9 cake mix recipes that make you look like a kitchen genius

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Everyone knows that you can use cake mix to make, well, a cake and cupcakes. But what you may not realize is how you can elevate plain old box cake mix or brownie mix and turn it into a delicious dessert that everyone will swear came from a bakery. Here are 9 easy recipes that will make you look like a kitchen and baking genius.

A plate of pink coconut squares is placed on a white napkin with a wooden spoon and measuring spoons nearby.
Pink Snowballs. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

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 fun and simple. You just toss all the ingredients into your baking pan, give it a quick mix and let the oven handle the rest. It’s easy and the flavor is anything but ordinary.
Get the Recipe: Yellow Cake Mix Banana Bread

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 combines convenience with homemade charm. With boxed cake mix, fresh fruit and homemade whipped cream, it’s quick to assemble while still feeling special enough for any celebration.
Get the Recipe: Red White and Blue Trifle

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.

The Cake Mix Maple Pecan Cupcake recipe is a favorite because of the rich maple flavor and how easily it comes together. Using store-bought cake mix makes the process even easier.
Get the Recipe: Cake Mix Maple Pecan Cupcakes

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 holiday baking. Starting with a boxed cake mix makes them quick to whip up, and they still have the festive look of cookies that took hours to decorate.
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 and are paired with cream cheese and butter for a rich texture. Adding Hershey chocolate kisses to the top 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 versatile and fun to make. These ones feature festive colors, but you can easily switch them up for any season or use leftover candy from Halloween for a creative twist.
Get the Recipe: Christmas Cookies with MMs

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 a reason. Made with a yellow cake mix, it’s surprisingly simple. However, as a holiday or anytime dessert, it is a standout with its rich flavor and moist texture.
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 bring childhood nostalgia with a fun twist. Starting with a boxed brownie cake mix, they turn into a playful, homemade version of the classic Hostess snack we all remember.
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.

Boxed Cake Mix tricks let you create bakery-style desserts that are both easy and full of flavor. This method gives you the feel of a made-from-scratch treat without the extra effort.
Get the Recipe: How to Make Box Cake Mix Better

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