Cake Mix Dinner Rolls

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Cake Mix Dinner Rolls are soft, fluffy, and slightly sweet rolls that come together effortlessly with the help of a simple cake mix. The subtle sweetness from the mix pairs beautifully with butter, making these rolls perfect for both sweet and savory dishes. With a golden, pillowy texture, they’re a delicious twist on classic dinner rolls.

The first time I made these, I was amazed at how easy they were! The dough came together quickly, and after baking, the rolls were unbelievably soft with just the right hint of sweetness. Served warm with butter or honey, they were absolutely irresistible.

What I love about Cake Mix Dinner Rolls is how versatile and foolproof they are. Whether served with a holiday meal, as a side for soup, or even as a base for sliders, these rolls are a simple yet delightful addition to any table!

Perfect for:

Family dinners
Holiday feasts
Potlucks and gatherings
Brunch spreads
Beginner bakers

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here are 10 reasons why Cake Mix Dinner Rolls will become a go-to in your kitchen:

Effortless Prep: Uses a cake mix as a base, making dough preparation simple and foolproof.
Soft and Fluffy Texture: The cake mix adds a light, airy texture that keeps these rolls incredibly soft.
Hint of Sweetness: A touch of sweetness makes them perfect for both savory and sweet toppings.
Versatile Pairing: Serve with butter, jam, honey, or even alongside savory dishes.
Perfect for Beginners: No extensive bread-making experience required—just mix, rise, and bake!
Great for Large Batches: Ideal for feeding a crowd at family meals or holiday feasts.
Customizable Flavors: Swap the cake mix flavor for variations like vanilla, lemon, or spice cake.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare in advance and reheat for fresh, warm rolls anytime.
Kid-Friendly: Kids love the slightly sweet taste, making it a hit for picky eaters.
Irresistible Aroma: The warm, sweet scent fills your kitchen as they bake.

Preparation and Cooking Time

Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes (including rising time)
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Rising Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
Servings: 24 rolls
Calories per serving: Approximately 150-180 calories
Key Nutrients: Protein: 4g, Carbs: 30g, Fat: 3g

Ingredients

For the Dough:

1 box (15.25 oz) yellow or white cake mix
2 ½ teaspoons active dry yeast
2 ½ cups warm water (110°F/45°C)
5 cups all-purpose flour
½ teaspoon salt

For Brushing:

4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Optional Toppings:

Honey or jam for serving
Sea salt or sesame seeds for garnish

Ingredient Highlights

Cake Mix: Provides sweetness and enhances texture while simplifying the recipe.
Yeast: Gives the rolls their rise and soft, airy structure.
Warm Water: Helps activate the yeast for proper dough development.
Butter: Adds richness and flavor when brushed over warm rolls.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Dough:

Activate the Yeast: In a large mixing bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm water and let it sit for 5 minutes until foamy.
Mix Ingredients: Stir in the cake mix, salt, and 3 cups of flour. Mix until well combined.
Knead the Dough: Gradually add the remaining 2 cups of flour, kneading the dough for about 5-7 minutes until smooth and elastic.
First Rise: Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover with a clean towel, and let it rise in a warm place for 1 hour or until doubled in size.

Shape and Bake:

Divide the Dough: Punch down the risen dough and divide it into 24 equal portions. Shape each portion into a ball.
Second Rise: Arrange the dough balls on a greased baking sheet or in a buttered 9×13-inch pan. Cover and let them rise for another 40 minutes.
Preheat Oven: While the rolls are rising, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Bake: Bake for 18-20 minutes or until golden brown.
Brush with Butter: Immediately brush the tops with melted butter for extra softness and flavor.

Serve:

Enjoy Warm: Serve fresh out of the oven with butter, honey, or jam.

How to Serve

Here are 10 ways to enjoy Cake Mix Dinner Rolls:

With Butter and Honey: Classic and delicious for breakfast or dinner.
As Mini Sandwich Buns: Fill with ham, turkey, or chicken salad for party sliders.
With Soup or Stew: Perfect for dipping into warm soups and stews.
Drizzled with Cinnamon Sugar: Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar for a sweet treat.
As a Side for Holiday Feasts: Complements Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners beautifully.
With Garlic Butter: Brush with garlic butter for a savory twist.
As a Bread Pudding Base: Use leftover rolls to make a sweet bread pudding.
As French Toast: Slice and dip in egg mixture for a unique take on French toast.
With Jam or Jelly: Spread with fruit preserves for a delightful breakfast.
Served Warm with Tea or Coffee: A cozy, comforting snack.

Additional Tips

Use Warm Liquid – Ensure the water or milk is warm (110°F–115°F) to properly activate the yeast. Too hot or too cold can affect the rise.
Choose the Right Cake Mix – Vanilla or butter-flavored cake mix works best for a subtle sweetness. Avoid overly flavored cake mixes like chocolate or red velvet.
Measure Flour Properly – Spoon and level the flour instead of scooping directly to avoid adding too much, which can result in dense rolls.
Knead Until Smooth – Knead the dough until it’s soft, smooth, and slightly tacky. This helps develop gluten for a light and fluffy texture.
Let It Rise Fully – Allow the dough to double in size during the first rise, which usually takes about an hour. A warm, draft-free environment speeds up the process.
Shape Evenly – Roll the dough into evenly sized portions to ensure uniform baking. Using a kitchen scale can help for precise measurements.
Brush with Butter – For extra flavor and a golden crust, brush the rolls with melted butter before and after baking.
Check for Doneness – Tap the top of a roll; if it sounds hollow and is golden brown, they’re ready. You can also use a thermometer—190°F internally means they’re done.
Experiment with Flavors – Add cinnamon, nutmeg, or citrus zest to the dough for a unique twist. A sprinkle of sea salt on top enhances the sweet-savory balance.
Store Properly – Keep leftover rolls in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or freeze them for longer storage. Reheat in the oven for the best texture.

Recipe Variations

Chocolate Cake Rolls: Use chocolate cake mix for a subtle cocoa flavor.
Cinnamon Swirl Rolls: Roll out the dough, spread with cinnamon sugar, and roll up before baking.
Pumpkin Spice Rolls: Use spice cake mix and add a pinch of pumpkin spice.
Savory Herb Rolls: Mix in dried herbs like rosemary or thyme for a savory touch.
Gluten-Free Rolls: Use a gluten-free cake mix and flour blend.
Lemon Honey Rolls: Use lemon cake mix and drizzle with honey for a citrusy kick.

Special Equipment

Large Mixing Bowl: For mixing and kneading dough.
Baking Sheet or Pan: To bake the rolls evenly.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: For accurate ingredient measurement.
Pastry Brush: To brush butter over the warm rolls.
Kitchen Towel: For covering the dough during rising.

FAQ Section

Can I use any flavor of cake mix for these rolls?
Yes! While vanilla or yellow cake mix is the most common, you can experiment with different flavors like butter pecan or spice cake for a unique twist.
Do these rolls taste like cake?
Not exactly. The cake mix adds a slight sweetness and a soft texture, but they still have the structure of dinner rolls rather than a cake.
Can I make the dough ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the dough, let it rise, then refrigerate it overnight. Just bring it to room temperature before shaping and baking.
How do I know when the dough has risen enough?
The dough should double in size, which usually takes 1 to 1.5 hours in a warm place. If it doesn’t rise well, your yeast may be expired or the room might be too cold.
Can I use instant yeast instead of active dry yeast?
Yes! If using instant yeast, you can mix it directly with the dry ingredients without proofing it in warm water first.
How should I store leftover rolls?
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days or refrigerate for up to 5 days. Warm them slightly before serving.
Can I freeze these rolls?
Absolutely! Once baked and cooled, store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Thaw at room temperature and reheat before serving.
Can I make these rolls without eggs?
Yes! You can substitute each egg with ¼ cup of unsweetened applesauce or mashed banana, though it may slightly alter the texture.
Why did my rolls turn out dense instead of fluffy?
This could be due to insufficient rising time, expired yeast, or over-kneading the dough. Make sure the dough is soft and pliable before baking.
Can I add mix-ins like nuts or dried fruit?
Definitely! Add chopped nuts, dried fruit, or even chocolate chips to the dough for extra flavor and texture.

Conclusion

Cake Mix Dinner Rolls are soft, fluffy, and slightly sweet, making them the perfect addition to any meal. With just a few simple ingredients, these rolls come together effortlessly, combining the ease of cake mix with the pillowy texture of homemade bread. Every bite is light, tender, and subtly sweet—perfect for pairing with butter, honey, or your favorite savory dish.

Quick to prepare and endlessly customizable, these rolls can be flavored with cinnamon and sugar for a sweet twist or brushed with garlic butter for a savory upgrade. Serve them warm for breakfast, as a side to dinner, or even as the base for mini sandwiches. However you enjoy them, these easy homemade rolls are sure to be a crowd favorite!

I can’t wait to see how your Cake Mix Dinner Rolls turn out! Be sure to share your photos on Instagram and tag me—I’d love to see your delicious creations. Don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know how you made this dish your own!