I’ve got something EXTRA special for you today!! This cake mix brownie recipe is SO easy and SUPER delicious. These brownies are a cross between fudgy and cakey, with just the right amount of richness, to satisfy everyone’s craving. These chocolate chip brownie bars are honestly my all-time favorite chocolate brownie recipe.

brownies topped with chocolate chips

This post was first published on February 6, 2014. It was republished on July 25, 2019 with new photos and recipe tips.

You guys are going to love this unique cake mix brownie recipe! I’ve loved it ever since I was a little girl. My mom has been making these chocolate chip brownie bars for years. She always called them Lazy Day Bars. Quite the perfect name because this is the brownie recipe for all of you lazy bakers. This is a one bowl brownie recipe and you only need a handful of ingredients to bake these up.

Ingredients In Chocolate Chip Brownie Bars 

The most important ingredient for this brownie bar recipe is a boxed German chocolate cake mix. Any brand will do. I have also successfully made this recipe with a box of regular chocolate cake mix. I do prefer the flavor of the German chocolate cake mix, though. It has a sweeter, lighter taste.

You’ll also need melted butter or oil, brown sugar, 2 eggs and chocolate chips. So simple!

ingredients for Chocolate Chip Brownie Bars

How To Make Cake Mix Brownie Bars?

These brownie bars are incredibly easy to make. Here’s how:

Prepare oven and baking pan: Preheat your oven to 350ºF. Spray a 9×13 inch baking pan or dish with nonstick cooking spray or line it with parchment paper.

Combine all ingredients in a large bowl, except chocolate chips.

Bake: Transfer the batter to the prepared baking pan and smooth out the top so that it’s one even layer. Sprinkle chocolate chips over the top. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes. The brownies should feel set on the edges, and a toothpick inserted into the center should come out mostly clean. I know some people enjoy their brownies undercooked, so feel free to remove these brownies, from the oven, early.

Cool and serve: Let the brownies cool in the pan for about 10 minutes, then cut into squares and enjoy!

mixing brownie batter in a white bowl with a wooden spoon

Can I Add Nuts To This Brownie Recipe?

Absolutely! Finely chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts can easily be added to this brownie recipe. I recommend 1/2 to 2/3rds cup of chopped nuts. You can simply sprinkle them over the top with the chocolate chips or stir them into the batter.

Should I Use A Metal Or Glass Pan For Baking Brownies?

Either a metal or glass pan will work fine for baking brownies. For crispier crusts and edges, use a metal pan. For glass pans, you may need to add up to 5 minutes of baking time, but be sure to check on your brownies at the time suggested.

How Do I Store Leftover Brownies?

Store cut brownies in an airtight container at room temperature. They will last about 2 days at room temperature. You can transfer them to the fridge for another couple of days. If you do decide to store them in the fridge, I would suggest microwaving them before eating, so they aren’t dry.

Can You Freeze Brownies?

Yes you can freeze brownies! Cool them completely then transfer them to an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw at room temperature. I can attest to the fact that these are possibly even better once frozen and then microwaved (think melty chocolate chips and rich, fudgy center).

chocolate brownie batter spread out in a 9x13" glass baking dish

What Makes These Chocolate Chip Brownie Bars So Freaking Delicious?

In my humble opinion, these brownie bars are absolutely perfect and on my Top 10 List of best sweet treats ever. You’re going to love them because they’re:

Perfectly sweet
Slightly fudgy
Slightly cakey
Chocolaty
Studded with chocolate chips
Easy to make
So delicious
& Highly shareable

Make these brownies when guests are coming over, to take along on road trips, for BBQs this summer, or just to have around the house when you’re craving something sweet. Oh and add them to your Christmas baking list, when that time rolls around.

cooked brownies topped with chocolate chips and sliced into squares

Craving More Treats? Try These:

The Best Banana Pudding Ever!

Easy Lemon Pound Cake

Cherry No-bake Cheesecake

If you make this recipe, I’d love for you to give it a star rating ★ below and comment and let me know how you loved these brownies.

Also, tag @kimscravings on Instagram with a picture of your creation. It’s so fun to see what you’re cooking up! Be sure to subscribe to our mailing list to receive more healthy delicious recipes straight to your inbox.

Happy baking, friends!

chocolate chip brownies stacked on top of another

brownies topped with chocolate chips
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4.65 from 14 votes
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Chocolate Chip Brownie Bars

This cake mix brownie recipe is SO easy and SUPER delicious. These brownies are a cross between fudgy and cakey, with just the right amount of richness, to satisfy everyone's craving. These chocolate chip brownie bars are honestly my all-time favorite chocolate brownie recipe. 
Author: Kim

Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup melted butter or oil
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 2 eggs, beaten
  • 1 box German chocolate cake mix
  • 1/2-1 cup chocolate chips, use your favorite kind and your desired amount for sprinkling over the top of brownie bars

Instructions 

  • Preheat oven to 350ºF. and spray a 9x13 baking pan or dish with nonstick cooking spray or line with parchment paper.
  • Combine all ingredients in a large bowl, except chocolate chips.
  • Pour ingredients into baking dish and spread mixture with a spatula or the back of a large spoon. Sprinkle with desired amount of chocolate chips.
  • Bake for 20-25 minutes and until toothpick comes out clean.
  • Allow bars to cool for 10-15 minutes before cutting.

Notes

Photos by Sasha at Eat Love Eats.
  • Add nuts if you like!
  • You can use a glass or metal pan, but glass may need a few minutes extra. Be sure not to overbake them!
  • Brownies also freeze super well.
Serving: 1bar, Calories: 130kcal, Carbohydrates: 18g, Protein: 2g, Fat: 6g, Saturated Fat: 2g, Cholesterol: 14mg, Sodium: 157mg, Potassium: 68mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 11g, Vitamin A: 28IU, Calcium: 35mg, Iron: 1mg

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