75 Desserts That Start with Cake Mix

From the Recipe Creator: “I always set aside some of my fresh-picked blueberries to make this quick and easy dessert,” says Leona Luecking, West Burlington, Iowa. Lemon flavor sparks the fruit layer and the tender cake.

From the Recipe Creator: These cake mix brownies are a mash-up of two of my favorite desserts. A woman I worked with gave me a recipe for chocolate caramel brownies, and I have a recipe for yellow cake mix bars. I wondered what they would taste like together, so I tried it—and I’ve been making them ever since! —Staci Mergenthal, Verdi, Minnesota

From the Recipe Creator: My mother-in-law loves chocolate-covered cherries, and I used to make this chocolate cherry dump cake every year for her birthday. Now we've moved away, but I make this for my kids on her birthday and they still feel near her. —Angela Lively, Conroe, Texas

From the Recipe Creator: I love to make these red velvet jar cakes for friends, family and teachers. Red velvet is my favorite during the holidays, but you can use any cake and frosting flavors you like. Then dress up the jars with homemade labels and ribbons for gifting. Don't forget to tie a spoon to the jar; everyone likes to dig right in! —Lillie Collier, Mobile, Alabama

From the Recipe Creator: We sometimes call this pumpkin spice cake "Thanksgiving Cake" because it's a tasty alternative to pie, but we don't relegate it to just that holiday. I think you'll agree it's delicious any time of the year. —Kathy Rhoads, Circleville, Ohio

From the Recipe Creator: I love making many of these special loaves to give away for the holidays. They also freeze well, so it is easy to pull out for unexpected guests. —Judy Fischer, Green Bay, Wisconsin

From the Recipe Creator: This decadent treat is the perfect sweet to make your birthday special. Or prepare it ahead and package it as a surprise gift for a friend. —Rashanda Cobbins, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

From the Recipe Creator: Rhubarb thrives in my northern garden and is one of the few crops the pesky moose don't bother! Of all the desserts I've tried, this rhubarb custard cake is my first choice. It has old-fashioned appeal but is so simple to prepare. —Evelyn Gebhardt, Kasilof, Alaska

From the Recipe Creator: Who can resist soft chocolate sandwich cookies filled with a layer of fluffy white frosting? Mom has made these for years. They're a treat that never lasts very long with my two brothers and me around. —Maria Costello, Monroe, North Carolina

From the Recipe Creator: There's always room for dessert—especially when it's this eye-catching angel food cake roll. We like strawberry yogurt in the filling, but other flavors work well, too. —Joan Colbert, Sigourney, Iowa

From the Recipe Creator: My mother used to love making this easy pineapple sunshine cake in the summertime. It's so cool and refreshing that it never lasts very long! —Kathleen Worden, North Andover, Massachusetts

From the Recipe Creator: Turn a box of red velvet cake mix into this easy dessert—or breakfast! The icing tastes good and makes a pretty contrast with the rolls. —Erin Wright, Wallace, Kansas

From the Recipe Creator: I created this cake for a holiday potluck one year. It has become one of my most requested desserts. If you prefer, you can use all semisweet chips instead of a mix. —Lisa Renshaw, Kansas City, Missouri

From the Recipe Creator: It always seems like my rhubarb goes bad in a hurry, so I was looking for a simple way to combine two of my favorite flavors in an incredibly easy dessert. I added extra spices to enhance the flavor of this strawberry-rhubarb dump cake for a sweet treat my whole family loved! —Jessica Bridge, Grand Junction, Colorado

From the Recipe Creator: This margarita cake is perfect for a picnic on a warm day. You’ll be surprised at how closely it tastes like the real thing. These other margarita dessert recipes are delicious, too. ?—Dawn Lowenstein, Huntingdon Valley, Pennsylvania

From the Recipe Creator: This dump cake recipe is wonderful topped with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. It works well with sugar-free and gluten-free cake mixes too. —Karin Gatewood, Dallas, Texas

From the Recipe Creator: For my kids' birthdays, I like to make these cake mix pancakes. Frosting and more sprinkles seal the deal! —Dina Crowell, Fredericksburg, Virginia

From the Recipe Creator: The divine flavors of this simple Black Forest cake will impress your guests and leave you with many requests for the recipe! —Kimberly Campbell, Wheeling, West Virginia

From the Recipe Creator: This easy dessert pairs the juicy, tart flavor of citrus with a silky, rich cream cheese filling. It can get tossed together in 10 minutes or less and baked and ready to devour in under an hour! If you love lemon and cream cheese, this dump cake is just the ticket. —Lee LaRosa, Hammonton, New Jersey

From the Recipe Creator: I created this recipe based on our family's love of chocolate-dipped ice cream cones. Red heart-shaped sprinkles make them fun for Valentine's Day. Vary the color to match the occasion. —Jennifer Gilbert, Brighton, Michigan

From the Recipe Creator: I’m from Ohio, and we love our buckeye candy! Buckeyes are a delicious combination of peanut butter and chocolate, which is exactly what this cookie is. All you need is a box of cake mix, a few common pantry ingredients, and voila—you have a tasty dessert ready for family and friends in under an hour. You can customize it, too, by substituting other mix-ins for the chocolate chips. We serve it warm with ice cream or whipped cream. —Arianna Harding, Cincinnati, Ohio

From the Recipe Creator: Homemade banana cream pie is my mom’s specialty, and this dreamy dessert has a wonderful banana flavor. It looks so pretty, and it cuts easily too. —Jodi Grable, Springfield, Missouri

From the Recipe Creator: These strawberry brownies are actually more like blondies, since they don't call for cocoa powder. Instead, this recipe uses strawberry cake mix and white chocolate chips to create vibrant and sweet bars for berry lovers. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin

From the Recipe Creator: Just a handful of ingredients come together to make this easy-to-assemble dessert that’s perfect for rhubarb season. The rhubarb provides that tangy, tart bite, while the strawberry Jell-O and white cake mix give a sweet, buttery balance. —Julie Andrews, Rockford, Michigan

From the Recipe Creator: I got this recipe for coconut cake from a co-worker years ago, then I changed it up a bit by adding a family favorite: butterscotch. It’s super easy to throw together and it makes a perfect accompaniment to coffee or tea. —Marina Castle Kelley, Canyon Country, California

From the Recipe Creator: I prepare this colorful dessert quite often in the late spring or summer when fresh rhubarb is abundant. I make this rhubarb cake with cake mix and take it to church potlucks. People actually line up for a piece. —Bonnie Krogman, Thompson Falls, Montana

From the Recipe Creator: These chewy cookies are my husband's favorite, so he requests them often. I like to make the macaroons on cold winter days and keep them in an airtight bowl on the kitchen counter. They never last long! —Peggy Key, Grant, Alabama

From the Recipe Creator: Guests make sure to save room for this light and moist cake with its refreshing mint flavor and chocolate glaze. Its seasonal look makes it perfect for Christmas…a holiday birthday party…or other festive gatherings!

From the Recipe Creator: Years ago, I used to prepare a dessert similar to this in the oven. Oh, it was so good. I converted the recipe to use my pressure cooker and now we can enjoy it quickly. Try it also with white cake mix and blueberry pie filling. Best served warm with ice cream or whipped cream. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas

From the Recipe Creator: Made with nothing more than a can of pumpkin and a box of spice cake mix, these simple pumpkin muffins are easy, fluffy and endlessly versatile. You can add raisins, chocolate, nuts and more. —Lauren Habermehl, Pewaukee, Wisconsin

From the Recipe Creator: In my search for the perfect mocha cheesecake, I ended up combining a few of my favorite recipes to create this delicious version. It’s as much a feast for the eyes as for the palate! —Sue Gronholz, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin

From the Recipe Creator: This creamy, cakey, sweet-tart dessert is wonderfully easy to assemble and always a crowd-pleaser. Spoon into bowls while it’s still warm and dollop with whipped cream. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

From the Recipe Creator: I use cherry gelatin to give a boxed cake mix an eye-appealing marbled effect. It's so festive-looking. Top it with whatever fruit you like! —Margaret McNeil, Germantown, Tennessee

From the Recipe Creator: Everyone loves red velvet, but any cake mix can work here. I've even rolled chopped macadamia nuts into pineapple cake and dipped them into white chocolate. Whatever you do, have fun! —Anne Powers, Munford, Alabama

From the Recipe Creator: My mom serves this nutty coffee cake for Christmas breakfast each year. The simple recipe is a big timesaver on such an event-filled morning. Everyone loves the crunchy topping. —Becky Wax, Tuscola, Illinois

From the Recipe Creator: Here's a recipe that will bring back memories of your childhood. Banana flip snack cakes taste just like the banana flips we used to eat when we were kids. —Berta Hagen, Int'l Falls, Minnesota

From the Recipe Creator: How can a recipe so effortless turn out so indulgent? That’s the beauty of this dump cake, which becomes cobbler-like in the oven, rich with sweet and juicy blackberries and a crisp, caramelized topping. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

From the Recipe Creator: This quick cake has lots of delicious apples, sweet potatoes, spices, pecans and caramel. mdash;Kathy Specht, Clinton, Montana

From the Recipe Creator: This moist and delicious chocolate cake is usually the first dessert to go. People even eat the crumbs. It’s always my top choice for holiday dinners. —Ellen Riley, Murfreesboro, Tennessee

From the Recipe Creator: I received this recipe from a co-worker who made these heavenly bars for a potluck. Since they combine two favorite flavors—chocolate chip cookies and cheesecake—in one bite, they were a hit with our three grown children. —Jane Nolt, Narvon, Pennsylvania

From the Recipe Creator: Jazz up plain cake with raspberry gelatin and frozen berries. Spread with a light, fruity whipped topping (or this whipped topping substitute), the festive results make a cool and refreshing dessert. —Marion Anderson, Dalton, Minnesota

From the Recipe Creator: These super fun waffles—soft on the inside, crisp on the outside—taste just like cake batter! They are quick to whip up anytime but would make birthday mornings feel even more special. —Andrea Fetting, Franklin, Wisconsin

From the Recipe Creator: I'm a special education teacher and we bake these bars in my life skills class. It 's an easy recipe that my special-needs students have fun preparing. —Jennifer Peters, Adams Center, New York

From the Recipe Creator: When one of my daughters is asked to bring a dish to a church function, a birthday party or any special occasion, she asks me for this recipe. It is so easy to prepare because it starts with a cake mix. It doesn't need icing, so it's perfect for bake sales too. —Brenda Melancon, McComb, Mississippi

From the Recipe Creator: Using a packaged cake mix speeds up the preparation time of this tasty pear and pecan upside-down cake. This moist cake is pretty to look at and luscious, too. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

From the Recipe Creator: This is my favorite recipe for bake sales and bazaars. Each delightfully sweet chocolate cookie has a fun caramel surprise in the middle, thanks to Rolo candy. Dipped in pecans before baking, they look so nice that they sell in a hurry. —Melissa Vannoy, Childress, Texas

From the Recipe Creator: My boys went through a phase where they loved Butterfingers. We made Butterfinger shakes, muffins, cookies and experimented with different bars; this one was voted the best of the bunch. Make sure you have an extra candy bar on hand because it’s hard to resist a nibble or two while you’re chopping. —Barbara Leighty, Simi Valley, California

From the Recipe Creator: These apple pie cupcakes are always a hit! They are so easy to make and the flavor just screams fall. Of course, they're equally delicious any other time of year. —Jennifer Stowell, Deep River, Iowa

From the Recipe Creator: When my husband and our three sons sit down to dinner, they ask, "What's for dessert?" I have a happy group of guys when I report that these rich bars are on the menu. They're chockfull of yummy ingredients. —Lee Ann Karnowski, Stevens Point, Wisconsin

From the Recipe Creator: These white chocolate-drizzled cookies are a cinch to make, so I’m happy to whip up a batch any time. My neighbors always look forward to them! —Ginger Chatfield, Muscatine, Iowa

From the Recipe Creator: Next time you make cake from a mix, try my easy and delicious recipe. The pears and syrup add sweet flavor and prevent the cake from drying out. And since there's no oil added to the batter, this tender fall-perfect cake is surprisingly low in fat. —Veronica Ross, Columbia Heights, Minnesota

From the Recipe Creator: You’ll need just four ingredients to make these delightful lemon snowflake cookies. Confectioners’ sugar highlights the cracked tops to give them their snowflake appearance. —Linda Barry, Dianna, Texas

From the Recipe Creator: I was given a bottle of Irish cream liqueur as a gift and had leftover peppermint candy, so I created this delicious trifle. It's always rich and decadent. —Margaret Wilson, Sun City, California

From the Recipe Creator: This warm Dutch oven cobbler is one of our favorite ways to end a busy day of fishing, hiking, swimming or rafting. It's yummy with ice cream—and so easy to make! —June Dress, Boise, Idaho

From the Recipe Creator: I always make this treat for Thanksgiving. A friend gave me the recipe, and I've since shared it with many others. —Sue Williams, Mount Holly, North Carolina

From the Recipe Creator: Bring these extra special cupcakes to your next event and watch how quickly they disappear! With a caramel topping and spice cake base, they're the perfect mix of two favorite fall treats. —Diane Halferty, Corpus Christi, Texas

From the Recipe Creator: A neighbor gave me this recipe years ago and it's been in flavor rotation ever since. It can be made ahead and serves a bunch, so it's perfect for parties and potlucks. —Marina Castle, Canyon Country, California

From the Recipe Creator: With its big butterscotch and chocolate flavor, my cookie stands out. I like to enjoy it with a glass of milk or a cup of coffee. It’s my fallback recipe when I’m short on time and need something delicious fast. —Allie Blinder, Norcross, Georgia

From the Recipe Creator: I adapted a Bundt cake recipe to create this layer cake. Cranberries, walnuts and homemade frosting make it taste so delicious that you'd never guess it starts with a convenient cake mix. —Sandy Burkett, Galena, Ohio

From the Recipe Creator: We named this a “pina colada” cake because it has coconut, pineapple and rum. It’s a soothing finish at the end of a big spread. —Debra Keil, Owasso, Oklahoma

From the Recipe Creator: I first tasted this incredible coffee cake when a kind neighbor brought it by. It was so good that my brother-in-law tried hiding it from us so he wouldn’t have to share. —Arlene Isaac, Crooked Creek, Alberta

From the Recipe Creator: These easy cookies use only five ingredients and taste very similar to a store-bought cookie. Of course, everything's better from your own kitchen! —Crystal Schlueter, Northglenn, Colorado

From the Recipe Creator: Your guests will be delighted with my bars. They are packed with nuts and dried fruit. I think that when you take a bite of this treat it’s like a mini-vacation to a Polynesian paradise. —Jeanne Holt, Mendota Heights, Minnesota

From the Recipe Creator: I first tried tres leches cake while I was in Ecuador several years ago. Since then, I’ve changed it up by adding some of my favorite ingredients, namely chocolate and coconut. This version also has a splash of rum for an adults-only treat. —Lisa Varner, El Paso, Texas

From the Recipe Creator: I love the excellent texture of this easy cinnamon coffee cake recipe. Always a crowd-pleaser, its pleasing vanilla flavor enriched by sour cream may remind you of breakfast at Grandma's! Make it the night before a holiday to save time in the morning. —Eleanor Harris, Cape Coral, Florida

From the Recipe Creator: These big, soft spice cookies created by our staff have a sweet frosting that makes them an extra-special treat. Enjoy! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

From the Recipe Creator: A friend gave me this recipe several years ago. She said a local minister's wife fixed it every Sunday, so she named it accordingly. —Mary Ann Potter, Blue Springs, Missouri

From the Recipe Creator: I take these quick and easy treats to church meetings, potlucks and housewarming parties. I often make a double batch so we can enjoy some at home. —Kimberly Biel, Java, South Dakota

From the Recipe Creator: I enjoy experimenting with cake mixes to make new cookie recipes. I love apricot, but feel free to fill the thumbprint in the center of these goodies with any fruit preserve you like. —Nancy Johnson, Laverne, Oklahoma

From the Recipe Creator: At my annual holiday party, these cookies are a big hit with everyone, especially when I mix festive food coloring or crushed candy canes into the filling. —Amy Martin, Vancouver, Washington

From the Recipe Creator: I serve this cherry cake for holidays because it's so festive and easy. No one will know your secret is adding a package of cherry gelatin to a boxed cake mix! —Margaret McNeil, Germantown, Tennessee

From the Recipe Creator: I heard this cookie recipe over the radio about 1950—shortly after my husband and I married. The big spicy treats are so nice and chewy, they remain my favorite to this day. —Sandy Pyeatt, Tacoma, Washington

From the Recipe Creator: I add root beer to both the cake batter and fluffy frosting of this summery dessert to get that great root beer float taste. Serve this moist cake to a bunch of hungry kids and watch it disappear! —Kat Thompson, Prineville, Oregon

From the Recipe Creator: I take this dessert to work for Friday pick-me-ups. It's one of my favorite yellow cake bar recipes. I love to share them because they're so easy to eat, easy to make and easy on the wallet. —Amy Rose, Ballwin, Missouri