Making desserts from a cake mix is a simple way to enjoy homemade treats without the extra hassle. With just a few extra ingredients, you can turn a basic box into something that tastes like it came from a bakery. Whether you’re looking for quick cookies, moist cakes, or fun twists on classic favorites, these recipes make it easy to whip up something special. Using cake mix as a shortcut means less time measuring and more time enjoying. From easy weeknight treats to desserts perfect for sharing, there’s something for every occasion. A little creativity goes a long way in making boxed mixes feel homemade. These recipes are great for busy schedules or when you just want a sweet treat without all the fuss.
![Close-up of a chocolate cupcake with chocolate frosting, partly unwrapped from its liner, and a bite taken out of it. A glass of milk and additional cupcakes are visible in the background.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/FDL-black-cupcake-1024x635.jpg)
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.](https://bagelsandlasagna.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/Yellow-Cake-Mix-Banana-Bread-baked-10.jpeg)
This banana bread comes together easily with a box of yellow cake mix, making it a great way to use up ripe bananas. The result is a soft, moist loaf that’s perfect for breakfast or an afternoon snack.
Get the Recipe: Yellow Cake Mix Banana Bread
Coconut Cupcakes With Coconut Buttercream Frosting
![Frosted coconut cupcakes on a white board.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/coconut-cupcakes-fdl.jpg)
These coconut cupcakes start with a cake mix and turn into a bakery-style treat with a few simple additions. The coconut flavor shines through in both the cake and the creamy buttercream frosting.
Get the Recipe: Coconut Cupcakes With Coconut Buttercream Frosting
Red White and Blue Trifle
![A trifle dessert in a glass bowl, topped with strawberries and blueberries, layered with cream and cake pieces.](https://bagelsandlasagna.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/red-white-and-blue-trifle-vertical-top-off-cropped-horizontal.jpeg)
This trifle layers fluffy cake mix cake, fresh berries, and creamy filling for a festive dessert that’s perfect for patriotic celebrations. It’s an easy make-ahead option that looks as good as it tastes.
Get the Recipe: Red White and Blue Trifle
Black Cocoa Powder Cupcakes
![A group of black cupcakes decorated with black frosting.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/FDL-black-cupcake.jpg)
A rich, deep chocolate flavor makes these cupcakes stand out, thanks to black cocoa powder added to a basic cake mix. They have a striking color and a taste that’s perfect for chocolate lovers.
Get the Recipe: Black Cocoa Powder Cupcakes
Red and Green Cake Mix Christmas Cookies
![Four festive cookies made from cake mix, adorned with red and green sprinkles, rest on a white platter with holiday decorations shimmering in the background.](https://bagelsandlasagna.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/cake-mix-christmas-cookies-on-white-plate.jpeg)
These festive cookies come together quickly with a cake mix, making holiday baking a breeze. The red and green colors make them perfect for cookie platters and gift-giving.
Get the Recipe: Red and Green Cake Mix Christmas Cookies
Chocolate Cool Whip Cookies
![Chocolate crinkle cookies with powdered sugar on parchment paper.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Chocolate-Cool-Whip-Cookies-Edited-21-1024x683.jpg)
With just a few ingredients, these cookies turn a chocolate cake mix into soft, chewy treats with a light texture. Cool Whip adds a unique touch, making them a little lighter than traditional cookies.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Cool Whip Cookies
Christmas Cookies with MMs
![Cookies decorated with red and green candies on a gray plate, surrounded by pinecones, a gift, and greenery on a festive table.](https://bagelsandlasagna.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Christmas-Cookies-with-MMs-1.jpeg)
Soft, chewy cookies studded with colorful M&Ms are a holiday classic. A simple, fun recipe to bake with kids or share with friends.
Get the Recipe: Christmas Cookies with MMs
Peanut Butter Chocolate Donuts
![A stack of chocolate donuts on a wooden table.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Peanut-Butter-Chocolate-Donuts-1024x773.jpg)
These baked donuts combine the classic flavors of peanut butter and chocolate in an easy, cake mix-based recipe. They’re soft, flavorful, and topped with a rich chocolate glaze that ties it all together.
Get the Recipe: Peanut Butter Chocolate Donuts
Honey Bun Cake
This cake mix hack transforms simple ingredients into a warm, cinnamon-swirled cake that’s perfect for breakfast or dessert. The glaze on top adds just the right touch of sweetness without being too heavy.
Get the Recipe: Honey Bun Cake
Mini Rum Cake
![Adding cherries to mini rum cakes on a white plate.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/mini-rum-cake-240217-1024x768-1.jpg)
A boxed cake mix makes it easy to whip up these rich, flavorful mini rum cakes. They’re perfect for special occasions or as a homemade gift idea.
Get the Recipe: Mini Rum Cake
Chocolate Dump Cake
![Chocolate dump cake topped with colorful M&Ms.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/chocolate-dump-cake-8548.jpg)
This easy dessert layers cake mix with a few pantry staples for a rich, gooey chocolate treat. It’s a great no-fuss option for when you need something sweet without much effort.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Dump Cake
Cake Mix Donuts
![Chocolate cake mix donuts with colorful sprinkles on a baking rack.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/cake-mix-donuts-1260667.jpg)
Turning cake mix into donuts is a quick and easy way to enjoy a bakery favorite at home. They’re soft, slightly sweet, and can be glazed or dusted with powdered sugar for a finishing touch.
Get the Recipe: Cake Mix Donuts
Mountain Dew Bundt Cake
![An overhead view of an iced Mountain Dew bundt cake on a yellow plate.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/FDL-Mountain-Dew-Cake.jpg)
A fun twist on classic cake, this Mountain Dew Bundt Cake brings a citrusy kick to a soft, moist dessert. The soda adds a unique flavor and keeps the cake light and fluffy.
Get the Recipe: Mountain Dew Bundt Cake
Harvest Spice Cake Mix Bars
These spice cake bars come together easily with a cake mix and a few pantry staples. They’re packed with warm flavors, making them perfect for fall gatherings or cozy nights at home.
Get the Recipe: Harvest Spice Cake Mix Bars
Pink Snowballs
![A plate of three coconut and chocolate lamingtons with pink icing sits on a tablecloth, resembling snowball brownies, next to a mug and wooden spoon.](https://bagelsandlasagna.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Snoball-Brownies-close-up-cropped-close.jpg)
Do you remember loving the Hostess pink snowball snack cakes? This recipe for pink snowball brownies is a fun take on that classic snack that starts with a boxed mix.
Get the Recipe: Pink Snowballs
Cream Cheese Thumbprint Cookies
![Three cookies with chocolate centers on a red plate, surrounded by holiday decorations and a plaid gift.](https://bagelsandlasagna.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/cream-cheese-thumbprint-cookies-baked-christmas-1.jpeg)
A simple cake mix base makes these thumbprint cookies soft and chewy with just the right amount of sweetness. The cream cheese filling adds a creamy, rich touch to each bite.
Get the Recipe: Cream Cheese Thumbprint Cookies
Yellow Cake Mix Cookies
![Overhead view of yellow cake mix cookies after baking.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Yellow-Cake-Mix-Cookies.jpg)
Soft, chewy, and packed with flavor, these cookies are a quick and easy treat made from a simple cake mix. They’re perfect for when you need a dessert in a hurry and can be customized with your favorite add-ins.
Get the Recipe: Yellow Cake Mix Cookies
Banana Caramel Cake
![Iced banana cake with pecans on top.](https://fooddrinklife.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Banana-cake-FDL.jpg)
Banana and caramel come together in this easy cake mix dessert that’s full of flavor. The bananas add moisture, while the caramel adds a sweet touch that pairs perfectly.
Get the Recipe: Banana Caramel Cake
Cake Mix Maple Pecan Cupcakes
![A plate of five cupcakes with white frosting and pecan toppings, surrounded by autumn leaves and berries on a gray surface.](https://bagelsandlasagna.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Maple-Pecan-Cupcakes-Exclusive-finished-cupcakes-top-shot-2.jpg)
A boxed cake mix makes these maple pecan cupcakes easy to whip up, with flavors perfect for fall. The maple syrup adds sweetness, while the pecans bring a little crunch.
Get the Recipe: Cake Mix Maple Pecan Cupcakes