24 Tasty Desserts You Can Make With A Boxed Cake Mix

Got a boxed cake mix in your pantry and no idea what to do with it? You are minutes away from bakery worthy treats that taste like you fussed all day. With a few smart add ins, that humble box turns into cookies, bars, truffles, and more. Let us dive into simple, crowd pleasing desserts you can whip up whenever cravings hit.

1. Strawberry Shortcake Dump Cake

Grab strawberry cake mix, butter, and canned strawberry pie filling for a foolproof dump cake that tastes like summer. You literally pour, scatter, and bake until bubbly and golden. Serve warm with whipped cream, and the gooey berries shine.

It is a lifesaver when you need dessert fast but still want that homemade vibe. Add sliced fresh strawberries for extra brightness and texture. A sprinkle of coarse sugar finishes the crackly top.

2. Chocolate Peanut Butter Buckeye Bars

Transform chocolate cake mix into thick, chewy bar layers, then top with a creamy peanut butter filling. Finish with a silky chocolate ganache for a buckeye inspired treat. The texture lands somewhere between a brownie and a candy bar.

Cut them small because they are rich, and a pinch of flaky salt makes the chocolate pop. Keep them chilled for clean slices and party friendly serving. They freeze beautifully for make ahead ease.

3. Lemon Blueberry Crumble Bars

Use lemon cake mix, melted butter, and an egg to create a tender base and crumb topping. Spread blueberry pie filling between layers for tart, jammy sweetness. Bake until the top turns golden and edges bubble invitingly.

Dust with powdered sugar and lemon zest for a bakery finish. These bars slice neatly once cooled, making them picnic perfect. You get a sunny zing in every bite without fussing with pastry.

4. Cinnamon Roll Coffee Cake

Start with vanilla cake mix, then swirl in a brown sugar cinnamon ripple for bakery style tender crumbs. The trick is a quick streusel that melts into gooey pockets. Drizzle with a simple powdered sugar milk glaze while warm.

It tastes like a cinnamon roll without the yeast drama. Perfect for brunch or lazy weekends, especially with hot coffee. Leftovers warm nicely in the microwave for weekday treats.

5. Funfetti Birthday Cookies

Turn confetti cake mix into soft, chewy cookies that scream celebration. Mix with oil and eggs, fold in extra rainbow sprinkles, then scoop and bake. They puff slightly, crackle on top, and stay tender for days.

Sandwich two with frosting for an instant party cookie. You can add white chocolate chips for more sweetness and texture. Pack them for birthdays, bake sales, or late night cravings.

6. Red Velvet Cheesecake Brownies

Use red velvet cake mix as a shortcut brownie base with a lush cocoa note. Whip a tangy cream cheese swirl and marble it through before baking. The result is fudgy edges, creamy pockets, and dramatic swirls.

Chill before slicing for crisp layers that hold shape. A dusting of cocoa or powdered sugar finishes them beautifully. They look fancy with surprisingly little effort and always impress guests.

7. Pineapple Upside Down Cupcakes

Line muffin cups with butter and brown sugar, then tuck in pineapple tidbits and cherries. Top with yellow cake mix batter and bake until caramelized and golden. Invert while warm for that signature sticky sheen.

They portion perfectly for parties and taste like a tropical hug. A touch of rum extract elevates the caramel flavor. Serve slightly warm for maximum buttery pineapple goodness in every bite.

8. Cookies and Cream Truffles

Combine white cake mix, crushed chocolate sandwich cookies, and cream cheese for a no bake truffle center. Roll, chill, then dip in melted white chocolate and sprinkle more crumbs. They taste like cookies and cream cheesecake bites.

Keep them cold for the best snap and creamy middle. Box them for gifts, or stash in the freezer for quick treats. They disappear fast at any gathering, guaranteed.

9. Salted Caramel Poke Cake

Bake a vanilla cake mix in a 9×13 pan, then poke holes and flood with warm salted caramel sauce. The sauce soaks in, creating ribbons of gooey sweetness. Top with lightly sweetened whipped cream and a sprinkle of sea salt.

It is a crowd pleaser with minimal effort. Chill before serving for clean slices and balanced flavors. Add crushed toffee on top for crunch and extra caramel drama.

10. Mocha Fudge Bundt Cake

Boost chocolate cake mix with instant espresso and sour cream for a deeply moist crumb. Stir in chocolate chips, then bake in a Bundt pan for drama. Finish with a shiny mocha glaze that sets into a soft shell.

The coffee intensifies chocolate without tasting overly bitter. It slices like a dream and keeps well for days. Serve with whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla for contrast.

11. Apple Cider Donut Muffins

Turn spice cake mix into cozy donut muffins by swapping in reduced apple cider and melted butter. Bake until domed, then brush with butter and roll in cinnamon sugar. They taste like the orchard stand without deep frying.

A pinch of nutmeg makes the cider pop. These pack beautifully for lunchboxes and fall picnics. Warm them briefly to revive that fresh baked texture and aroma.

12. Banana Split Icebox Cake

Layer yellow cake mix bars or thin sheet cake with whipped cream, bananas, strawberries, and pineapple. Drizzle chocolate syrup and sprinkle peanuts for sundae vibes. Chill until the layers meld into a soft, nostalgic slice.

It is playful, colorful, and easy to assemble ahead. You control sweetness with extra fruit or light whipped topping. Add maraschino cherries for that classic banana split finish.

13. Brown Butter Toffee Blondies

Start with yellow cake mix, then add browned butter for nutty depth and irresistible aroma. Fold in toffee bits and chocolate chunks to punctuate every bite. Bake until the edges are set and the center stays soft.

Let them cool before cutting to keep chewy texture intact. A pinch of flaky salt balances sweetness beautifully. These bars vanish quickly, so consider a double batch.

14. Matcha White Chocolate Snack Cake

Whisk culinary matcha into white cake mix for a delicate green tea flavor and color. Stir in white chocolate chips for creamy pockets that melt into the crumb. Bake in an 8 inch pan for an easy anytime snack cake.

Not too sweet, it pairs perfectly with afternoon tea. A light drizzle of lemon icing brightens everything. Cool completely for clean slices and neat edges.

15. S’mores Skillet Cookie

Mix yellow cake mix with butter and eggs for a quick cookie base, then press into a skillet. Scatter chocolate chunks and graham pieces, baking until golden at the edges. Top with marshmallows and broil briefly until toasty.

Serve warm and gooey with spoons right from the pan. It feels like a campfire treat without leaving the kitchen. Add a drizzle of chocolate sauce for extra drama.

16. Cherry Almond Crater Cake

Combine cherry pie filling with almond extract and a vanilla cake mix for a plush, fruity crumb. As it bakes, cherries create juicy craters that keep everything moist. Top with sliced almonds for crunch and nutty perfume.

A light glaze or powdered sugar finishes the look. It slices neatly and tastes even better the next day. Serve with vanilla ice cream for a simple dessert upgrade.

17. Key Lime Poke Cupcakes

Bake white cake mix cupcakes, then poke and flood with key lime pudding for tangy pockets. Top with billowy whipped topping and a zest shower. They are refreshingly tart, like key lime pie in handheld form.

Chill them for the best texture and clean bites. Garnish with tiny lime wedges for party flair. A pinch of graham crumbs mimics pie crust without extra work.

18. Maple Pecan Snack Bars

Upgrade spice cake mix with pure maple syrup and chopped toasted pecans. The bars bake up dense, chewy, and warmly spiced. A thin maple glaze soaks in and leaves a shiny finish.

They are perfect for coffee breaks or road trips. Store at room temperature to keep the texture pleasantly soft. A sprinkle of extra pecans on top adds crunch and looks inviting.

19. Raspberry Swirl Cheesecake Cups

Press a quick crust of cake mix and butter into liners, then add a simple cheesecake batter. Swirl raspberry jam on top for a pretty, tangy finish. Bake until just set for creamy, petite cheesecakes.

Chill completely so the texture stays velvety. They travel well for potlucks and picnics. Add lemon zest to the batter if you want a brighter, fresher taste.

20. Tiramisu Poke Cake

Bake a vanilla cake mix, poke holes, and soak with strong coffee mixed with a splash of rum. Spread on mascarpone whipped cream, then dust generously with cocoa. The texture becomes silky and reminiscent of classic tiramisu.

Chill at least four hours so flavors marry properly. It is ideal for make ahead entertaining. Garnish with chocolate curls for a restaurant worthy finish without stress.

21. Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Whoopie Pies

Spice cake mix plus pumpkin puree makes plush, cakey cookies in minutes. Fold in chocolate chips and bake until puffy and set. Sandwich with tangy cream cheese frosting for classic whoopie pie vibes.

They stay moist for days, making them great for gifting. Chill before filling to avoid sliding layers. A dusting of cinnamon sugar adds sparkle and cozy aroma.

22. Blueberry Lemon Trifle

Cube lemon cake mix sheet cake and layer with lemon curd, fresh blueberries, and whipped cream. Repeat until the bowl shows pretty stripes. The cake absorbs curd slightly, creating a luscious, spoonable dessert.

Make it ahead so everything melds into silky layers. A final zest sprinkle wakes up the sweetness. Scoop into glasses for tidy individual servings at parties.

23. Coconut Tres Leches Sheet Cake

Bake white cake mix, then soak with coconut milk, evaporated milk, and sweetened condensed milk. The crumb drinks it in, turning incredibly tender and rich. Top with lightly sweetened whipped cream and toasted coconut.

It is a crowd sized dessert that stays moist for days. Serve cold for the most refreshing bite. Add a splash of coconut rum if you want extra tropical flair.

24. Black Forest Cupcake Sundaes

Bake chocolate cake mix cupcakes and hollow a small center. Spoon in cherry compote, then top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Finish with chocolate shavings for a sundae cupcake mashup.

It is nostalgic and dramatic without extra effort. Serve immediately so the ice cream contrasts the warm cake. Add whipped cream if you want full soda fountain flair.