Are you craving a rich, fudgy brownie but short on time? This recipe uses a cake mix as a base, making it incredibly easy to whip up a batch of delicious brownies in a flash. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you're craving a sweet treat without the fuss, these brownies are guaranteed to impress. Let's get baking!
Ingredients:
- 1 box (15.25 ounces) chocolate fudge cake mix
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips (or your favorite type!)
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch baking pan. This ensures your brownies will slide out easily once baked.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the vegetable oil and eggs. Whisk until well blended. This step is crucial for achieving a smooth batter.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Gradually add the cake mix to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Don't overmix; a few lumps are okay. Overmixing can lead to tough brownies.
- Mix in Extras: Stir in the chocolate chips and nuts (if using). The chocolate chips add extra pockets of melty deliciousness!
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread evenly. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a wooden skewer inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs. Don't overbake – slightly underbaked brownies are fudgier!
- Cool & Serve: Let the brownies cool completely in the pan before cutting into squares. This allows them to set properly and makes them easier to cut.
Tips for Brownie Perfection:
- For extra fudgy brownies: Reduce the baking time by a couple of minutes.
- For chewier brownies: Add an extra tablespoon of oil to the batter.
- Get creative with add-ins: Try adding different types of chocolate chips, chopped candies, dried fruits, or even espresso powder for a mocha twist.
- Don't overbake!: This is the key to achieving moist and delicious brownies. Start checking for doneness around the 25-minute mark.
Variations:
- Peanut Butter Brownies: Add 1/2 cup of creamy peanut butter to the batter.
- Mint Chocolate Brownies: Stir in 1/4 cup of crushed Andes mints.
- Salted Caramel Brownies: Drizzle salted caramel sauce over the cooled brownies.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Around 250-300
- Fat: Around 12-15g
- Protein: Around 3-4g
- Carbohydrates: Around 35-40g
This easy brownie recipe is a fantastic example of quick dinner ideas or a simple dessert for any occasion. Enjoy the delicious results of this homemade cooking adventure, perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth without spending hours in the kitchen. These easy recipes are a great way to impress your friends and family with minimal effort! These truly are some of the best recipes out there!