Have you ever found yourself standing in the baking aisle, staring at all those cake mixes, trying to imagine the delicious treats you can whip up with them? Well, I have, and let me tell you – those little boxes are just the starting point for a world of scrumptious desserts! I’ve spent countless hours experimenting with cake mix recipes, and I’m excited to share 21 of my absolute favorites with you.
Whether you’re a novice baker or a seasoned pro, these recipes are a breeze and yield delightful results.
From rich chocolate desserts to light and tangy cakes, this list has something for everyone. I’ve tried these recipes in my own kitchen, and I can promise that each one delivers a flavor explosion and a joy that’ll make your heart skip a beat. Plus, using cake mix means you can save time without sacrificing that homemade taste we all love.
In this list, you’ll find cakes, cookies, and even a few unexpected surprises that you can easily make at home. Let’s dive in!
1. Lemon Pound Cake
First up, my go-to treat for sunshine on a plate: Lemon Pound Cake from Cakes Hungry. This recipe is a zesty dream come true! With a bright, refreshing lemon flavor, it’s perfect for those days when you need a slice of summer in your life, even if it’s cold and dreary outside.
What I love about this cake is its moist texture and the perfect balance of sweetness and tang. It’s great on its own, but if you’re feeling fancy, toss on a drizzle of lemon glaze for an extra kick. Trust me, this cake will have you daydreaming about sunny beach days.
2. Red Velvet Cake Mix Cinnamon Rolls
Next, allow me to introduce you to the mouthwatering Red Velvet Cake Mix Cinnamon Rolls from Food Network. These cinnamon rolls take the classic breakfast item to a whole new level with their rich red color and a hint of cocoa.
I adore waking up to the warm, inviting aroma of these rolls baking in the oven. They are soft, fluffy, and the cream cheese icing is the cherry on top! Perfect for weekend brunch or simply to treat yourself on a regular weekday.
3. Cake Mix Peach Cobbler
Next up is a delightful dessert that’s a hit at any potluck: Cake Mix Peach Cobbler from Food Network. The warm, gooey peaches paired with the rich cake topping creates a harmony of flavors that feels like a warm hug on a chilly night.
I find this recipe is especially fantastic when fresh peaches are in season, but it works beautifully with canned peaches too! Serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, and you’ll have a dessert that’s nothing short of heavenly.
4. 3-Ingredient Banana Bread
I recently discovered an incredibly easy and satisfying recipe for 3-Ingredient Banana Bread from Food Network. If you have ripe bananas lying around, this recipe is a lifesaver!
With just a box of cake mix, some mashed bananas, and an egg, you can create a banana bread that is incredibly moist and bursting with flavor. I love to make this quick treat for breakfast or an afternoon snack, especially alongside a steaming cup of coffee.
5. Magic Pancake Mix Quiche
If you’ve been looking to jazz up your breakfast game, then make room for the Magic Pancake Mix Quiche from Food Network. This clever recipe flips pancake mix into a savory dish that’s just as delicious for brunch as it is for a light dinner.
What I love about this quiche is how customizable it is! You can add your favorite veggies, cheese, or meats, and it comes together so easily. Plus, it always surprises my friends when I tell them it has pancake mix in it!
6. Cake Mix Bars
For a sweet snack that’s both simple and satisfying, try the Cake Mix Bars from Food Network. These bars are incredibly versatile – just choose your favorite cake mix, throw in some add-ins like chocolate chips or nuts, and voilà!
I find these bars to be an excellent solution when I’m in a rush. They’re chewy, decadent, and perfect for sharing or keeping all to yourself!
7. Cake Mix Cranberry Orange Muffins
These Cake Mix Cranberry Orange Muffins from Food Network are simply bursting with flavor! Imagine biting into a soft muffin filled with bright, tart cranberries and a zing of refreshing orange.
I absolutely love these muffins for breakfast or as an afternoon snack with tea. They are super easy to whip up, and I always make a double batch because they disappear faster than I can say “cranberry orange!”
8. Bisquick Peach Cobbler
If you’re a fan of peach cobbler, you must try this Bisquick Peach Cobbler from Food Network. This recipe puts a unique twist on the traditional dessert with a fluffy biscuit topping that pairs beautifully with juicy peaches.
The best part? This cobbler is so quick to throw together, which is a major win for busy days. Plus, have I mentioned how irresistible it is served warm with ice cream?
Pure bliss!
9. Cake Mix Ice Cream Sundae Cake
Say hello to the Cake Mix Ice Cream Sundae Cake from Food Network, a dessert that’s perfect for those who can’t decide between cake and ice cream! This masterpiece is a delightful mix of layers that create a full-blown sundae experience in cake form.
What I find so amazing about this cake is that it’s not only a treat for the taste buds but also a visual delight. You can decorate the top with your favorite sundae toppings like whipped cream, cherries, and sprinkles for extra fun!
10. Pancake Batter Omelet
If you’re in the mood for breakfast with a twist, the Pancake Batter Omelet from Food Network is the way to go! I was skeptical at first, but this combo of sweet and savory is surprisingly delightful.
The fluffy pancake batter brings a touch of sweetness to the dish, while the eggs provide that satisfying protein boost. It’s a great way to kickstart your morning, especially if you’re looking for something different to shake up your breakfast routine.
11. 3-Ingredient Pumpkin Bread
As autumn rolls in, I can’t get enough of this 3-Ingredient Pumpkin Bread from Food Network. Imagine the comforting flavors of pumpkin and spices all packed into a deliciously moist bread!
This recipe is fantastic because it doesn’t require a ton of fuss. Just a box of cake mix, a can of pumpkin, and a couple of spices are all you need for a quick and satisfying treat. I keep coming back to this one year after year!
12. Brownie Lasagna
For those days when you need a serious chocolate fix, you must try the Brownie Lasagna from Food Network. This indulgent dessert is layered with fudgy brownies, creamy filling, and whipped topping—it’s everything you’ve ever wanted in a dessert.
I remember the smile on my friend’s face when I brought this to a gathering. It was an instant hit, and it’s become a go-to recipe that always impresses folks. Don’t forget to serve it chilled for that extra layer of decadence!
13. Pink Champagne Cake
Let’s add a touch of elegance with the Pink Champagne Cake from Southern Living. This cake has such a unique flavor that’s sweet with a touch of bubbly charm, making it perfect for any special occasion.
I always find myself dreaming about the fluffy texture and the subtle sweetness that complements the buttercream frosting beautifully. You won’t just be making a dessert; you’ll be creating a delightful experience!
14. Cupcake Recipes
Indulge your sweet tooth with a variety of Cupcake Recipes from Southern Living. These recipes allow you to get creative with flavors and toppings—each cupcake is like a mini adventure in itself!
From vibrant sprinkles to decadent frostings, I love making a batch of cupcakes for friends and family. They’re easily shareable, and each bite is pure joy!
15. Chocolate Bundt Cake
Next on the list is the rich and decadent Chocolate Bundt Cake from Southern Living. This cake is dense, moist, and full of rich chocolate flavor.
Whenever I’m in need of a chocolate fix, this is my go-to recipe. It’s perfect for any occasion, and when you drizzle some chocolate glaze on top, it transforms into a stunning centerpiece for your dessert table.
16. Lemon Lime Poke Cake
Let’s brighten things up with a Lemon Lime Poke Cake from Southern Living. This cake is incredibly light and refreshing, with a burst of citrus flavor that’s sure to tantalize your taste buds.
I love how simple this cake is to prepare, and it gets even better when you let it chill for a while. It’s a delightful treat for those hot summer days when you need something cool and refreshing!
17. Million Dollar Cake
Next, treat yourself to the opulence of a Million Dollar Cake from Southern Living. This cake combines layers of cake and creamy frostings, creating a dessert that’s rich and indulgent.
What I appreciate about the Million Dollar Cake is how versatile it is. You can swap out flavors and toppings to make it your own, but I think it shines best with a classic vanilla layer and cream cheese frosting!
18. Milky Way Cake
Chocolate lovers, brace yourselves for the Milky Way Cake from Southern Living. This cake is a chocolate lover’s dream, complete with rich, gooey layers that are beyond indulgent.
I remember the first time I made this; it was gone in no time! Its melt-in-your-mouth texture and chocolatey goodness makes it the ultimate treat for any chocolate fan.
19. Red Velvet Cake Mix Cookies
For an adorable and quick dessert, you have to try Red Velvet Cake Mix Cookies from Southern Living. These cookies are soft, chewy, and have that beautiful red hue that makes them such a showstopper!
What I especially love about these cookies is how they’re incredibly easy to prepare, making them perfect for last-minute gatherings or simply to satisfy a sweet tooth. Don’t forget the cream cheese frosting for that perfect finishing touch!
20. Elvis Presley Cake
Next, we’re celebrating flavor inspirations with the Elvis Presley Cake from Southern Living. This cake mixes together classic flavors like banana, peanut butter, and cream cheese frosting for an unforgettable experience.
Trust me, this cake shines not only for its deliciousness but also its creativity. I always get requests for this one, and it brings a smile to everyone’s face!
21. Cheerwine Bundt Cake
Let’s bring a bit of Southern charm to your kitchen with the Cheerwine Bundt Cake from Southern Living. This cake incorporates the unique flavors of Cheerwine soda, leading to a sweet and moist texture that is absolutely delightful.
I first discovered this cake at a family gathering, and it quickly became a favorite. It’s a unique treat that always sparks conversations, plus it looks stunning when presented!
22. Punch Bowl Cake
Rounding out the list is a perennial classic: the Punch Bowl Cake from Southern Living. This layered dessert features cake, fruit, and whipped cream, all beautifully presented in a punch bowl.
I love bringing this to gatherings because it’s visually stunning and incredibly easy to serve. A scoop of this deliciousness is sure to please any group, making it a tried-and-true favorite for many occasions.
23. Texas Sheet Cake Cookies
Finally, you can’t go wrong with a batch of Texas Sheet Cake Cookies from Southern Living. These cookies encapsulate all the rich flavors of the classic Texas sheet cake in a delightful cookie form.
I’m obsessed with these cookies for their tenderness and rich frosting, making them a perfect treat for cookie lovers. Plus, they’re a great way to share that traditional Texas flavor in a fun, approachable format!
Conclusion
To sum it all up, this roundup of 21 cake mix recipes is perfect for anyone looking to whip up delicious desserts without spending countless hours in the kitchen. From cakes and cookies to unique twists on breakfast, these recipes highlight just how versatile and creatively liberating cake mixes can be.
One of my personal favorites has to be the Brownie Lasagna; it’s such a crowd-pleaser! So, which of these recipes are you most excited to try? I’d love to hear your thoughts and any tweaks you make along the way!
Drop a comment below, and let’s inspire each other in our baking adventures!
