21 Recipes That Start with a Box of Chocolate Cake Mix

From the Recipe Creator: My mother-in-law loves chocolate-covered cherries, and I used to make this chocolate cherry dump cake every year for her birthday. Now we've moved away, but I make this for my kids on her birthday and they still feel near her. —Angela Lively, Conroe, Texas

From the Recipe Creator: My husband and I are trying to eat lighter but still crave sweets. This moist, healthy chocolate cake really helps with that. With the rich frosting, it makes a decadent treat! —LaDonna Reed, Ponca City, Oklahoma

From the Recipe Creator: Although I have some great “from-scratch” recipes, this chocolate strawberry celebration cake uses a boxed mix with plenty of doctoring. It has become a popular groom’s cake that gets more attention than the wedding cake. —Nora Fitzgerald, Sevierville, Tennessee

From the Recipe Creator: This is my favorite recipe for bake sales and bazaars. Each delightfully sweet chocolate cookie has a fun caramel surprise in the middle, thanks to Rolo candy. Dipped in pecans before baking, they look so nice that they sell in a hurry. —Melissa Vannoy, Childress, Texas

From the Recipe Creator: My grandchildren absolutely love these cream-filled cupcakes, and I hope the chocolaty treats become a favorite in your home as well. —Dorothy Bahlmann, Clarksville, Iowa

From the Recipe Creator: My mother-in-law loves chocolate-covered cherries, and I used to make this chocolate cherry dump cake every year for her birthday. Now we’ve moved away, but I make this for my kids on her birthday and they still feel near her. —Angela Lively, Conroe, Texas

From the Recipe Creator: You can garnish these cookies with pecan halves or a couple of chocolate chips before baking, or drizzle with a little melted chocolate after taking them out of the oven. —Deb Villenauve, Krakow, Wisconsin

From the Recipe Creator: I’m from Ohio, and we love our buckeye candy! Buckeyes are a delicious combination of peanut butter and chocolate, which is exactly what this cookie is. All you need is a box of cake mix, a few common pantry ingredients, and voila—you have a tasty dessert ready for family and friends in under an hour. You can customize it, too, by substituting other mix-ins for the chocolate chips. We serve it warm with ice cream or whipped cream. —Arianna Harding, Cincinnati, Ohio

From the Recipe Creator: My boys went through a phase where they loved Butterfingers. We made Butterfinger shakes, muffins, cookies and experimented with different bars; this one was voted the best of the bunch. Make sure you have an extra candy bar on hand because it’s hard to resist a nibble or two while you’re chopping. —Barbara Leighty, Simi Valley, California

From the Recipe Creator: This toffee poke cake recipe is a favorite among my family and friends. I love making it because it is so simple.—Ms. Jeanette Hoffman, Oshkosh, Wisconsin

From the Recipe Creator: Who knew something this impressive could start with a cake mix! The mini chocolate chips add a tasty crunch to each slice. —Tammy Rex, New Tripoli, Pennsylvania

From the Recipe Creator: My neighbors look forward to getting my gifts of these chocolate-covered cookies. I love that this chocolate biscotti recipe is such a cinch to make. —Ginger Chatfield, Muscatine, Iowa

From the Recipe Creator: You only need a few baking staples to throw together these gooey delights. Boxed cake mix and a can of frosting make them fast, but caramel, walnuts and chocolate chips tucked inside make them memorable. We like them with ice cream. —Bev Spain, Belleville, Ohio

From the Recipe Creator: This rich, chocolate pudding cake is one of my favorites. I like to serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Whenever I take it to parties, everybody wants the recipe. —Paige Arnette, Lawrenceville, Georgia

From the Recipe Creator: Fluffy white homemade frosting tops this rich chocolate almond cake. Sliced toasted almonds on top add a little crunch. —Sherri Gentry, Dallas, Oregon

From the Recipe Creator: I first tried tres leches cake while in Ecuador several years ago. Since then, I’ve changed it up by adding some of my favorite ingredients, namely chocolate and coconut. This version also has a splash of rum for an adults-only treat. —Lisa Varner, El Paso, Texas

From the Recipe Creator: I threw this dessert together when I needed something quick to take to my in-laws’. Because it’s beautiful, everyone thinks it requires a lot of effort. It’s easy. And the recipe makes a lot, making this perfect for potlucks and large gatherings. —Kristi Judkins, Morrison, Tennessee

From the Recipe Creator: When it’s warm, this reminds me of super moist lava cake. And until I made this, I didn’t think a slow cooker cake could be so attractive. It’s a real winner. —Scarlett Elrod, Newnan, Georgia

From the Recipe Creator: Creamy ricotta cheese filling with a hint of cinnamon rolls up beautifully in this fluffy chocolate cake. —Tammy Rex, New Tripoli, Pennsylvania