3 Ingredient Brownies With Chocolate Chips

So you’re craving something tasty but too lazy to spend forever in the kitchen, huh? Same. 🙂

Look, we’ve all been there. It’s 3 PM, your stomach is staging a full-blown protest, and the thought of sifting flour, melting chocolate, and performing complex culinary acrobatics feels like climbing Mount Everest in flip-flops. But what if I told you that you could have fudgy, chocolatey goodness with practically zero effort? Like, *seriously* zero effort. Prepare to have your mind (and your taste buds) blown.

Why This Recipe is Awesome

This isn’t just a recipe; it’s a lifestyle. It’s the culinary equivalent of hitting the snooze button one too many times but still managing to look amazing. It’s ridiculously simple, which means **you probably can’t mess it up** (and if you can, well, we need to talk). It’s perfect for those “I need chocolate NOW” emergencies, impromptu movie nights, or just because you deserve a treat. Plus, think of all the extra time you’ll have for… well, more brownie eating, probably.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gather ’round, future brownie wizard. You only need these three magical items:

• 1 box (about 15.25 oz) chocolate cake mix: Yep, the box kind. Don’t overthink it. Any chocolate flavor will do, but devil’s food is my personal indulgence.
• 2 large eggs: These are the glue holding your delicious dreams together.
• ½ cup vegetable oil (or melted butter): Butter gives it a richer flavor, but oil is easier, so pick your battle.
• (Optional, but highly recommended) ½ cup chocolate chips: Because are they *really* brownies without extra chocolate? I think not.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Ready to get this party started? It’s easier than ordering pizza.

1. Preheat & Prep: Crank your oven up to 350°F (175°C). Grab an 8×8 inch baking pan and grease it up like you’re prepping for a skating competition. Parchment paper is your friend here for easy cleanup.
2. Mix It Up: Dump the cake mix, eggs, and oil into a bowl. Stir it all together until it’s just combined. Don’t go overboard; we’re not making meringue here. A few lumps are totally fine.
3. Add the Sparkle: If you’re feeling fancy (or just really love chocolate), fold in those chocolate chips. Give it a gentle stir so they’re distributed like tiny delicious treasures.
4. Bake Your Masterpiece: Pour the batter into your prepared pan and smooth it out. Pop it into the oven for about 20-25 minutes. You want it set around the edges and a toothpick inserted in the center to come out with moist crumbs, not wet batter.
5. Cool Down & Devour: This is the hardest part. Let them cool completely before cutting. I know, I know. Patience is a virtue, especially when it comes to warm, gooey brownies.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Let’s be honest, we’ve all committed brownie sins. Here are a few to watch out for:

• Overmixing: Seriously, just stir until it’s combined. Overmixing leads to tough brownies, and nobody wants that.
• Underbaking: A gooey center is divine, but a raw center is… well, not. Keep an eye on that toothpick test!
• Forgetting to Preheat: Throwing them in a cold oven is like starting a race without warming up – you’re just asking for trouble.
• Eating Them All at Once: Okay, this one is more of a *consequence* than a mistake, but still. Pace yourself!

Alternatives & Substitutions

Feeling adventurous? Or just realize you’re missing an ingredient? No worries!

• Butter vs. Oil: As mentioned, butter adds flavor, but oil keeps them moist. Your call, champ.
• Different Cake Mixes: While chocolate is the star, a dark chocolate cake mix will take these to the next level. A red velvet could be interesting too!
• Add-Ins: Nuts? A swirl of peanut butter? A sprinkle of sea salt on top? Go wild! Just remember, adding *too* many things might require slightly more liquid or eggs, so proceed with caution.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Let’s clear up any lingering doubts.

• Can I use brownie mix instead of cake mix? Technically, yes, but the whole point of this recipe is its sheer simplicity and the magic of using cake mix. Brownie mix has different ratios, so stick with the cake mix for this one!
• How do I know when they’re done? The edges will look set, and the center will be slightly soft. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out with moist crumbs attached, not a wet batter.
• Can I make them vegan? This is a tough one with only three ingredients! You’d need to swap eggs for flax eggs and use a vegan cake mix and vegan chocolate chips. It’s doable, but it’s a whole new recipe adventure!
• Can I double the recipe? Sure! Just use a larger baking pan (like a 9×13) and adjust the baking time accordingly. Keep an eye on them, as they might bake faster or slower depending on your oven.
• Why are my brownies dry? You probably overbaked them! Or, you mixed the batter for too long. Next time, pull them out a minute or two earlier.
• What if I don’t have vegetable oil? You can use canola oil, melted coconut oil, or softened unsalted butter. Just make sure the butter is melted if you go that route!

Final Thoughts

See? You’re practically a baking genius now. These 3-ingredient brownies are proof that deliciousness doesn’t have to be complicated. They’re fudgy, they’re chocolatey, and they require minimal effort for maximum reward. Now go impress someone—or yourself—with your new culinary skills. You’ve earned it! Happy baking (or, you know, minimal stirring)!