Discover the best doctored chocolate cake mix recipes that turn a simple box mix into rich, moist, bakery-style cakes, cookies, brownies, trifles, and bars! These easy, foolproof upgrades add homemade flavor with minimal effort—perfect for any chocolate lover!

Here at Out of the Box Baking we're all about doctoring cake mixes. You name it, we've doctored it!
It's possible to doctor any flavor of cake mix, but most of my recipes over the years have involved white cake or yellow cake.
Okay, I've also doctored lemon cake mix. And carrot cake. And coconut.
But lately I've been on a kick doctoring chocolate cake mixes.
How, you ask?
Well, I doctored one with mayonnaise.
I doctored another to become a pan of brownies.
I've doctored chocolate cake mixes to become cookies, bars, trifles, and even muffins! You name it, I've tried it.
And now, my friends, I'm ready to share all of those recipes with you. So, hang on tight. Grab that box of chocolate cake mix. . .and let's go!
Doctored Chocolate Cake Mix Recipes
Enjoy this fun list of cakes, bars, cookies, and more! Every single one starts with a box of chocolate cake mix!
German Chocolate Cake
This decadent German chocolate cake has the yummiest homemade coconut pecan frosting and dollops of chocolate buttercream. It's almost too good to be true!
Holiday Yule Log Cake (Bûche de Noël)
Create a stunning Yule Log Cake (Bûche de Noël) with this easy doctored chocolate cake mix recipe! Featuring a light, chocolate sponge cake rolled with creamy filling and topped with rich ganache, this classic holiday dessert is perfect for Christmas celebrations!
Easy Black Forest Bundt Cake (doctored cake mix)
This Easy Black Forest Bundt Cake starts with a doctored chocolate cake mix, making it extra moist and decadent! Filled with sweet cherries and topped with whipped cream and chocolate shavings, this stunning cake is perfect for any celebration or chocolate lover’s dream dessert!
Ultimate Chocolate Cake Recipe
This Ultimate Chocolate Cake Recipe is rich, moist, and packed with deep chocolate flavor! Made with simple ingredients and a luscious chocolate frosting, this indulgent cake is perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or whenever you crave a decadent homemade treat!
German Chocolate Pound Cake (with canned frosting inside)
If you love a terrific German Chocolate cake but the idea of making one fro scratch sounds overwhelming, do I have the perfect recipe for you! This Lucious bundt cake is loaded with all of the flavors of a traditional German Chocolate Cake, but made in a fraction of the time. It’s even got a secret ingredient in the batter. . .canned coconut pecan frosting!
Black Forest Icebox Cake
If you love the softness of a delicious dark chocolate cake but the light fluffiness of a mousse, this is the recipe for you! This chocolate cake is covered in a cherry cheese mousse that’s guaranteed to make you swoon!
Chocolate Pound Cake with Sour Cream
If you love a rich chocolate cake but enjoy the weight of a pound cake, this is the recipe for you! It comes together in just a few short steps and starts with a box of cake mix!
Chocolate Velvet Cake
If you’re looking for a simple chocolate cake with the texture of velvet, this is the recipe for you. This easy doctored cake mix uses a fun and interesting addition - mayonnaise.
Earthquake Cake (German Chocolate Upside Down Cake)
This Earthquake Cake is an ooey-gooey, chocolatey dream, made with a doctored chocolate cake mix and loaded with coconut, pecans, and a creamy cheesecake swirl! This rich, upside-down German chocolate cake is irresistibly decadent and perfect for any occasion!
Chocolate Covered Strawberry Dump Cake
If you're looking for a rich, gooey chocolate cake, loaded with sweet strawberry filling, this is the recipe for you! In this post I'm going to show you how to make a delicious Chocolate Covered Strawberry Dump Cake!
Oreo Dirt Cake with Succulents
This Oreo Dirt Cake starts with a doctored chocolate cake mix and is layered with creamy filling, crushed Oreos, and topped with edible fondant succulents! A fun, whimsical dessert that’s perfect for garden parties, birthdays, and chocolate lovers!
Easy Espresso Cupcakes (Doctored Cake Mix)
If you love a rich chocolate cupcake but you’re also a fan of coffee, this is the recipe for you! In this post I’m going to show you how to make the easiest espresso cupcakes ever. Best of all, they start with a box of cake mix!
Double Dark Chocolate Espresso Muffins
These Double Dark Chocolate Espresso Muffins are rich, moist, and packed with deep chocolate flavor and a bold espresso kick! With melty chocolate chips and a tender crumb, these bakery-style muffins are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a chocolate lover’s treat!
Chocolate Peanut Butter Chewies
These Chocolate Peanut Butter Chewies are the perfect combination of rich chocolate and creamy peanut butter, creating a soft, chewy, and utterly delicious treat! Easy to make and packed with flavor, these cookies are perfect for snacking, gifting, or satisfying your sweet tooth!
Simple German Chocolate Bars (Doctored Cake Mix)
These Simple German Chocolate Bars start with a doctored cake mix and are loaded with rich chocolate, gooey coconut-pecan filling, and a buttery crust! An easy-to-make dessert that’s perfect for holidays, potlucks, and chocolate lovers!
Easy Almond Joy Bars (Doctored Cake Mix)
These Easy Almond Joy Bars are a rich, chocolatey treat packed with sweet coconut, crunchy almonds, and a gooey chocolate topping! Made with a doctored cake mix, these bars are quick to make and perfect for holidays, potlucks, or anytime you need a decadent dessert!
Easy Chocolate Chip Brookies
These Easy Chocolate Chip Brookies combine chewy brownies and soft chocolate chip cookies in one irresistible dessert! Made with a doctored cake mix, these brookies are rich, gooey, and packed with chocolatey goodness—perfect for any sweet tooth!
Easy German Chocolate Brownies
If you love the delicious flavor of German Chocolate and you also enjoy the texture of coconut and pecans, I’ve got a great recipe for you! These German Chocolate Brownies are absolutely delicious, and simple to make. That’s because they start with a box of cake mix!
Easy Black Forest Bars
If you love the combination of cherries and chocolate I’ve got an amazing and simple recipe for you! These delicious Black Forest Bars are quick and easy! Best of all, they start with a box of cake mix.
Double Chocolate Chip Cookies (Cake Mix Cookies)
If you love brownie bites you’re going to adore this chocolate on chocolate cookie. Best of all, it starts with a simple cake mix.
German Chocolate Cake Cookies
If you love German Chocolate cake but want it in cookie form, do I have a treat for you! You’ll love these sweeter-than-coconut sandwich cookies, stuffed with coconut pecan frosting!
Delicious Mint Oreo Trifle
This Mint Oreo Trifle is a decadent dessert featuring layers of crushed mint Oreos, rich chocolate pudding, chocolate cake, and fluffy whipped cream! Perfect for St. Patrick’s Day, holidays, or any mint chocolate lover’s dream dessert!
Easy Cake Mix Brownies
These Easy Cake Mix Brownies are rich, fudgy, and made with just a few ingredients! Using a doctored cake mix, this quick and foolproof recipe creates chewy, chocolatey brownies that are perfect for snacks, parties, or anytime a chocolate craving hits!
That’s it for this post, friends! I hope you enjoyed this delicious recipe.
If you make any of these recipes and love them, don’t forget to leave a review and a comment below. And while you're at it, go ahead and pin some photos to your Pinterest boards!



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About the Author
Janice Thompson is an author, baker, and all-around mischief maker! She has overcome a host of baking catastrophes, including a toppled wedding cake, to learn more about the baking process. Janice has published over 165 books for the Christian market but particularly enjoys writing recipes and baking devotions. To learn more about Janice or to drop her a note, visit her About the Author page.