The perfect excuse for eating chocolate for breakfast is with these delicious chocolate chunk muffins. Let me show you another one of my Cake Mix Hacks and how to turn a boring box of cake mix into something delicious!
Yes, you can have chocolate for breakfast and these Chocolate Chunk Muffins from a Cake Mix are the perfect recipe to enjoy!
Make sure you check out my Cake Mix Baking Secrets and Printable for more great cake mix ideas.
Every once in awhile it's nice to make something sweet and delicious for breakfast for your family. Maybe you're hosting a brunch at your house or you're having overnight guests to your home at some point this summer.
Table of Contents
Cake Mix Muffins
These cake mix muffins are the perfect treat to add to your breakfast menu because they don't require much work to bake them. You can even bake and freeze them to pull out of the freezer the night before and serve for a quick breakfast as you head out the door to school or work.
Making chocolate chunk muffins from a cake mix is easy and only requires a few extra ingredients. Adding the extra eggs and milk to the batter are what help change the cake mix consistency into a more muffin like texture.
The addition of baking powder makes sure the muffins have a little more "fluff" and are not as dense as a cupcake. And of course, adding the chocolate chunks
Looking for more delicious cake mix recipes? Try my my Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars or my Peanut Butter Cake Mix Cookies....yummy!
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Main Ingredients Needed
This is an overview of the ingredients and instructions. Be sure to see the recipe card below for exact quantities, detailed instructions and special notes.
Baking Tip: 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 updated in 2021.
- 1 box chocolate cake mix - 15.25 ounce.
- Additional flour - about one to two tablespoons to toss the chocolate chunks in before adding to the batter to help them not sink to the bottom of the mix when baking. You don't want a lot of excess flour being added to the batter, so start with one tablespoon to lightly coat the chocolate chunks. If you need more, add another teaspoon or two.
- Eggs
- Milk
- Vegetable oil
- One teaspoon baking powder - Adding the teaspoon of baking powder to the mix helps boost the freshness of the cake mix. Because, let's be honest, sometimes we have cake mixes sitting in our pantry for a long time. Or maybe it's just in my house?
- Chocolate Chunks or Chocolate Chips - either works fine!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Do not prepare the cake mix according to the directions on the box. Follow these directions listed below.
Step 1: Combine the Cake Mix
- Combine the chocolate chunks or chocolate chips with the 1 tablespoon of flour. Set aside while you prepare the batter.
- 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.
Step 2: Add Batter to Muffin Pan
- Spoon into prepared muffin pan.
- Here are some of my favorite muffin/cupcake liners to use.
- I love using a cookie scoop. It makes it so much easier than using a spoon.
Baking Tip: Always spray the muffin/cupcake paper liners with non-stick baking spray. This will help the muffins not to stick to the paper after they've baked.
Step 3: Baking Instructions
- Bake in a 375°F degree preheated oven for approximately 20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the middle of the muffin comes out clean.
- Now, don't these Chocolate Chunk Muffins look like something you'd love for breakfast?
TIPS FOR BAKING MUFFINS
- Spray the cupcake liners with non-stick cooking spray to make sure the muffin doesn’t stick. I started doing this years ago when the paper liners were sticking to whatever I was baking.
- You can also use a Silicon Muffin Tray and you won't need paper baking cups.
- 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.
How to Freeze Muffins
Sometimes you have leftovers. Additionally, there are times you need to bake ahead for a special weekend where you're expecting company. Here's a few simple tips on how you can freeze the muffins to enjoy at a later time:
- Bake the muffins according to the directions and allow them to cool completely.
- Place the muffins on a baking tray that's been lined with parchment paper.
- Then place the baking tray in the freezer to flash freeze the muffins for about 30 to 60 minutes. Make sure the muffins are frozen and not still soft otherwise they will stick together when you freeze them.
- Place the frozen muffins in a freezer safe container or plastic bag.
- Muffins frozen like this should last at least two months.
⭐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.
More Delicious Muffin Recipes
- Cheesecake Chocolate Chip Muffins - these are my favorite!
- Homemade Blueberry Muffins - easy basic muffin recipe
- Bakery Style Blueberry Streussel Muffins
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Chocolate Chunk Muffins from a Cake Mix
The perfect excuse for eating chocolate for breakfast is with these delicious chocolate chunk muffins from a cake mix.
Ingredients
- 1 box chocolate cake mix; 15.25 ounce size
- 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 tablespoon 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.
- Spoon into prepared muffin cups.
- Bake in a 375 degree preheated oven for approximately 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.
- You don't want a lot of excess flour being added to the batter, so start with one tablespoon to lightly coat the chocolate chunks. If you need more, add another teaspoon or two. The additional flour will help the chocolate chunks not sink to the bottom of the muffins while baking.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
12Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 221Total Fat: 15gSaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 52mgSodium: 101mgCarbohydrates: 18gFiber: 1gSugar: 14gProtein: 4g
The nutrition information is calculated automatically. I cannot guarantee its accuracy. If this data is important to you, please verify with your trusted nutrition calculator.
This recipe has been updated since it first appeared on my site in 2016 with new photos and a new printable recipe card.
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!
netflix apk says
Chocolate is my favorite of all time, love that so much! But I think I'll make it a mess, haha
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.