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!
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!!
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!!
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!
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.