21 recipes that start with a cake mix

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Cake mix is one of the best shortcuts in the kitchen, and it’s not just for making cake. With a little creativity, you can turn it into cookies, bars, donuts, and even bread. These recipes are simple, quick, and perfect for when you want homemade treats without all the fuss. Whether you’re looking for something to share, gift, or just enjoy, cake mix has you covered. From rich chocolate desserts to seasonal favorites, there’s something here for everyone.

Two slices of frosted cake on a white plate, surrounded by cinnamon sticks and measuring spoons on a red patterned cloth.
Honey Bun Cake. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

Red velvet cinnamon rolls top with smooth and creamy frosting.
Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

These soft, fluffy rolls combine the classic flavors of red velvet with swirls of cinnamon and a creamy glaze. Perfect for adding a festive touch to breakfast or brunch.
Get the Recipe: Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls

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.

Banana bread made even easier with yellow cake mix! It’s moist, full of flavor, and perfect for sharing or enjoying as a quick snack.
Get the Recipe: Yellow Cake Mix Banana Bread

Coconut Cupcakes With Coconut Buttercream Frosting

Frosted coconut cupcakes on a white board.
Coconut Cupcakes With Coconut Buttercream Frosting. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

These fluffy coconut cupcakes are topped with a creamy buttercream frosting and shredded coconut. A homemade treat that’s perfect for coconut lovers.
Get the Recipe: Coconut Cupcakes With Coconut Buttercream Frosting

Black Cocoa Powder Cupcakes

A group of black cupcakes decorated with black frosting.
Black Cocoa Powder Cupcakes. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

Rich and dark, these cupcakes get their deep chocolate flavor from black cocoa powder. They’re a stunning and decadent choice for any dessert table.
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.
Red and Green Cake Mix Christmas Cookies. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

These festive cookies use cake mix to create an easy, colorful treat for the holidays. A fun option for cookie exchanges or gifting.
Get the Recipe: Red and Green Cake Mix Christmas Cookies

Red White and Blue Trifle

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

Layers of cake, whipped cream, and berries make this bright, patriotic trifle perfect for summer gatherings or celebrations.
Get the Recipe: Red White and Blue Trifle

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.
Christmas Cookies with MMs. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

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.
Peanut Butter Chocolate Donuts. Photo Credit: Ginger Casa.

These baked donuts combine the classic pairing of peanut butter and chocolate. A drizzle of glaze makes them perfect for any sweet occasion.
Get the Recipe: Peanut Butter Chocolate Donuts

Honey Bun Cake

Two slices of frosted cake on a white plate, surrounded by cinnamon sticks and measuring spoons on a red patterned cloth.
Honey Bun Cake. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

This moist cake has layers of brown sugar and cinnamon that taste like your favorite honey buns. It’s an easy, comforting dessert to share at any gathering.
Get the Recipe: Honey Bun Cake

Chocolate Cool Whip Cookies

Chocolate crinkle cookies with powdered sugar on parchment paper.
Chocolate Cool Whip Cookies. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

Light, chewy, and chocolatey, these cookies are made with just a few ingredients and bake up quickly. A great recipe for last-minute treats or homemade gifts.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Cool Whip Cookies

Chocolate Dump Cake

Chocolate dump cake topped with colorful M&Ms.
Chocolate Dump Cake. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

This easy cake combines rich chocolate, gooey layers, and minimal effort. Top with whipped cream or ice cream for a dessert that’s always a crowd-pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Dump Cake

Mini Rum Cake

Adding cherries to mini rum cakes on a white plate.
Mini Rum Cake. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Moist, buttery, and infused with just the right amount of rum, these mini cakes make a thoughtful homemade treat. Perfect for sharing as gifts or serving at celebrations.
Get the Recipe: Mini Rum Cake

Cake Mix Donuts

Chocolate cake mix donuts with colorful sprinkles on a baking rack.
Cake Mix Donuts. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

Soft, baked donuts made easy with cake mix and topped with your favorite glazes or sprinkles. Great for breakfast, dessert, or sharing with friends.
Get the Recipe: Cake Mix Donuts

Harvest Spice Cake Mix Bars

A stack of spice cake with cream cheese filling bars on a plate.
Spice Cake with Cream Cheese Filling Bars. Photo Credit: Recipes From Leftovers.

These tender bars are filled with cozy fall flavors and come together quickly with cake mix. Perfect for snacking, sharing, or as an after-dinner treat.
Get the Recipe: Harvest Spice Cake Mix Bars

Banana Caramel Cake

Iced banana cake with pecans on top.
Banana Caramel Cake. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

Ripe bananas and rich caramel come together in this moist, flavorful cake. Topped with a drizzle of caramel, it’s perfect for serving with coffee or tea.
Get the Recipe: Banana Caramel Cake

Cool Whip Cookies

Cool whip cookies on parchment with powdered sugar.
Cool Whip Cookies. Photo credit: Upstate Ramblings.

These soft cookies use Cool Whip and cake mix for a fuss-free, melt-in-your-mouth dessert. Customize with sprinkles or powdered sugar for a fun homemade treat.
Get the Recipe: Cool Whip Cookies

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.
Cake Mix Maple Pecan Cupcakes. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

These soft cupcakes combine maple flavor with crunchy pecans for a cozy treat. A swirl of frosting makes them perfect for special occasions or sharing.
Get the Recipe: Cake Mix Maple Pecan Cupcakes

Mountain Dew Bundt Cake

An overhead view of an iced Mountain Dew bundt cake on a yellow plate.
Mountain Dew Bundt Cake. Photo credit: One Hot Oven.

Bright, citrusy, and full of fun, this bundt cake uses Mountain Dew for a unique twist. A quick glaze adds just the right amount of sweetness.
Get the Recipe: Mountain Dew Bundt Cake

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.
Pink Snowballs. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

Do you remember loving the Hostess pink snowball snack cakes when you were a kid? Me, too! Well, 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

Yellow Cake Mix Cookies

Overhead view of yellow cake mix cookies after baking.
Yellow Cake Mix Cookies. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Quick and easy, these soft cookies start with yellow cake mix and can be customized with add-ins like chocolate chips or sprinkles.
Get the Recipe: Yellow Cake Mix Cookies

Cream Cheese Thumbprint Cookies

Three cookies with chocolate centers on a red plate, surrounded by holiday decorations and a plaid gift.
Cream Cheese Thumbprint Cookies. Photo credit: Bagels and Lasagna.

Soft, buttery cookies with a hint of cream cheese and a center filled with jam. A classic homemade treat that’s perfect for gifting or sharing.
Get the Recipe: Cream Cheese Thumbprint Cookies

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