9 cake mix desserts so good you won’t believe they came from a box

Photo of author

| Published:

Of course, you can make cupcakes and cakes from a box mix. However, did you know that you can elevate cake mix to bakery-worthy desserts? Or make beautifully baked breads or yummy cookies from those mixes? Read on for 9 cake mix desserts that people won’t believe came from a box.

A slice of yellow cake with cinnamon swirls and a sugar glaze on top, served on a spatula.
Honey Bake Cake. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

Red and Green Cake Mix Christmas Cookies

Four scones topped with red and green sprinkles on an oval plate. They sit on a wooden table with holiday decorations in the background.
Red and Green Cake Mix Christmas Cookies. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

Red and Green Cake Mix Christmas Cookies are my go-to for festive holiday baking. Starting with a boxed cake mix makes them quick, and they still look like you spent hours decorating with their cheery holiday colors.
Get the Recipe: Red and Green Cake Mix Christmas Cookies

Cream Cheese Thumbprint Cookies

Three cookies with chocolate centers on a red plate, surrounded by festive decorations including pinecones and wrapped gifts.
Cream Cheese Thumbprint Cookies. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

Cream cheese thumbprint cookies use boxed cake mix as the base, paired with cream cheese and butter for a rich and buttery texture. A festive sugar topping in red and green makes them perfect for holiday cookie swaps.
Get the Recipe: Cream Cheese Thumbprint Cookies

Christmas Cookies with MMs

Two cookies topped with red and green chocolate candies on a gray plate, surrounded by pinecones and wrapped gifts.
Christmas Cookies with MMs. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

Christmas cookies with M&Ms are as versatile as they are fun to make. While these ones feature festive colors, you can switch it up for any season or even use leftover Halloween candy to keep things creative.
Get the Recipe: Christmas Cookies with MMs

Yellow Cake Mix Banana Bread

Two slices of banana bread on a red plate, with two ripe bananas and a glass of milk in the background.
Yellow Cake Mix Banana Bread. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

Yellow cake mix banana bread keeps baking simple and fun. You toss all the ingredients into your baking pan, give it a quick mix, and let the oven do the rest. It’s as straightforward as it gets, but the flavor is anything but basic.
Get the Recipe: Yellow Cake Mix Banana Bread

Cake Mix Maple Pecan Cupcakes

Two cupcakes topped with white frosting and garnished with pecan pieces, displayed close together.
Cake Mix Maple Pecan Cupcakes. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

Cake Mix Maple Pecan Cupcake recipe is a simple favorite, thanks to the rich maple flavor and how effortlessly it comes together. Using store-bought box cake mix keeps things easy, letting you focus on baking and enjoying them without extra hassle.
Get the Recipe: Cake Mix Maple Pecan Cupcakes

Red White and Blue Trifle

A layered trifle dessert in a glass bowl, topped with whole strawberries and blueberries. The layers include cake, cream, and fruit.
Red White and Blue Trifle. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

Red White and Blue Trifle dessert brings the perfect mix of convenience and homemade charm. With boxed cake mix, fresh fruit from the store, and homemade whipped cream, it’s a breeze to assemble while still feeling special enough for a celebration.
Get the Recipe: Red White and Blue Trifle

Honey Bun Recipe with Yellow Cake Mix

Two slices of frosted yellow cake are stacked on a white plate, placed on a textured tablecloth. A whisk and wooden utensils are visible in the background.
Honey Bun Recipe with Yellow Cake Mix. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

Honey bun cake is a holiday classic for good reason. Made with yellow box cake mix, it’s deceptively simple, but its rich flavor and moist texture make it a standout at Thanksgiving or Christmas gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Honey Bun Recipe with Yellow Cake Mix

Pink Snowballs

A plate of pink coconut-topped dessert bars stacked on a white plate, with a cup and another plate in the background.
Pink Snowballs. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

Pink snowball brownies channel the nostalgia of childhood with a fun twist. Inspired by the classic Hostess snack, they start with a boxed mix and transform into a playful, homemade version of a favorite treat.
Get the Recipe: Pink Snowballs

How to Make Box Cake Mix Better

A dessert topped with blueberries in the shape of a corner rectangle and strawberry slices arranged to resemble the American flag. A hand is adding a blueberry.
How to Make Box Cake Mix Better. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

With boxed cake mix tricks, you can make bakery-worthy desserts that combine ease and great flavor. This method makes it simple to create treats that feel like they’re from scratch without the extra work.
Get the Recipe: How to Make Box Cake Mix Better

Leave a Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.