Indulge in Easy Bakery-Style Double Chocolate Muffins Made with Cake Mix

Craving bakery-style muffins but short on time? Look no further! This incredibly easy recipe for double chocolate muffins, made with a simple box of cake mix, delivers rich, fudgy, and satisfying results every single time. Prepare to impress your family and friends with these decadent treats!

The Secret to Delicious Bakery-Style Muffins: Cake Mix!

Cake mix isn’t just for cakes anymore! It’s one of my absolute favorite shortcuts for whipping up homemade baked goods when I’m pressed for time but still want to create something special. Over the years, I’ve transformed a simple box of cake mix into a surprising array of delights, from cookies and breads to bars and even fudgy brownies. The versatility of cake mix is truly remarkable, making it a pantry staple for any home baker.

My journey into cake mix muffins began with these delightful chocolate chip cake mix muffins. The moment I tasted them, I knew I had to take it a step further and create an even richer, more intensely chocolatey version. That’s how these double chocolate fudge cake mix muffins were born! They are incredibly fudgy, deeply rich, and possess that unmistakable decadent flavor and moist texture you’d expect from a high-end bakery. The best part? You only need a few basic pantry ingredients, and you can have these beauties in the oven in mere minutes!

Why You’ll Adore These Double Chocolate Cake Mix Muffins

If you’re looking for a quick, impressive, and utterly delicious treat, these muffins are your answer. Here’s why they’re destined to become a new favorite in your baking repertoire:

• Effortless Preparation: Using a cake mix dramatically cuts down on the measuring and mixing, meaning less fuss and more enjoyment.
• Bakery-Quality Taste: Despite the shortcut, these muffins boast a rich, fudgy texture and intense chocolate flavor that rivals any artisan bakery.
• Perfectly Moist: The recipe is specifically designed to produce wonderfully moist and tender muffins, never dry or crumbly.
• Incredibly Versatile: While perfect as is, they serve as a fantastic base for various additions and customizations (more on that later!).
• Kid-Friendly: A guaranteed hit with kids and adults alike, these muffins are ideal for breakfast, snacks, or a simple dessert.
• Economical: Cake mixes are budget-friendly, making these a cost-effective way to enjoy homemade treats.

You’ll find the complete, detailed recipe and instructions at the bottom of this post, but let’s first take a look at the minimal ingredients you’ll need. Chances are, you already have most, if not all, of these in your fridge and pantry!

How to Make Perfect Double Chocolate Cake Mix Muffins: A Step-by-Step Guide

Creating these delightful muffins is incredibly straightforward. Just follow these easy steps for perfectly baked, moist, and fudgy results every time. Remember, the key to tender muffins is not to overmix!

Preparation Steps:

Step 1: Combine Wet Ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly whisk together the eggs, milk, and melted butter. Ensure these ingredients are well combined and smooth. It’s important that your melted butter isn’t too hot, as this could slightly cook the eggs and affect the texture of your batter.

Step 2: Incorporate Cake Mix. Add the entire box of chocolate fudge cake mix to the wet ingredients. Using a rubber spatula, gently stir the cake mix into the wet mixture. Mix just until the dry ingredients are barely moistened and no streaks of dry mix remain. Lumps are perfectly fine – overmixing will lead to tough muffins!

Step 3: Fold in Chocolate Chips. Carefully fold in the chocolate chips. You want to distribute them evenly throughout the batter without overworking it. If you like, reserve a small handful of chocolate chips to sprinkle on top of the muffins before baking for an extra visual appeal and burst of chocolate!

Step 4: Prepare Muffin Tin. Line a standard 12-cup muffin tin with parchment paper liners or paper cupcake liners. Alternatively, generously spray the tins with non-stick cooking spray, ensuring every crevice is coated to prevent sticking. For a true bakery look, slightly overfill the liners to achieve those beautiful domed tops.

Step 5: Fill Muffin Tins. Distribute the rich chocolate batter evenly into the prepared muffin tins. For generously sized muffins, fill each cup about two-thirds to three-quarters full. Remember that reserved handful of chocolate chips? Now’s the time to sprinkle them over the tops of the filled muffin cups for an extra touch of deliciousness!

Step 6: Bake to Perfection. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175°C). Bake the chocolate muffins for approximately 20-23 minutes. Baking times can vary depending on your oven, so keep an eye on them. The muffins are perfectly baked when a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached. Avoid overbaking, as this can dry out your muffins.

Once baked, allow the muffins to cool in the tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. These muffins are truly fudgy, rich, and bursting with double the chocolate flavor. Make these for your family and friends, and prepare for rave reviews!

I absolutely love discovering new and innovative ways to use the cake mix shortcut in my recipes. It opens up a world of possibilities for quick, easy, and delicious homemade treats.

Tips for Bakery-Perfect Double Chocolate Muffins

To ensure your cake mix muffins turn out absolutely perfect every time, just like they came from your favorite bakery, keep these simple tips in mind:

• Don’t Overmix: This is arguably the most crucial tip for any muffin recipe. Overmixing develops the gluten in the flour (from the cake mix), leading to tough, chewy muffins. Mix only until the ingredients are just combined and no dry streaks of flour remain. A few small lumps are perfectly fine!
• Room Temperature Ingredients: While not strictly necessary for cake mix recipes, having your eggs and milk at room temperature can help them incorporate more smoothly into the batter, leading to a more uniform texture.
• Fill Cups Fully: For those desirable domed muffin tops, don’t be shy about filling your muffin cups about two-thirds to three-quarters full. This allows the batter to rise beautifully.
• The High-Heat Trick (Optional): For an even more dramatic dome, some bakers start muffins at a higher temperature (e.g., 400°F/200°C) for the first 5 minutes, then reduce it to 350°F (175°C) for the remainder of the baking time. This initial burst of heat helps the muffins rise quickly.
• Cool Properly: Let the muffins cool in the tin for about 5-10 minutes before transferring them to a wire rack. This helps them set and prevents them from getting soggy on the bottom.
• Add a Topping: Before baking, sprinkle a few extra chocolate chips, a dusting of coarse sugar, or even some mini marshmallows on top of each muffin for an added touch of texture and visual appeal.

Delicious Variations and Customizations

While these double chocolate muffins are fantastic on their own, they also provide a superb canvas for creativity. Here are a few ideas to switch things up:

• Nutty Boost: Fold in a half cup of chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds along with the chocolate chips for added crunch and flavor.
• Espresso Kick: Add 1-2 teaspoons of instant espresso powder to the wet ingredients. It won’t make your muffins taste like coffee, but it will significantly enhance the chocolate flavor.
• Zesty Twist: A teaspoon of orange zest can brighten the rich chocolate and add a lovely aromatic note.
• Candy Mix-ins: Chop up your favorite chocolate bars (Snickers, Heath bar, M&Ms) and fold them into the batter for a fun and colorful twist.
• Cream Cheese Swirl: For an extra decadent treat, swirl a tablespoon of sweetened cream cheese mixture into the top of each muffin before baking.
• Different Cake Mix Flavors: While chocolate fudge is recommended for this recipe, you could experiment with a dark chocolate cake mix for an even deeper flavor, or even a red velvet cake mix for a unique color and subtle tang.

Storage and Freezing Instructions

These double chocolate cake mix muffins are best enjoyed fresh, but they also store well for a few days, and freeze beautifully!

• Room Temperature: Store cooled muffins in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3-4 days. To maintain their freshness, you can place a piece of paper towel at the bottom of the container to absorb excess moisture.
• Refrigerator: If you prefer to keep them longer, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. They might become slightly denser when chilled, but a quick warm-up in the microwave can bring back their soft texture.
• Freezing: These muffins freeze exceptionally well. Once completely cooled, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about an hour until firm. Then, transfer the frozen muffins to a freezer-safe bag or airtight container. They will last in the freezer for up to 3 months.
• Reheating Frozen Muffins: To enjoy frozen muffins, simply take one out and let it thaw at room temperature for an hour, or pop it in the microwave for 20-30 seconds until warm and soft.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Cake Mix Muffins

Here are some common questions you might have about making these easy and delicious double chocolate muffins:

Q: Why use cake mix for muffins?

A: Using cake mix is a fantastic shortcut! It simplifies the ingredient list and significantly reduces prep time. The pre-measured dry ingredients ensure consistent results, making it ideal for busy bakers or those new to baking. It still allows you to enjoy homemade goodness without the fuss.

Q: Can I use oil instead of butter?

A: Yes, you can. If you prefer, you can substitute the melted butter with an equal amount of vegetable oil or another neutral-flavored oil. The texture might be slightly different – oil tends to yield a slightly more uniform, sometimes spongier crumb, while butter adds a richer flavor and often a more tender texture. However, both will produce delicious muffins.

Q: Can I make these into mini muffins?

A: Absolutely! To make mini double chocolate muffins, fill mini muffin tins about two-thirds full. The baking time will be significantly shorter, usually around 10-15 minutes. Keep a close eye on them and test for doneness with a toothpick.

Q: How can I prevent my muffins from becoming dry?

A: The most common culprit for dry muffins is overmixing the batter or overbaking them. Always mix the batter just until the dry ingredients are combined, and remove the muffins from the oven as soon as a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean or with moist crumbs, not wet batter.

Q: What kind of chocolate chips are best for this recipe?

A: Semi-sweet chocolate chips provide a classic, balanced flavor that pairs well with the fudge cake mix. However, feel free to use dark chocolate chips for a more intense chocolate flavor, milk chocolate chips for a sweeter muffin, or even a mix of different types for variety. Chocolate chunks also work wonderfully for larger pockets of melted chocolate.

Q: Can I add other ingredients to the batter?

A: Definitely! These muffins are very adaptable. Consider adding chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans), a sprinkle of sea salt on top, a dash of cinnamon, or even a tablespoon of instant coffee granules to enhance the chocolate flavor. Just be mindful not to add too many wet ingredients, which could alter the batter consistency.

These easy double chocolate muffins are not just a quick bake; they are a delightful experience, delivering that rich, fudgy, bakery-style goodness right to your home. Give them a try, and let me know what you think!

5 from 2 votes

Double Chocolate Cake Mix Muffins

By:

Joy Shull

These easy double chocolate bakery style muffins are made with a box of cake mix!

Prep:

10 minutes
mins

Cook:

20-23 minutes
mins

Servings:
12

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Ingredients

• 
  ▢
  
  
  13.25
  oz
  chocolate fudge cake mix

• 
  ▢
  
  
  1/2
  cup
  milk

• 
  ▢
  
  
  1/3
  cup
  melted butter

• 
  ▢
  
  
  1 1/2
  cups
  semi-sweet chocolate chips

• 
  ▢
  
  
  3
  eggs,
  lightly beaten

Instructions

• Whisk together the eggs, milk, and melted butter until well combined.
• Stir in the chocolate fudge cake mix using a rubber spatula until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
• Gently fold in the chocolate chips, distributing them evenly.
• Line a 12-cup muffin tin with parchment paper liners or spray the tins generously with cooking spray.
• Distribute the batter evenly into the muffin tins, filling each cup about two-thirds to three-quarters full.
• Bake the muffins in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175°C) for 20-23 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

Nutrition

Calories:
316
kcal

,

Carbohydrates:
35
g

,

Protein:
4
g

,

Fat:
19
g

,

Saturated Fat:
9
g

,

Polyunsaturated Fat:
2
g

,

Monounsaturated Fat:
6
g

,

Trans Fat:
0.2
g

,

Cholesterol:
16
mg

,

Sodium:
305
mg

,

Potassium:
248
mg

,

Fiber:
3
g

,

Sugar:
21
g

,

Vitamin A:
186
IU

,

Calcium:
75
mg

,

Iron:
3
mg

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