Do you love things that are ridiculously easy but also taste like they came from a fancy bakery? HELLO, me too! That’s why I am so obsessed with these cake mix desserts.
They are the ultimate cheat code for making everything from cookies to cinnamon rolls. I even use a dry mix for cake pops to save time for decorating!
I’ve put together a list of 23 of my absolute favorites that are fun, simple, and so, so good.
1. Cake Mix Cobbler
How is this one different from a dump cake? I’m so glad you asked, because this recipe is even more of a cakewalk. All you need is a bag of your go-to frozen berries, a box of cake mix, and some Sprite. YES. It’s that simple.
Just like a dump cake, you’ll layer everything right in the dish without any mixing. The Sprite adds a little hint of citrus and also makes the cobbler top so wonderfully airy.
Just make sure to use a clear soda so your cobbler doesn’t get discolored. I think ginger ale would be a fun twist with the right fruit!
2. Cake Mix Dessert Waffles
When I got a waffle maker a few years back, I wasn’t sure I’d ever use it. And now? It’s a weekly thing! I am obsessed.
Making waffles is always such a blast, and putting out a bunch of toppings is the perfect way to get everyone in on the fun.
These waffles are made with chocolate cake mix, which gives you a super moist and rich result, but you can use any flavor you’re vibing with. Why not try a new one every week?
3. Chocolate Pudding Trifle Dessert
Trifles are just total showstoppers. They’re big, over-the-top, and always a crowd-pleaser. You can make them with so many different flavors, but this chocolate pudding one should be at the very top of your list.
As wild as it looks, this dessert is so simple to pull together. Using a good chocolate cake mix, some instant chocolate pudding, and whipped cream, you can layer this thing as high as your dish will let you!
I also think mini trifles in mason jars would look so incredibly cute.
4. Sweet Potato Cheesecake Bars
I’m a big fan of shortbread, but I have to say, this cake mix base is a real winner. It’s soft, buttery, and just firm enough to hold up all that glorious cheesecake filling.
The filling for these bars comes together in a flash. Just a few minutes in a food processor and it’s perfectly smooth and sweet.
The granola on top gives it a nice little crunch along with some extra pumpkin spice. Want to take it up a notch? Try adding some candied pecans on top for something ultra-sweet and wonderful.
5. Strawberry Cake Mix Cookies
Strawberries are one of my all-time favorites. As a kid, I was all about strawberry ice cream, and now, I’ll eat pretty much anything with strawberry as the star.
But let’s be real, it’s not always easy getting that big, bold flavor when you’re baking. I have definitely turned to a cake mix more than once to get it just right.
These cookies need to be mixed just until they’re smooth. When they bake, you’ll get that awesome crackle effect on top. For a little something extra, try drizzling a bit of lemon glaze over them for some added zing.
6. Cake Mix Whoopie Pies
A whoopie pie pan might seem like a one-trick pony, but trust me, you’ll be surprised by how often you pull it out. These sandwiches are the perfect cross between a cake and a cookie, and they’re so cute and versatile.
This recipe uses a vanilla cake with funfetti frosting, but you could totally swap it out for a chocolate cake with a coffee filling. Or how about red velvet and cream cheese frosting? The possibilities are endless!
7. Easy Chess Squares
Both layers in this dessert are so thick and delicious, it’s hard to pick a favorite. You’ll use a yellow cake mix and just add one egg and melted butter.
This gives you a moist, short, cookie-like base that is just incredible. The top layer is a super quick sweetened cream cheese that bakes up firm with a beautiful golden crust on top.
Honestly, it’s so sweet and moist that you don’t need anything else. But a little drizzle of caramel? That would be just perfect.
8. Almond Chocolate Biscotti
Cake mixes are usually my go-to for making sure a bake comes out nice and moist. So, you might think it’s a little strange to use one for biscotti, since they’re twice-baked and meant to be crunchy.
In this recipe, though, the cake mix is all about bringing that big chocolate flavor. With chocolate chips, chocolate syrup, almond extract, and slivered almonds, these cookies are absolutely packed with deliciousness.
9. Cake Batter Rice Krispie Treats
If you need something no-bake that’s perfect for a crowd, these cake mix Rice Krispie treats with a cake mix frosting are calling your name.
I just love the addition of condensed milk in with the Rice Krispies. It makes them so sticky, chewy, and completely irresistible.
But wait, there’s more. The frosting, which sets up more like a fudge, has even more condensed milk and cake mix for that undeniable cake batter flavor.
And whatever you do, don’t be shy with the sprinkles!
10. Lemon Pound Cake
Pound cake is so simple and yummy, but it’s also really easy to overbake. Just a few extra minutes in the oven and it can turn out dry and bland. Nobody wants that.
But the combo of yellow cake mix, sour cream, and lemon pudding in this recipe guarantees not just a ton of lemon flavor, but also a cake that’s totally foolproof and tender.
It would be amazing served on its own, but I think a blueberry glaze would be a fantastic addition.
11. Cake Batter Blondies
This recipe is a dream come true. It needs just six ingredients and about 10 minutes of your time. You’ll use a vanilla cake mix and add oil, eggs, and milk, mixing it slowly so it stays thick and dense.
The blondies will bake up perfectly chewy and delicious.
The best part? Adding in sprinkles and white chocolate chips for some fun and creamy sweetness.
The trick is to bake them just until they start to get a little color on the edges. That’s how you get that fudgy cookie texture we all adore.
12. German Chocolate Upside Down Cake
This cake has all the flavors you love in a German chocolate cake, but with a little twist.
Instead of having a coconut and pecan filling, you sprinkle them in the cake pan first. That way, when you turn the cake out, they’re perfectly toasted on top.
Another fun twist is the cheesecake-style filling that bakes right into the crumb, giving you creamy and sweet little pops of flavor throughout the chocolate cake. It’s so moist, you don’t even need frosting!
13. Macadamia Sunshine Bars
The ingredient list here might look a little long, but I promise it’s not complicated at all. Once you have the basic batter mixed and ready, you just mix in the chopped nuts and fruit for a bar that is so refreshing and sunny.
I love how the pineapple, mango, and coconut work with the lemon cake mix. The citrus, fruit, and mixed nuts all come together so well.
If you want something a little simpler, try adding dried cranberries and orange zest for a colorful and festive treat.
14. Cake Mix Donuts
Baked donuts might not be quite the same as fried, but these are so light, fluffy, and unbelievably easy to make.
Just whisk together the cake mix with oil, water, and an egg until you have a smooth batter. You will need a donut pan for this, which you can easily find online.
It’s also way easier to pipe the batter into the pan. If you don’t have a piping bag, no worries! Just use a Ziplock bag and snip off the corner.
The glaze is a simple mix of powdered sugar, butter, and milk, but adding some fresh fruit juice will give it extra flavor and a beautiful pop of color.
15. Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake Mix Cookie Bars
In case you haven’t caught on yet, yellow cake mix is basically magic. This recipe is just another perfect example.
The batter is a mix of cake mix, peanut butter, eggs, and melted butter, which you press into your baking dish to create a thick cookie base. Just remember to save a little bit for the topping!
The chocolate fudge is made with melted chocolate and condensed milk, which makes for an extra smooth and rich filling.
Once it’s baked, make sure to let it cool completely before you cut it into squares and serve it with coffee.
16. Birthday Cake Popcorn
If you’re looking for something bright, sweet, and super easy to whip up, this recipe is for you. It’s so simple, you can even make it with the kids.
First, make the popcorn according to the package directions. You can use a lightly buttered kind or even an unflavored one, since it’s all getting covered in chocolate anyway.
Melt some white chocolate with a little oil in the microwave in 20-second bursts. Once it’s smooth, stir in the cake mix.
Now for the fun part! Put the popcorn and chocolate mixture into a Ziplock bag with some sprinkles and shake it all up!
17. Two Ingredient Pumpkin Cookies
You read that right. Just two ingredients and less than 30 minutes stand between you and a tray of these soft, chewy, perfectly spiced pumpkin cookies.
Just mix the spiced cake mix with pumpkin puree until it’s smooth and there are no lumps left.
Then, use a spoon to drop the batter onto lined baking sheets and bake for 13 to 15 minutes. These cookies are delicious on their own, but a cinnamon frosting or glaze would make them feel extra special.
18. Strawberry and Rhubarb Dump Cake
You are not going to believe this. It sounds totally wild, but you just have to trust the process. This crazy delicious cake is made with six layers.
Start with pieces of fresh rhubarb in your baking dish. Then, sprinkle over some sugar, strawberry gelatin, white cake mix, water, and melted butter. No mixing, no blending, no work at all!
Just layer it all up, bake, and get ready to enjoy.
19. Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls
There’s no shortcut with this one. You’ll still need to knead your yeast-based dough and let it rest and rise.
But using a pumpkin cake mix will absolutely make sure you get a moist and flavorful crumb. Plus, the filling is a cinnamon-spiced pumpkin puree, so you know it’s going to be so worth it!
20. Apricot-Pecan Thumb-Print Cookies
These yellow cake mix cookies have a sweet apricot filling and a chopped pecan coating, making them the perfect little bites.
With just a hint of spice from cinnamon and ginger, they are a great addition to any cookie plate. The apricot jam gives them just the right amount of sweetness, but I think you could swap it for apple butter for a really fantastic flavor change.
21. Cake Mix Brownies
Why would you make brownies from a cake mix? Well, sometimes it’s a rainy day and all you have is a box of chocolate cake mix.
And cake mix brownies are just as fudgy and moist as the ones from a boxed brownie mix. You get all that chocolatey flavor with just a couple of simple tweaks.
Load up the batter with plenty of chopped chocolate for little pockets of melted goodness throughout. If you can stand to wait, let them cool before you cut them.
But I won’t tell if you just dig in with a fork right away.
22. Chocolate Oreo Peppermint Cake Mix Cookies
Not only are these cookies made with a dark chocolate cake mix, but they also have cream cheese, chopped Oreos, and Ghirardelli peppermint chunks. They’re an obvious Christmas favorite, but I think these cookies are delicious all year long.
Be careful when you use peppermint extract, as it can be pretty strong. Also, make sure to use Ghirardelli peppermint chunks. Cheaper kinds can sometimes burn or not melt the same way.
23. Cake Batter Dip
As far as faux-cheesecakes go, this one is definitely way up there on my list. You’ll combine a white cake mix with cream cheese, sour cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla.
This gives you a creamy and slightly tangy dip that is perfect with graham crackers, apple slices, and pretzels. For some extra fun, mix in some sprinkles or mini-chocolate chips.