix again. We threw it out. I find it amazing so many liked it, but we all have different tastes.
Stacey says
Hate to hear it didn’t turn out as you had hoped. I’m thinking maybe next time, add a considerable amount more cocoa powder to a white cake mix if you want chocolate flavor. I think most folks are using chocolate or strawberry mixes.
Elizabeth says
The consistency of the “batter” was like salt water taffy so I just pressed it evenly into the pan and pushed the chocolate chunks into the top. I had two boxes laying around so I made a double batch and put it in a 9×12 pan, perfect for thick brownies. I will definitely try them in different flavors …lemon, mmm
Stacey says
Awesome! So glad to hear you enjoyed these!
James miller says
Have a question this recipe is very close to cake cookies is the difference in the oil what makes the brownies or is it that it’s all in one pan that makes the difference asking cause I make the cookies all the time but need something different .
Stacey says
Honestly, there’s probably not much difference other than how they’re baked and the amount of oil. Not knowing exactly which recipe you use, I can’t say for sure.
Wanda says
Used a German chocolate cake mix, added coco powdered and chopped chocolate covered coffee beans… hope it turns out as good as I expect it too
Stacey says
Wow! Yum! Me, too!
Cynthia says
Making the chocolate brownies for my diabetics. I am using sugar free chocolate cake mix and added pecans. Also making the regular lemon cake mix with almonds. I had to improvise, because I only had 3 eggs. I split the eggs between the 2 mixes and added 2 tablespoons margarine to each mix. They were enjoyed by all.
Stacey says
Glad to hear everyone enjoyed them!!
Sony says
Hi! Would i be able to use jello powder and white cake mix instead of a strawberry cake mix?
Stacey says
I can’t say for sure, Sony. I would guess that you could, though.
Julie says
I’ve made these for my family so many times, during the pandemic. So easy!
I’ve added a swirl of sweetened cream cheese, chopped nuts, or oatmeal, and all different kinds of chips. I’ve sprinkled some kosher salt on top, really good with butterscotch chips. Vanilla or white cake is too bland with this recipe, unless you add some flavorful topping or frosting. For autumn, try Pumpkin or Spice cake, and swirl apple pie filling. This is a great recipe to teach your kids- it’s practically foolproof, and has endless options for “whatever’s in the pantry.” Thanks so much!
Stacey says
Love hearing all these delicious variations, Julie! I’m so glad you’ve gotten some great use out of this recipe!
lyn says
Wonderful! Made my yellow cake mix into cocoa-chocolate chip brownies. Tomato cracker salad sounds great too. Wish you lived next door, really. lyn
Stacey says
Thanks so much, Lyn!!
Kylie says
Why is it so thick
Stacey says
It’s supposed to be thick. Brownie batter is often very thick.
Kerry Jerris says
So I have Yellow Cake mix, and want to make it into brownies–don’t like blonde too much, so would 1/2 C cocoa be too much to add? I’m guessing I’ll need to add more oil or applesauce for the extra dry addition. Does that sound about right?
Stacey says
I can’t say for sure, but if I were going to guess, I’d say you’ll need 6 to 8 tablespoons of cocoa powder and I’d increase the amount of oil to 1/2 cup.
Karen says
This is so awesome! I was hoping to find it was doable! I made devils food cake brownies with this and mixed in chocolate chips, and slivered almonds I’ve had a while and leftover marshmallows on top like a rocky road brownie. So yummy! Maybe I’ll make the second box into a caramel version with walnuts!
Stacey says
That sounds great, Karen! So glad to hear you enjoyed them!!!
Nancy says
I’d love to try these especially after reading all the reviews and suggestions but was wondering how it would all fit in an 8×8 inch square pan. When I use a 15oz. cake mix it makes two 8 inch round cakes so how will it all bake in one 8 inch square pan without overflowing.
Stacey says
You don’t add all the extra ingredients that cakes would have nor do you whip air into it. It fits just fine.
One Hoe says
My dude can you make your website any more ad ridden and ad covered and maybe make your articles a little bit longer because actual PhD dissertations are not as long as your rambling article, literally took me 30 minutes just to scroll to the bottom, click out of all your ads, just to leave this comment
Stacey says
But yay!! You made it!! Seriously, the content is free to you. We gotta pay the bills somehow.
Toni Bailey says
Made this with 1/2 price after-Christmas box of FunFetti, adding More Fetti!
Baked in convection oven 350 deg for 15 min.
Yummy!
Stacey says
Sounds perfect! Glad you enjoyed them!!
Kati says
I may never use a brownie mix again! These are so much better!
They are HARD to stir, but I got a Kitchenaid mixer for Christmas, so these have been a regular thing now that I don’t have to use my arm! Lol! I like to double the recipe and make them in a 9×13 and they are really thick, but great with ice cream on top. 🙂
Thank you for this!
Stacey says
Ha! Thanks, Kati! So glad to hear you’ve enjoyed these!!
Jan says
I made these with a chocolate cake mix and followed the recipe exactly as written. After baking for 20 min., it clearly wasn’t done because it jiggles when I moved the pan. I gave it 5 more min and took it out of the oven without testing. It didn’t seem to be jiggly. After cooling for an hour, I cut into them. These were more like lava cake. And we ate the outer corners with ice cream on top. Very tasty, but the center is just plain liquid.
Stacey says
I’m glad you were able to enjoy them! Sorry to hear things didn’t work out as expected.
Peggy C Sult says
I just happen to have a box of strawberry cake mix sitting on my counter after a pantry purge. Didn’t really want to make a cake and frost it, so I’m very pleased to find this recipe. Looking forward to trying it….Will check back after it’s baked.
Stacey says
Sure hope they turned out great for you!
Merlin says
currently making these with Swerve 10.6 oz chocolate cake mix. still used 2 eggs and probably too much oil because I added more to be able to stir it. so….we’ll see how this turns out!!
Stacey says
I’m interested in hearing how they turn out! Let me know!
Cole says
I found a box of cake mix in the cupboard and my boyfriend was having a really rough day, His favorite thing is brownies. I stumbled across your blog and decided to try it out. Everything looked wonderful except for the fact that my cake mix had pudding inside of it. So the mix was a giant blob by the time i added the eggs and the oil. I decided to add about 1/2 c. of water to “thin” the batter out and then proceeded to bake it at 350 for 35 minutes in an 8×8. Turned out wonderful!!
Stacey says
How thoughtful of you! I know he enjoyed them!
Kathy Draper says
I just discovered your website. Came for the Cake Mix Brownies, and stayed for the Pineapple Cheese Casserole. Sounds wonderful, and I’m going to try it! Thanks so much.
Stacey says
Welcome, Kathy! Sure hope you’ll find lots you enjoy!
MiraJuana says
Exactly the cake-to-brownie conversion recipe I needed!
Now I have you bookmarked and I will definitely be using more of your recipes!
For folks interested in using healthier oils, the recipe works well whether you prefer olive oil, coconut oil, avocado oil, or if you’re feeling fancy come up with your own blend).
I want to thank you for being a mindful chef!
Your responses to your readers are first-class, non-judgmental, and very encouraging!
Mary says
I cooked for 15 minutes over the expected time and still can’t get the middle done?! Something is wrong.
Stacey says
I would agree. How are you testing doneness? Are you sure your oven is baking at the correct temperature?
PJ says
These were the best brownies. So moist and good! I I’m making for the second time. I put white chocolate chips in both. I’m wanting to try the strawberry too!! So easy to make! Thank you!
Stacey says
So glad to hear they turned out great for you, PJ!
Kate says
I’ prefer blondes so I used a butter pecan mix and added mini chocolate chips; I took it to work, one of thee clients cannot eat chocolate, so we made another recipe with candied cranberries and it was a hit
Stacey says
So glad to hear they turned out great for you! Love those flavor combos!
Izza says
i tried these today with red velvet cake mix and and added white chocolate bits. for a less than average baker, these turned out super well (though slightly cakier than i would have liked)!!! will definitely be trying these again!!!
Stacey says
Glad to hear you enjoyed these!
Elizabeth says
Just had to add my 2 cents. I taught Home Economics for many years. We made these “brownies” in all flavors. The students (and teachers) loved them. The students came up with many combinations. Most of them were great.
Stacey says
Thanks, Elizabeth! Your 2 cents are always welcome! 🙂