If you’re looking for a delightful twist on classic bread rolls, the Cake Mix Dinner Rolls Recipe will absolutely charm your taste buds with its perfect blend of sweet and soft. These rolls are irresistibly fluffy thanks to the unique addition of yellow cake mix, which adds a subtle sweetness and tender crumb that pairs beautifully with any meal. Whether you’re preparing a family dinner or looking for the perfect side to impress guests, these dinner rolls stand out with their satisfying texture and rich flavor. Once you try this Cake Mix Dinner Rolls Recipe, you’ll wonder how you ever made rolls without cake mix before!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple, everyday ingredients is all it takes to create a batch of these delicious dinner rolls. Each element plays a key role, from the rich yellow cake mix that brings sweetness and moistness, to the active dry yeast that gives the rolls their light, airy lift.
- Yellow cake mix (1 box, 15.25 oz): Adds sweetness and a tender crumb unlike traditional rolls.
- Active dry yeast (2¼ teaspoons): Essential for the dough to rise, creating a fluffy texture.
- Warm water (2½ cups, about 110°F): Activates the yeast and helps form a soft dough.
- All-purpose flour (4½ cups): Provides structure and the perfect chewiness to the rolls.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Balances out sweetness and enhances flavor.
- Melted butter (2 tablespoons): For brushing the rolls, adding a golden sheen and rich taste.
How to Make Cake Mix Dinner Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Activate the Yeast
Start by dissolving the active dry yeast in warm water around 110°F. This temperature is just right to wake up the yeast without killing it. Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes until it becomes foamy, which means the yeast is active and ready to work its magic.
Step 2: Combine the Ingredients
Once your yeast mixture has proofed nicely, stir in the yellow cake mix and salt. Gradually add the all-purpose flour while mixing, until a soft dough starts to form. This gradual approach ensures the dough won’t be too sticky or too dry.
Step 3: Knead the Dough
Turn out the dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead it for about 5 to 7 minutes. This step is crucial for developing elasticity, which gives the rolls that wonderfully soft and chewy texture you’re craving.
Step 4: Let the Dough Rise
Place the kneaded dough in a greased bowl and cover it with a clean towel or plastic wrap. Set it in a warm spot and let it rise for about 1 hour, or until it’s doubled in size. This rise is what makes the rolls light and airy.
Step 5: Shape the Rolls
After the dough has risen, punch it down gently to release air bubbles. Divide the dough into 24 equal portions and shape each into a round roll. Arrange the rolls in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish or two smaller pans for even baking.
Step 6: Second Rise
Cover the shaped rolls and let them rise again for another 30 to 45 minutes. This second rise ensures the rolls become extra fluffy and soft after baking.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the rolls for 18 to 22 minutes or until golden brown on top. While the rolls are still warm, brush them generously with melted butter for a beautiful shine and added indulgence.
How to Serve Cake Mix Dinner Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your rolls, consider sprinkling a little flaky sea salt on top before baking for a lovely contrast to the sweetness. After baking, brushing with melted herb butter or a garlic butter blend can turn these rolls into a mouthwatering treat that complements any meal.
Side Dishes
These delicious rolls pair beautifully with hearty dishes like roast chicken, savory stews, or a rich beef pot roast. Their slightly sweet flavor also pairs well with spicy dishes, balancing out strong flavors perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, arrange the rolls in a wreath shape or a pull-apart loaf on a festive platter. You can also stuff them with a bit of cheese or herbs before the second rise to add an exciting surprise inside each roll.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover rolls, store them in an airtight container or resealable bag at room temperature. They’ll stay soft and fresh for up to 2 days, perfect for quick snacks or sandwiches.
Freezing
For longer storage, these rolls freeze beautifully. Wrap each roll individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. They can be frozen for up to 3 months, ready to thaw whenever you have a craving.
Reheating
To revive your rolls, warm them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes or microwave them wrapped in a damp paper towel for 15 to 20 seconds. Brushing with a bit more melted butter just before serving will bring back that fresh-baked charm.
FAQs
Can I use a different cake mix for this Cake Mix Dinner Rolls Recipe?
Absolutely! While yellow cake mix is traditional, you can experiment with white or butter golden cake mixes for subtle variations in flavor and color. Just keep in mind that chocolate or other strongly flavored mixes might alter the taste significantly.
Do I need to use active dry yeast, or can I substitute instant yeast?
Active dry yeast is recommended because of the proofing step with warm water, but you can use instant yeast too. If using instant yeast, you can mix it directly with the dry ingredients and reduce the water slightly.
Can I make these rolls dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the melted butter with a plant-based alternative such as margarine or coconut oil. Just ensure the cake mix you use doesn’t contain dairy ingredients.
Why do these rolls taste slightly sweet compared to regular dinner rolls?
The sweetness comes from the yellow cake mix base, which contains sugar and other ingredients that add tender moisture, creating that unique, sweet-savory flavor profile that is the hallmark of this Cake Mix Dinner Rolls Recipe.
Can I add herbs or other flavors to the dough?
Definitely! Adding fresh rosemary, thyme, or garlic powder into the dough before kneading can add an exciting savory twist. Just be mindful not to overpower the gentle sweetness of the cake mix.
Final Thoughts
Try this Cake Mix Dinner Rolls Recipe the next time you’re craving something warm, fluffy, and a little different. The blend of sweet cake mix and traditional yeast dough creates rolls that are comforting yet special, perfect for weekdays or festive occasions. Once you bake these, they’ll become a beloved staple on your table—and I can’t wait for you to enjoy every buttery, tender bite!
Print
Cake Mix Dinner Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 24 rolls
- Category: Bread
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Cake Mix Dinner Rolls are a delightful twist on traditional yeast rolls, incorporating yellow cake mix for a soft, fluffy texture and a subtle sweet flavor. Perfect for family dinners or special occasions, these rolls are easy to make and deliver a tender crumb with a golden brown crust when brushed with melted butter right out of the oven.
Ingredients
Dough Ingredients
- 1 box (15.25 oz) yellow cake mix
- 2¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
- 2½ cups warm water (about 110°F)
- 4½ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
Topping
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (for brushing)
Instructions
- Activate Yeast: In a large bowl, dissolve the active dry yeast in the warm water and let it stand for 5–10 minutes until it becomes foamy, indicating the yeast is active.
- Mix Dough: Stir the yellow cake mix and salt into the yeast mixture, then gradually add the all-purpose flour, mixing continuously until a soft dough forms.
- Knead Dough: Transfer the dough to a lightly floured work surface and knead for 5–7 minutes until the dough is smooth and elastic, which helps develop gluten for structure.
- First Rise: Place the kneaded dough into a greased bowl, cover it with a clean towel or plastic wrap, and let it rise in a warm place for about 1 hour or until the dough doubles in size.
- Shape Rolls: After the first rise, punch down the dough to release the air, divide it evenly into 24 portions, and shape each into a roll.
- Second Rise: Arrange the rolls into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish or two smaller pans. Cover and allow the rolls to rise again for 30–45 minutes until puffy.
- Preheat Oven: While the rolls undergo the second rise, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Bake Rolls: Bake the risen rolls for 18–22 minutes or until they turn golden brown on top, ensuring they are cooked through.
- Finish with Butter: Remove the rolls from the oven and immediately brush the tops with melted butter to give a rich flavor and shiny finish.
Notes
- The cake mix adds a slight sweetness and tender texture to the rolls.
- You can substitute with white or butter golden cake mix if preferred.
- For a savory touch, sprinkle sea salt on top before baking.
- Use warm water (around 110°F) to properly activate the yeast.
- Ensure the dough rises in a warm, draft-free environment for the best results.
