Fancy recipes don’t need to be fussy or take all day. Start with a simple box mix and you can turn out treats that look and taste like you’ve been in the kitchen for hours. These ideas are perfect for busy bakers who still want that homemade touch without the hassle. Whether you’re just starting out or pressed for time, you’ll find ways to make something special. From a rich cake to chewy cookies, even donuts, let’s turn that box mix into a showstopper.
Banana Caramel Cake
This Banana Caramel Cake starts with a boxed mix to keep things simple. It’s rich, moist, and full of flavor without a lot of effort. Perfect for a quick dessert that tastes bakery-made.
Get the Recipe: Banana Caramel Cake
Mountain Dew Bundt Cake
A boxed mix and Mountain Dew team up in this citrusy Bundt cake. It has a bright lemon flavor and a sweet glaze on top. Easy to make and always a crowd favorite.
Get the Recipe: Mountain Dew Bundt Cake
Peanut Butter Cup Brownies
These brownies come together fast with a boxed mix and a handful of peanut butter cups. The chocolate and peanut butter combo is always a hit. Ready in 30 minutes for a quick dessert fix.
Get the Recipe: Peanut Butter Cup Brownies
Coconut Cupcakes With Coconut Buttercream
These coconut cupcakes start with a boxed mix and are topped with homemade coconut buttercream. They’re soft, sweet, and taste like you made them from scratch. A simple treat for coconut fans.
Get the Recipe: Coconut Cupcakes With Coconut Buttercream
Black Cocoa Powder Cupcakes
Start with a boxed chocolate cake mix and add black cocoa for deep, dark cupcakes. Just seven ingredients make a rich, bold dessert. They look impressive and taste even better.
Get the Recipe: Black Cocoa Powder Cupcakes
Bisquick Peach Cobbler
Fresh, frozen or canned peaches make this simple cobbler a hit.
Get the Recipe: Bisquick Peach Cobbler
Cherry Dump Cake
Just dump the ingredients into a pan and bake—cherry pie filling, cake mix, and butter do all the work. It’s simple, fast, and looks like more effort than it is. A no-fuss dessert everyone enjoys.
Get the Recipe: Cherry Dump Cake
Pumpkin Cheesecake Swirl Bundt Cake
Nothing is more comforting than this Pumpkin Bundt with Cheesecake Swirl. You start with a yellow cake mix and add in pumpkin and spices to make the moistest pumpkin cake! A cheesecake filling runs throughout the middle making it heavenly. Finally, it gets topped with a cream cheese glaze to really put this cake over the top. This is sure to be your new favorite this Fall!
Get the Recipe: Pumpkin Cheesecake Swirl Bundt Cake
Strawberry Donuts
These baked strawberry donuts use a surprising secret weapon (a box of cake mix!) for a ridiculously easy sweet treat. Skip the complicated recipes with long lists of ingredients, yeast, and pans of oil, and make the easiest homemade donuts ever!
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Donuts
Blueberry Dump Cake
This easy Blueberry Dump Cake combines fresh or frozen blueberries, jello, and a cake mix for a fuss-free dessert. If you need a quick and effortless treat, this recipe is your answer; just dump, bake, and enjoy! With its delightful flavor, it’s such an easy recipe for such a delicious dessert that everyone will love!
Get the Recipe: Blueberry Dump Cake
Harvest Spice Cake Mix Bars
Start with a box of spice cake mix, whip up the cream cheese filling and you’ll have a batch of these mouthwatering Harvest Mix Spice Cake Bars ready in no time. A cold-weather favorite, these freeze well and are perfect for lunch treats, after-school snacks or potluck holiday gettogethers.
Get the Recipe: Harvest Spice Cake Mix Bars
Yellow Cake Mix Cookies
These yellow cake mix cookies are perfect for when you are in the mood for something sweet but don’t want to spend a lot of time in the kitchen! They’re so easy to make, with only 4 ingredients but also super customizable!
Get the Recipe: Yellow Cake Mix Cookies
Chocolate Dump Cake
Chocolate dump cake is a simple yet delicious dessert that is perfect for any occasion. This easy cake is made with just 5 simple ingredients and takes only a few minutes to prepare, making it the perfect low-effort dessert.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Dump Cake
Easy Pumpkin Crunch
A popular camping favorite, this Dutch Oven Peach Dump Cake requires minimal ingredients that come together for a delicious treat. It’s such an easy recipe for such a delicious dessert that you can enjoy it anywhere. Perfect for outdoor gatherings or cozy nights at home!
Get the Recipe: Easy Pumpkin Crunch
Funfetti Cake Mix Whoopie Pies
Make melt in the mouth funfetti whoopie pies with cake mix for the perfect cookie that kids and adults will both enjoy – brimming with vanilla and butter flavors.
Get the Recipe: Funfetti Cake Mix Whoopie Pies
Orange Soda Cupcakes
These homemade orange soda cupcakes are fluffy, tender, and quick to make using a box mix, jello and orange soda. They’re big on orange flavor and topped with creamy orange buttercream. Perfect for a summertime dessert, parties and potlucks.
Get the Recipe: Orange Soda Cupcakes
Chocolate Cool Whip Cookies
Chocolate Cool Whip Cookies are perfect for homemade cookies that start with a chocolate cake mix. They’re quick to whip up, look impressive with their powdered sugar crackle, and are always a hit for parties, potlucks, or an easy weeknight dessert.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Cool Whip Cookies
Mini Rum Cakes
These Mini Rum Cakes are an easy way to create an impressive dessert, showcasing how a boxed mix simplifies preparation. Each little cake is infused with rum for added flavor, making them perfect for special occasions. Topped with powdered sugar and cherries, they’re sure to be a hit at any gathering!
Get the Recipe: Mini Rum Cakes