Box Cake Mix Recipes + Tips

Box cake mix recipes are the perfect solution when you want something simple, dependable, and delicious. With just a few pantry ingredients and easy shortcuts, you can turn a basic cake mix into a dessert that tastes homemade. Below you’ll find my favorite cake mix baking tips along with a collection of easy cake mix desserts. Cakes, cookies, bars, and more. All made to keep baking stress-free.

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Which cake mix is the best?

Cake Mix Baking Tips

These simple upgrades aren’t meant to be used all at once. Choose one or two, experiment, and see what you like best. Even a small change can make a box cake mix taste homemade.

• ADD LEMON ZEST: Citrus brightens the taste of just about anything you’re cooking. My favorite hack is to add a heaping tablespoon of lemon zest and a tablespoon of lemon juice to a white cake mix. (Pictured in the two images above.) I serve it topped with Cool Whip, and extra lemon zest. Orange zest and orange juice is delicious too!
• ADD AN EXTRA EGG: Adding an extra egg will help hold the cake batter together. Some cakes have more air than others, and the extra egg adds denseness…and therefore the cake is more moist.
• SUBSTITUTE MILK FOR THE WATER: Using milk instead of water makes for a richer flavor. It also thickens the batter, which results in a moister cake.
• ADD ONE TEASPOON OF VANILLA: Vanilla is an ingredient that can be added to all baked goods with amazing results. My best tip is to buy good quality, pure vanilla extract…or even better, make your own. Just combine vanilla beans and vodka in a bottle or jar, let it set for a few months, and you will have the best vanilla ever!
• SUBSTITUTE MELTED BUTTER FOR THE OIL: Substituting butter for the oil works miracles, and makes the cake taste like it was made from scratch. Make sure to double the amount. For example, if your cake mix calls for 1/3 cup oil, use 2/3 cups melted butter.
• SUBSTITUTE APPLESAUCE FOR THE OIL: Substituting applesauce (equal amounts) for the oil will drastically cut down on the fat and calories. Although I wouldn’t consider cake a healthy food, using applesauce instead of oil or butter is a good way to make cake less of a splurge! (Make sure to use ample cooking spray on your pan beause the fat content is much less without the oil.)
• GLUTEN-FREE: To make a gluten-free/vegan cake, just use a gluten-free cake mix and substitute one 13.5 oz. can of coconut milk for all other ingredients. Bake according to package directions.
• USE ONE CAN OF DIET SODA AS A SUBSTITUTE FOR ALL LISTED INGREDIENTS: To make a very low calorie, low fat cake, all you do is combine any SUGAR FREE cake mix with one 12 oz. can of diet soda. Once the two ingredients are in the bowl, beat the mixture on medium speed for the designated time…it’s usually two minutes. This will make a 9 x 13 sheet cake, or a layer cake. Divided into ten pieces, each piece calculates out to 130 calories, or about 4 Weight Watchers points.
• ADD A BOX OF INSTANT PUDDING: Adding a 3.4 oz box of instant pudding to any box cake mix will add extra moisture and give it a denser texture.
• LOCK IN MOISTURE: When you take your cake out of the oven, let it cool for about five minutes. Then cover the baking dish loosely with wax paper. This traps the steam and keeps the cake incredibly moist.
• LIGHTEN STORE-BOUGHT FROSTING: Mix one can of frosting with half of an 8-ounce container of whipped topping. The result is light, fluffy, and much easier to spread.
• LOW-CALORIE OPTION: If you’re watching calories, try the “can of pop” method mentioned above. It’s a simple way to lighten things up without sacrificing flavor.

Cake Mix Desserts

Simple ingredients. No complicated steps. Just dependable desserts that always turn out. Here are my favorite cake mix recipes all in one place.

Chocolate Chip Banana Bread

There are times when you want a homemade treat, but you don’t want a long list of ingredients or extra steps. This chocolate chip banana bread is one of those recipes that comes together quickly, using a cake mix and a few simple additions that make all the difference.

Lemon Bundt Cake

This lemon bundt cake starts with a simple cake mix and finishes with a bright glaze. If you love fresh citrus flavor, this easy Lemon Bundt Cake Recipe is light, moist, and perfect for spring gatherings.

Simplified Berry Chantilly Cake

This shortcut version of a bakery favorite delivers beautiful layers and fresh berry flavor without complicated steps. The Simplified Berry Chantilly Cake Recipe proves that semi-homemade can still feel special.

Chocolate Pudding Cake

With just five ingredients, this rich and moist chocolate cake comes together in minutes. The Chocolate Pudding Cake Recipe is a dependable dessert when you need something quick.

PUMPKIN SNICKERDOODLE CUPCAKES

These fall-favorite cupcakes start with a cake mix and bake up soft and flavorful with cream cheese frosting. The Pumpkin Snickerdoodle Cupcakes Recipe is perfect for gatherings.

LEMON COOKIES (MADE WITH CAKE MIX)

Soft and full of bright citrus flavor, these Lemon Cookies Recipe are quick, simple, and almost impossible to resist.

CAKE MIX COOKIE BARS

Rich, chewy, and baked in a simple 9×13-inch pan, the Cake Mix Cookie Bars Dessert Recipe is an easy crowd-pleaser.

LAYERED PUMPKIN DESSERT

This layered dessert comes together quickly and makes a wonderful Thanksgiving treat. The Layered Pumpkin Dessert with Yellow Cake Mix is easy to assemble and easy to love.

PUMPKIN CREAM CHEESE MUFFINS

Moist and flavorful with a creamy center, the Cake Mix Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffins Recipe works beautifully for breakfast or dessert.