The perfect excuse for eating chocolate for breakfast is with these delicious chocolate chunk muffins.
Made with a simple batter using pantry ingredients, they're perfect for breakfast or an afternoon treat alongside a cup of coffee.
Let me show you another one of my Cake Mix Hacks and how to turn a pantry staple into something delicious!
Yes, you can have chocolate for breakfast!
Brighten up your mornings with a special semi-homemade breakfast! It's a lovely way to treat your family, host brunch, or welcome overnight guests.
Looking for more Easy Desserts? Try my my Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars. Then check out my Cake Mix Baking Secrets and Printable for more ideas....yummy!
Table of Contents
- Cake Mix Muffins
- Tips for Baking Muffins
- Helpful Kitchen Tools
- Main Ingredients Needed
- Recipe Substitutions and Variations
- Step-by-Step Instructions
- Bake Muffins Like a Pro!
- Baking Instructions
- Before You Begin!
- Storing, Freezing, Thawing and Reheating Tips
- Recipe FAQ's
- More Delicious Muffin and Quick Bread Recipes
- 📖 Recipe Card
- 💬 Comments
Cake Mix Muffins
With just a few extra ingredients and minimal effort, you can transform a simple batter into muffins!
The secret lies in adding a couple of extra eggs and a splash of milk, creating a texture that's reminiscent of your favorite bakery-style muffins.
Adding extra baking powder gives them a light and airy texture so they're not as dense as a cupcake.
Bake a batch, freeze them, and thaw one overnight for a grab-and-go breakfast solution.
Tips for Baking Muffins
- Do not prepare the cake mix according to the directions on the box. Follow these directions listed below.
- For this recipe, I used a cake mix that is 15.25 ounces. This is the current size of a boxed cake mix when this recipe was originally published in 2016.
- Lightly coat the chocolate chunks in 1-2 tablespoons of flour before adding to the batter to prevent them from sinking.
- Spray the cupcake liners with non-stick cooking spray to make sure the muffin doesn’t stick.
- I always bake muffins or cupcakes on the center rack in my oven.
- If for some reason, the muffin pan is not completely filled with muffin batter, fill the empty cups in the pan with water.
- Always follow baking time directions, but you’ll know when the muffins are done when you insert a toothpick into the center of the muffin and it comes out clean or with just a few crumbs sticking to it. If you have batter sticking to the toothpick, you need to bake them for a few extra minutes.
Helpful Kitchen Tools
Non-Stick Bakeware Muffin and CupcakeMore Information300-Pack Holiday Party Mini PaperMore Information200pcs Tulip Cupcake Baking Cups,More InformationCookie ScoopMore Information
Main Ingredients Needed
Here's a quick overview of the ingredients for this recipe. Find the exact amounts and click the Instacart button to easily add them to your cart – all in the printable recipe card below!
- Chocolate Cake Mix
- Additional Flour
- Eggs
- Milk
- Vegetable Oil
- Baking Powder
- Chocolate Chunks or Chocolate Chips
Recipe Substitutions and Variations
- Any flavor of cake mix can be used! Try vanilla, yellow, or even spice cake mix for a unique flavor twist. Remember to adjust the add-ins if using a different flavor.
- Chocolate chips, chopped chocolate bars, or even mini chocolate chips can be used in place of chocolate chunks.
- Try adding white chocolate chips, peanut butter chips, butterscotch chips, or even chopped nuts for additional flavor and texture.
- If you'd like a homemade version of this recipe, please check out my Chocolate Chocolate Chip Muffins recipe.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Lightly coat the chocolate chunks or chips with 1 tablespoon of flour (this helps them stay suspended in the batter). Set them aside while you prepare the batter.
Step 2: In a bowl, mix together the cake mix, eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and baking powder. Stir until just combined.
Step 3: Mix the batter until it's just combined. Then, gently stir in the chocolate chunks.
Bake Muffins Like a Pro!
For perfectly portioned and evenly baked muffins, use a cookie scoop to fill your muffin tray – it's the secret to consistent results and less mess!
Get your baking game on point! Say goodbye to unevenly sized treats and hello to consistent, delicious results every time! Grab my FREE Cookie Scoop Size Cheat Sheet!
Baking Instructions
Step 4: Spoon into prepared muffin pan. Here are some of my favorite muffin/cupcake liners to use. Use a cookie scoop to fill the muffin pan.
Step 5: Bake in a preheated 375°F oven for about 10 minutes. Remove the tray from the oven and sprinkle a few extra pieces of chocolate on top then return to the oven to complete baking. Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center – it should come out clean.
Before You Begin!
If you make this recipe, please leave a review and star rating. This helps my business thrive and continue providing FREE recipes.
Storing, Freezing, Thawing and Reheating Tips
Refrigerator: Allow muffins to cool fully before storing to prevent moisture build-up. Store in an airtight container or resealable bag lined with a paper towel to absorb excess moisture.
Freezer: Arrange muffins on a parchment-lined baking tray and flash freeze them for 30-60 minutes until solid. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. They'll stay good for at least two months.
Thawing and Reheating: Remove the muffins from the freezer and allow them to thaw at room temperature or in the refrigerator overnight. Rewarm individually in the microwave or oven for a warm, fresh-baked feel.
Recipe FAQ's
To view the answers, simply click on the plus sign (+) next to each question.
To give your muffins a light and airy texture, consider adding a small amount of baking powder to the cake mix.
Keep an extra package of white or vanilla cake mix in a mason jar. When you're ready to start baking, think about adding 3 to 6 tablespoons of the cake mix to the cake mix batter.
More Delicious Muffin and Quick Bread Recipes
Try my ultimate decadence Cheesecake Chocolate Chip Muffins along with my Easter Banana Bread Recipe.
Then, savor the simplicity of a classic Homemade Blueberry Muffins with its perfect crumb. Or try my Bakery Style Blueberry Streussel Muffins made with an irresistible crumb topping!
📖 Recipe Card
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Chocolate Chunk Muffins from a Cake Mix
Ingredients
- 1 box chocolate cake mix
- 1 - 2 tablespoons flour
- 3 eggs
- ⅔ cup milk
- ⅓ cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 ½ cups chocolate chunks or chocolate chips
Instructions
- Combine the chocolate chunks or chocolate chips with the 2 tablespoons of flour. Set aside.
- Combine the cake mix, eggs, milk, vegetable oil and baking powder together in a bowl.
- After the batter has been combined, then stir in the chocolate chunks; reserving a few.
- Spoon into prepared muffin cups.
- Bake in a 375 degree preheated oven for about 10 minutes. Remove the tray from the oven and sprinkle a few extra pieces of chocolate on top then return to the oven to complete baking.for an additional 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the middle of the muffin comes out clean.
- Allow to cool in the pan for about 5 minutes before removing to a wire rack.
Notes
- Do not prepare the cake mix according to the directions on the back of the box. Follow the directions listed above.
- Depending on the size of your muffin pan, this recipe should make 12 to 16 muffins.
- To prevent your chocolate chunks from sinking, lightly dust them with a tablespoon of flour before adding them to the batter. If they're not fully coated, add another teaspoon or two, but avoid using too much extra flour. This light coating will help the chocolate stay suspended in your muffins as they bake.
This recipe has been updated since it first appeared on my site in 2016 with new photos and a new printable recipe card.
Olivia says
These are amazing! They are a teeeeeny tiny bit dry, but honestly I was worried about them being a little too moist like the cake mix usually is, so I really don’t mind! These had a perfect muffin crumb! Amazing with coffee this morning, thank you 🙂
Lois says
I'm glad you enjoyed the recipe!
Georgina says
Hi! I was wondering, if you used this recipe to make blueberry muffins, should you also coat the blueberries in flour? or will it not have the same effect? Thanks!
Lois says
Yes, you would toss the blueberries in a little flour as well to keep them from sinking to the bottom. Try my Homemade Blueberry Muffin recipe: https://walkingonsunshinerecipes.com/homemade-blueberry-muffins/
Judi says
These muffins are so easy to make and really good. I used a vanilla cake mix with fresh blueberries. The family loved them. I made a light glaze for the top.
Lois says
Thank you for the great review Judi!
Etzel Stopher says
I followed your directions in preparing the muffins. They were dry and not like the moist yummy muffins we love. I believe baking at 375 degrees is too high! Replacing the 1/3 cup of oil with 1/2 cup oil and baking at 350 degrees will improve the taste tremendously.
Lois says
Thank you for your feedback!
Crystal says
Made these just the way you said and they came out amazing! This is my go to from now on when I make muffins.
Lois says
I'm so glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you for visiting.
Carol says
Gee the muffin recipe sounds so good but I can't see the recipe. I keep getting the screen to sign up for your emails which I already receive.
Lois says
The signup has been removed.
Xizzi says
I was looking for comments after people tried your recipe 😀😀
diane says
I want to try these but just curious, do I need additional chocolate chunks for the tops to get them to look like yours? And when did you add them.. before baking, or after baking? Thanks, we love chocolate everything!!
Lois says
I added the extra chocolate chunks 1/2 way through the baking so they wouldn't sink into the muffins. Hope you enjoy the recipe!
SHARON LEWIS says
Hey I just joined and I'm so excited the first thing I'm going to make is these chocolate muffins but I have a question but please don't laugh I'm new do I spray the muffin pan thank you for all your great recipes I'm going to try every single one muffins are my favorite
Lois says
Yes, spray the muffin pan so the batter doesn't stick. You can also use paper liners which I like to spray also so the muffins don't stick to the liner. Thanks for joining. Happy to have you here!
Judie Chance says
This recipe sounds amazing. Unfortunately there is a Grow advertisement that has blacked out the whole recipe, and there is no way to remove it. I am not interested in signing up for anything at this time. Can you email the recipe?
Thank you for your help with this matter.
Sincerely
Judie Chance
Lois says
The Grow signup is another way for you to save your favorite recipes from your favorite food bloggers. Just like we used to do with Pinterest. You create an account, and then as you search and find recipes, you'll be able to save your favorites to your very own collection.
Marivonne Hyams says
The recipe instructions are not clear. Do you make the cake mix using the recipe on the box then follow the other instructions?
Lois says
No, you do not follow the cake mix instructions. I updated the recipe steps to make it a little clearer. I hope you'll make the muffins!
Donna says
Can you tell me do you just use the flour to coat the chocolate chunks. Then use a fork or something to remove them from the flour I’m guessing. Just want to make sure I shouldn’t be adding the flour too?
Lois says
That's a great tip! I would start out with one tablespoon of flour and if it's not coating all the chocolate chips, add a little more flour. You definitely do not want excess flour going into the muffins. I will update the recipe with your tip. Thank you!
Abby says
I substituted half the milk for sour cream. Turned out great!
Lois says
That sounds great. Thanks for letting me know!
Ana says
Can i add frozen cherries instead of chocolate ?
Lois says
I sent you a personal email Ana. Yes, I believe you can use frozen cherries, although you'll need to make sure they are completely defrosted before adding them to the mixture. Please note, I have never tried the recipe like this so I really don't know how it will turn out. I'd love for you to report back to me here in the comment thread.
denise says
Dried cherries work perfect.
Lois says
Thanks Denise!!
Anita Holland says
They look really delicious thank for sharing.
Margy says
Easy to fix and great for breakfast, brunch or dessert. Love the versatility. - Margy
ColleenB.-Tx. says
I substitute applesauce in place of the vegetable oil that is called for.
Also, when I spot cake mixes on sale, I will buy extras and store in the freezer and when I want to use a mix I will take a box out of the freezer the night before so that it gets to room temperature before using.
Chocolate muffins / cupcakes are good anytime, even for breakfast to go with my morning coffee.
I do like to mix chocolate chips & peanut butter chips together.
Thanks 4 sharing the recipe.
Etta Rice says
What's the reason for putting the cake mixes in freezer?
Lois says
That comment and tip was left by a reader. I don't do put cake mixes in the freezer. I suppose it prolongs the shelf life of the boxed cake mix.
Grammacat says
Very good easy recipe, but NOT muffins. Taste just like cupcakes. Didn't change anything. Tried this because I had a cake mix and wanted muffins fast. Will use again for cupcakes. I added chocolate chips to the mix and tossed in them in the mix. No sticking.
Chocoholic says
I can't wait to try this! Thank you for sharing!
Lois says
Thanks for visiting!
Cathy says
Have you tried putting protein powder in your muffins? Thinking of trying protein powder instead of the flour and adding walnuts instead of the chocolate chunks. What do you think?
Lois says
I haven't tried adding protein powder or using walnuts instead of the chocolate chunks. If you do, come back and let us know how it worked out!
Sherry Ann Chanai-Bahadur says
How can i make eggless muffins. What can i substitute....
Lois says
You could try to substitute 1/4 cup of applesauce for each egg the recipe calls for, BUT I've never tried that so I can't guarantee the recipe will come out fine.
Kim~madeinaday says
These look so yummy and chocolatey! Yum! Sharing! Thank you for sharing on Merry Monday! Hope to see ya next week!
Kim
Lois says
Thank you Kim!
J Scot Kelly says
Hi. I have a question. The recipe calls for a cake mix weighing 18.25 oz. Over the past several years, the manufacturers have reduced the amount that they put in the boxes now. From what I have in my pantry, Duncan Hines is 16.5, Pillsbury is 15.25, and Betty Crocker is 15.25. How will the reduction of the cake mix affect the recipe. Thanks.
Lois says
Yes, it shouldn't affect it at all. I will adjust the recipe accordingly. Thank you for letting me know! I hate that they keep changing the sizes of these cake mixes. Enjoy your weekend!
Noemi says
I set up the oven at 350º for 15 min, and added pecans, we love it!
Lynn says
Hello,
I was wondering if this process of adding the flour and baking powder works the same in
all cake mixes. I love a muffin in the morning with my tea but I can’t do a cupcake.
Please email me to let me know . Thank you!
By the way, the chocolate chunk muffins are great.
Lois says
Thank you. I did email you as well, but just in case my email went into your spam folder, here's my reply. You add the teaspoon of baking powder to the mix just helps boost the freshness of the cake mix. That's all. It could work for other recipes, I'm not really sure as I haven't tried it. But I don't see why it wouldn't hurt. You never know! You toss the chocolate chunks in the flour so they don't sink to the bottom of the muffins during baking. 🙂
Jhuls @ The Not So Creative Cook says
Lois, I haven't made cupcakes from a cake mix. Cookies and cakes, yes, but not muffins. These look so good and the chocolate chunks - yum! I'll be trying this recipe. Thanks for sharing!
Lois says
Thank you! Hope you like them!
Lori G. Hill says
Chocolate muffins are my favorite! I'm going to have to make some of these!
Lauren McDade says
I made these for breakfast this morning, but I think the cooking directions are wrong, as they came out hard and overdone. I cooked a second batch at 350 degrees for about 16 minutes, and they were perfect!
Debra Pashkowsky says
These look so good and decadant
S. Meredith says
I pretty much love chocolate everything and these look like chocolate heaven! Thanks for linking up with Delicious Dishes Recipe Party!
Maria Brittis says
Thank for sharing this recipe at my party.We are also doing a $40 giveaway for Thrive Market, has great organic products, its an easy giveaway and enter you may win, we don't have many entries yet, ends in a few days.
Thanks
Maria
S Marie says
Omgosh! How do you make a muffin better? Make it from cake mix, duh! Thanks so much for sharing your recipe with us at Merry Monday this week!
Becca Lynn says
These look absolutely amazing!
Bev Carter says
How can you go wrong with chocolate with chocolate? These look great and easy.
Bev
Mother of 3 says
Looks so yummy and sounds so easy! Pinned.