Want to make a chocolate cake but only have vanilla cake mix on hand? No problem! With just a few simple tweaks, you’ll learn how to turn vanilla cake mix into chocolate with delicious results.
A bit of cocoa powder and a few flavor boosters will transform that plain mix into a rich, chocolatey dessert that tastes homemade. Perfect for when you’re in the mood for chocolate but don’t want to start from scratch!
For more creative ideas and baking tips, don’t forget to check out our cake recipes, your go-to spot for easy, crowd-pleasing treats.
Can I Add Cocoa Powder to Vanilla Cake Mix?
Yes! Just mix it in with the cake mix before adding the other ingredients, and follow the package instructions for the rest. This little tweak turns a plain vanilla mix into a rich, chocolatey treat!
How to Add Cocoa Powder to Vanilla Cake Recipe
Start with the dry ingredients and add 1/4 to 1/2 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder to your dry ingredients for the vanilla cake batter. For a subtle chocolate flavor, go with 1/4 cup; for richer chocolate, add 1/2 cup.
Cocoa powder can add a slight bitterness, so you might want to add 1-2 tablespoons of extra sugar to keep the sweetness balanced.
Cocoa powder is drying, so add an extra tablespoon or two of milk or water for extra moisture.
To boost chocolate flavor add a teaspoon of espresso powder or coffee along with the cocoa powder. This will enhance the chocolate flavor without making it taste like coffee.
Follow the rest of your vanilla cake recipe as written on the back of your box of white cake mix.
Yes, you can use any brand of white cake mix for turning it into a chocolate cake. The process is similar regardless of the brand.
To turn a vanilla cake mix into chocolate, add 1/4 to 1/2 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder.
Get ready to indulge with these delicious dessert recipes! These Recipes Using a Yellow Cake Mix will turn your cake into something truly special. For chocolate lovers, our Best Chocolate Cake Recipe offers rich and decadent options you’ll fall in love with, especially when topped with our creamy Chocolate Buttercream Frosting. And if you’re looking to elevate any boxed mix, we’ve got tips on How to Make a Boxed Cake Mix Taste Like Homemade with some simple swaps.
Ready to elevate your baking game? Grab a copy of our Cake Decorating Guide eBook and discover tips and tricks that will take your cakes from ordinary to extraordinary!
How to Turn Vanilla Cake Mix into Chocolate
Baking on a whim? Discover the easy way to transform your vanilla cake mix into a rich chocolate delight!
Ingredients
- Box of Cake Mix - yellow cake mix or vanilla cake mix
- 1/4 to 1/2 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 tbsp sugar if desired
- 1-2 tbsp milk
Instructions
- Preheat your oven according to the package instructions on the back of a box of white cake mix.
- Start by preparing the white cake mix according to the package instructions in a large mixing bowl.
- Once the vanilla cake batter is ready, start by adding a ¼- ½ cup of cocoa powder into the wet ingredients and adjust according to your preference.
- Make sure that you sift your unsweetened cocoa powder before stirring it in with the other ingredients.
- Add 1-2 tablespoons of extra sugar to keep the sweetness balanced.
- Add an extra tablespoon or two of milk or water.
- Mix the batter thoroughly and be sure not to overmix – too much stirring will give you a dry cake instead of the perfect cake that is light and fluffy.
- Pour the chocolate cake batter into a greased baking pan, spreading it evenly.
- Bake the cake according to the package instructions, adjusting the baking time if needed.
- Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake to check for doneness. If it comes out clean, the cake is ready.
- Allow the cake to cool on a wire rack before serving or decorating with your favorite frosting.
Notes
Be sure to check on baking times when converting from white cake recipes since baking times will differ based on how much cocoa is used and how much extra liquid is added.
Beth
Monday 20th of January 2025
How would I turn a regular cake mix into strawberry? And lemon?
momma lew
Tuesday 21st of January 2025
You can add a box of Strawberry or Lemon jello mix or swirl in fruit purees.
Jane Murdock
Sunday 6th of August 2023
FUN ideas. I never thought to convert water to butter. Excellent tip. I wanted to comment, after cooled, I always split my 9 inch rounds in half. I take some jam, add water to it, until it's a spreadable consistency. I put that on thickly to the middles of both rounds. Then, I put instant pudding in between the two rounds. Then, I "frost" with a non-dairy whipped topping (aka Cool Whip). Yes! I add cocoa and vanilla to whipped topping. Have fun with your cake mixes!!
momma lew
Sunday 6th of August 2023
Thanks for sharing your tips!!
Donna Smith
Thursday 1st of June 2023
Does this mean you will put 2 cups of water in the cake?
Deb
Wednesday 11th of October 2023
@momma lew, I’m a little confused with the wording “replace one cup of water with 1/2 cup warm butter and 1/2 cup chocolate chips…” are we replacing the water on the box directions? Which water are we replacing? Thank you:)
Jane Murdock
Sunday 6th of August 2023
@Donna Smith, no.
momma lew
Thursday 1st of June 2023
Hi, I am not really sure what you mean? I don't mention anything about water. Prepare your boxed cake mix according to the directions and then follow the directions I give from there to make it chocolate. 2 cups of water seems excessive for any cake recipe to be honest.