25 Cake Mix Recipes That Will Make Your Taste Buds Dance

I’ve attached a video for every recipe below from my favorite home cooks.

Cake mix is a great starting point for quick and easy desserts. You can transform a simple box mix into amazing treats that taste homemade. With just a few extra ingredients and some creative twists, you can make impressive cakes, cookies, and other goodies that no one will guess started from a mix.

These recipes are perfect for busy bakers or beginners who want to whip up something special without spending hours in the kitchen. From fruity dump cakes to decadent poke cakes, there are endless ways to doctor up a cake mix. You’ll find options for every taste and occasion.

Strawberry Crunch Poke Cake

Ingredients:

• 1 box white cake mix
• Water, oil, and eggs (as called for on cake mix box)
• 1 box strawberry gelatin
• 1 cup boiling water
• 1/2 cup cold water
• 20 Golden Oreos, crushed
• 1/4 cup melted butter
• 2 tablespoons strawberry gelatin powder

Instructions:

1. 
   

   Bake cake according to box directions in a 9×13 inch pan. Let cool.

   
   
2. 
   

   Poke holes all over cake with a fork.

   
   
3. 
   

   Mix 1 box strawberry gelatin with 1 cup boiling water. Stir in 1/2 cup cold water.

   
   
4. 
   

   Pour gelatin mixture over cake, filling holes.

   
   
5. 
   

   Refrigerate cake for 4 hours or overnight.

   
   
6. 
   

   Mix crushed Oreos, melted butter, and 2 tablespoons strawberry gelatin powder.

   
   
7. 
   

   Sprinkle crumb mixture over chilled cake.

   
   
8. 
   

   Serve and enjoy your strawberry crunch poke cake!

   
   

Cake Mix Cookies

You’ll need:

• 1 box cake mix (any flavor)
• 2 eggs
• 1/3 cup vegetable oil

Instructions:

1. 
   

   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

   
   
2. 
   

   Mix the cake mix, eggs, and oil in a bowl until well combined.

   
   
3. 
   

   Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough onto a lined baking sheet.

   
   
4. 
   

   Bake for 10-12 minutes until edges are lightly golden.

   
   
5. 
   

   Let cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before moving to a wire rack.

   
   

Optional: Add 1/2 cup mix-ins like chocolate chips, nuts, or sprinkles to the dough before baking.

Chocolate Cool Whip Cookies

You’ll need:

• 1 box chocolate cake mix
• 1 container (8 oz) Cool Whip
• 1 egg
• Powdered sugar for rolling

Instructions:

1. 
   

   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line cookie sheets with parchment paper.

   
   
2. 
   

   Mix cake mix, Cool Whip, and egg in a large bowl until smooth.

   
   
3. 
   

   Scoop tablespoon-sized balls of dough. Roll each in powdered sugar.

   
   
4. 
   

   Place cookies on prepared sheets, 2 inches apart.

   
   
5. 
   

   Bake for 10-12 minutes until set.

   
   
6. 
   

   Let cool on the pan for a few minutes before moving to a wire rack.

   
   

Lemon Blueberry Poke Cake

Ingredients:

• 1 box lemon cake mix
• Water, oil, and eggs (as called for on cake mix box)
• 2 cups fresh blueberries
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 cup whipped topping
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons lemon zest

Instructions:

1. 
   

   Bake the lemon cake in a 9×13 pan as directed on the box. Let it cool for 15 minutes.

   
   
2. 
   

   Poke holes all over the cake with the back of a wooden spoon.

   
   
3. 
   

   In a saucepan, mix blueberries, sugar, and lemon juice. Cook until thick and jammy, about 5-7 minutes.

   
   
4. 
   

   Let the blueberry mixture cool, then fold in whipped topping.

   
   
5. 
   

   Pour the blueberry mixture over the cake, making sure it seeps into the holes.

   
   
6. 
   

   Mix powdered sugar and lemon zest to make a glaze. Drizzle over the cake.

   
   
7. 
   

   Chill the cake for at least 2 hours before serving. Enjoy your tasty treat!

   
   

Boston Cream Poke Cake

Ingredients:

• 1 box yellow cake mix
• Water, oil, and eggs (as called for on cake mix box)
• 2 boxes (3.4 oz each) instant vanilla pudding
• 3 cups milk
• 1 can sweetened condensed milk
• 1 tub chocolate frosting

Instructions:

1. 
   

   Bake the cake in a 9×13 inch pan as directed on the box.

   
   
2. 
   

   While it’s still warm, poke holes all over with a wooden spoon handle.

   
   
3. 
   

   Mix pudding with milk until thick. Stir in condensed milk.

   
   
4. 
   

   Pour pudding mix over the cake, pushing it into the holes.

   
   
5. 
   

   Chill the cake for 2 hours.

   
   
6. 
   

   Microwave frosting for 10-15 seconds until spreadable.

   
   
7. 
   

   Spread the frosting over the chilled cake.

   
   
8. 
   

   Refrigerate until ready to serve. Enjoy your Boston Cream Poke Cake!

   
   

Apple Cider Donut Cake

Ingredients:

• 1 box yellow cake mix
• 1 cup apple cider
• 1/2 cup applesauce
• 3 eggs
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• Baking spray with flour

Instructions:

1. 
   

   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

   
   
2. 
   

   Mix the cake mix, apple cider, applesauce, and eggs in a large bowl.

   
   
3. 
   

   Add cinnamon, vanilla, and brown sugar to the batter. Stir well.

   
   
4. 
   

   Grease a bundt pan with baking spray.

   
   
5. 
   

   Pour the batter into the pan.

   
   
6. 
   

   Bake for 45 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

   
   
7. 
   

   Let the cake cool in the pan for 20 minutes.

   
   
8. 
   

   Remove from the pan and enjoy your tasty Apple Cider Donut Cake!

   
   

Peach Dump Cake

You’ll need:

• 2 cans sliced peaches in syrup
• 1 box yellow cake mix
• 1 stick butter, cubed
• 1/2 tsp almond extract (optional)
• Cooking spray

Instructions:

1. 
   

   Preheat your oven to 375°F. Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.

   
   
2. 
   

   Pour peaches and syrup into the dish. Add almond extract if using. Stir gently.

   
   
3. 
   

   Sprinkle dry cake mix evenly over peaches.

   
   
4. 
   

   Dot the top with cubed butter.

   
   
5. 
   

   Bake for 45 minutes until golden brown and bubbly.

   
   
6. 
   

   Let cool for 10 minutes before serving. Enjoy!

   
   

Cinnamon Roll Poke Cake

Ingredients:

• 1 box white cake mix
• Water, oil, and eggs (as called for on cake mix box)
• 1 can sweetened condensed milk
• 1/4 cup butter, melted
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon cinnamon
• Pinch of salt
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 2-3 tablespoons milk
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)

Instructions:

1. 
   

   Bake cake as directed on box in a 9×13 inch pan. Let cool for 10 minutes.

   
   
2. 
   

   Poke holes all over cake with a wooden spoon handle.

   
   
3. 
   

   Mix condensed milk, melted butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Pour over cake, letting it soak into holes.

   
   
4. 
   

   Mix powdered sugar and milk to make frosting. Spread over cake.

   
   
5. 
   

   Sprinkle with chopped pecans if desired.

   
   
6. 
   

   Chill for at least 2 hours before serving.

   
   

Enjoy your delicious homemade cinnamon roll poke cake!

Creamsicle Ombre Cake

Ingredients:

• 2 boxes white cake mix
• 1 package orange gelatin
• Water, oil, and eggs (as called for on cake mix boxes)
• Orange food coloring
• 2 cups heavy whipping cream
• 1/4 cup powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. 
   

   Mix cake batter according to box directions. Divide into 3 bowls.

   
   
2. 
   

   Add orange gelatin and food coloring to 2 bowls. Make one dark orange, one light orange.

   
   
3. 
   

   Bake cakes in 3 round pans at 350°F for about 25 minutes.

   
   
4. 
   

   Cool cakes completely.

   
   
5. 
   

   Whip cream with sugar and vanilla until stiff peaks form.

   
   
6. 
   

   Stack cakes: white on bottom, light orange in middle, dark orange on top.

   
   
7. 
   

   Frost entire cake with whipped cream.

   
   
8. 
   

   Chill for 1 hour before serving.

   
   

Enjoy your colorful and tasty Creamsicle Ombre Cake!

Oreogasm Poke Cake

Ingredients:

• 1 box chocolate cake mix
• Ingredients called for on cake mix box
• 1 package instant vanilla pudding mix
• 2 cups milk
• 2 packages Oreo cookies
• 1 container whipped topping

Instructions:

1. 
   

   Bake cake according to box directions in a 9×13 inch pan. Let cool completely.

   
   
2. 
   

   Poke holes all over cake with handle of wooden spoon.

   
   
3. 
   

   Mix pudding and milk. Pour over cake, filling holes.

   
   
4. 
   

   Crush 1 package of Oreos. Sprinkle over cake.

   
   
5. 
   

   Spread whipped topping over crushed cookies.

   
   
6. 
   

   Crush remaining Oreos. Sprinkle on top.

   
   
7. 
   

   Chill for at least 4 hours before serving.

   
   

Enjoy your delicious Oreogasm Poke Cake!

Peanut Butter Chocolate Poke Cake

Ingredients:

• 1 box chocolate cake mix
• 1 cup creamy peanut butter
• 1 package instant chocolate pudding mix
• 2 cups milk
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup chopped peanut butter cups

Instructions:

1. 
   

   Bake the chocolate cake in a 9×13 inch pan according to package directions.

   
   
2. 
   

   Let the cake cool for 10 minutes, then poke holes all over using a wooden spoon handle.

   
   
3. 
   

   Mix pudding mix, 1 1/2 cups milk, and 1/2 cup peanut butter until smooth. Pour over the cake, filling the holes.

   
   
4. 
   

   Chill the cake for 2 hours.

   
   
5. 
   

   Beat remaining peanut butter, powdered sugar, and cream until fluffy. Spread over the chilled cake.

   
   
6. 
   

   Top with chopped peanut butter cups. Serve and enjoy your tasty treat!

   
   

Blueberry Lemon Cake

You’ll need:

• 1 box yellow cake mix
• 1 package instant lemon pudding mix
• 4 eggs
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries

Instructions:

1. 
   

   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a Bundt pan.

   
   
2. 
   

   Mix cake mix, pudding mix, eggs, oil, sour cream, and lemon juice in a large bowl. Beat for 2 minutes until smooth.

   
   
3. 
   

   Gently fold in the blueberries.

   
   
4. 
   

   Pour batter into the Bundt pan. Bake for 50-55 minutes.

   
   
5. 
   

   Let cool for 10 minutes before removing from the pan.

   
   
6. 
   

   Optional: Drizzle with a simple lemon glaze made from powdered sugar and lemon juice.

   
   

Enjoy your moist and tangy Blueberry Lemon Cake!

Cake Mix Brownies

You’ll need:

• 1 box chocolate cake mix
• 1/3 cup vegetable oil
• 2 eggs
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 cup chocolate chips (optional)

Instructions:

1. 
   

   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking pan.

   
   
2. 
   

   Mix the cake mix, oil, eggs, and milk in a large bowl until well combined.

   
   
3. 
   

   Stir in chocolate chips if using.

   
   
4. 
   

   Pour the batter into your prepared pan and spread evenly.

   
   
5. 
   

   Bake for 20-25 minutes. Check with a toothpick – it should come out mostly clean.

   
   
6. 
   

   Let cool before cutting into squares. Enjoy your quick and easy brownies!

   
   

Dutch Oven Chocolate Dump Cake

Ingredients:

• 1 box chocolate cake mix
• 1 can cherry pie filling
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 cup butter, melted
• 1/4 cup sliced almonds (optional)

Instructions:

1. 
   

   Mix pie filling and milk in your Dutch oven.

   
   
2. 
   

   Sprinkle dry cake mix over the filling.

   
   
3. 
   

   Pour melted butter on top. Add almonds if using.

   
   
4. 
   

   Cover and bake for 35-40 minutes until cake is springy.

   
   
5. 
   

   Serve warm, maybe with a scoop of ice cream.

   
   

Red Velvet Jar Cake

You’ll need:

• 1 box red velvet cake mix
• 1 package instant pudding mix
• 1 cup chocolate chips
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Clean glass jars

Instructions:

1. 
   

   Make cake batter as directed on box. Add pudding mix and fold in chocolate chips.

   
   
2. 
   

   Bake cake and let cool. Cut into small cubes.

   
   
3. 
   

   Beat cream cheese and vanilla until smooth.

   
   
4. 
   

   Layer cake cubes and cream cheese mixture in jars.

   
   
5. 
   

   Seal jars and refrigerate until ready to serve.

   
   
6. 
   

   Add a ribbon and spoon for a cute gift!

   
   

Pumpkin Spice Cake

Ingredients:

• 1 box spice cake mix
• 1 can (15 oz) pumpkin puree
• 3 eggs
• 1/3 cup vegetable oil
• 1/4 cup milk
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg

Instructions:

1. 
   

   Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13 inch pan.

   
   
2. 
   

   In a large bowl, mix the pumpkin puree, eggs, oil, and milk.

   
   
3. 
   

   Add the cake mix, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Beat with a mixer for 1 minute.

   
   
4. 
   

   Pour the batter into your greased pan.

   
   
5. 
   

   Bake for 25-30 minutes. Check with a toothpick – it’s done when it comes out clean.

   
   
6. 
   

   Let the cake cool before serving. Enjoy your yummy pumpkin spice cake!

   
   

Pistachio Cake

You’ll need:

• 1 box vanilla cake mix
• 1 box instant pistachio pudding mix
• 3 eggs
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup cold milk
• Green food coloring (optional)

Instructions:

1. 
   

   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.

   
   
2. 
   

   Mix the cake mix and pudding mix in a large bowl.

   
   
3. 
   

   Add eggs, oil, and milk. Stir until well combined.

   
   
4. 
   

   If using, add a few drops of green food coloring for a prettier color.

   
   
5. 
   

   Pour the batter into your prepared pan.

   
   
6. 
   

   Bake for 30-35 minutes. Check with a toothpick – it should come out clean when done.

   
   
7. 
   

   Let the cake cool before frosting or serving.

   
   

Enjoy your homemade pistachio cake!

Berry Dream Cake

Ingredients:

• 1 box white cake mix
• 3 eggs
• 1 1/2 cups fresh strawberries, pureed
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 package strawberry gelatin
• 1 cup boiling water
• 4 cups fresh strawberries, chopped

Instructions:

1. 
   

   Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 13×9-inch baking pan.

   
   
2. 
   

   Mix cake mix, eggs, pureed strawberries, and cream cheese for 2 minutes.

   
   
3. 
   

   Pour batter into pan. Bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown.

   
   
4. 
   

   Dissolve gelatin in boiling water. Let cool slightly.

   
   
5. 
   

   Poke holes in warm cake with a fork.

   
   
6. 
   

   Pour gelatin mixture over cake. Let cool for 15 minutes.

   
   
7. 
   

   Top with chopped fresh strawberries before serving.

   
   

Cranberry Layer Cake

You’ll need:

• 1 box white cake mix
• 3 eggs
• 1 cup water
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1 can (14 oz) cranberry sauce
• 1/2 cup water (for cranberry layer)

Instructions:

1. 
   

   Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease two 9-inch round pans.

   
   
2. 
   

   Mix the cake mix, eggs, 1 cup water, and oil in a bowl. Beat for 2 minutes.

   
   
3. 
   

   Pour the batter into the pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.

   
   
4. 
   

   Let the cakes cool. Remove from pans.

   
   
5. 
   

   In a saucepan, mix cranberry sauce and 1/2 cup water. Heat until blended.

   
   
6. 
   

   Poke holes in the cooled cakes. Pour the cranberry mix over them.

   
   
7. 
   

   Stack the layers and frost as desired. Enjoy your festive cranberry cake!

   
   

Pina Colada Tube Cake

Ingredients:

• 1 box yellow cake mix
• 1 package instant vanilla pudding mix
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup water
• 4 eggs
• 1/4 cup rum (or rum extract)
• 1 cup crushed pineapple, drained
• 1/2 cup cream of coconut

Instructions:

1. 
   

   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a tube pan.

   
   
2. 
   

   Mix cake mix, pudding mix, oil, water, eggs, and rum in a large bowl. Beat on low for 30 seconds, then on medium for 2 minutes.

   
   
3. 
   

   Stir in pineapple and cream of coconut.

   
   
4. 
   

   Pour batter into the prepared pan.

   
   
5. 
   

   Bake for 45-50 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.

   
   
6. 
   

   Cool in the pan for 15 minutes, then remove to a wire rack.

   
   
7. 
   

   Once cooled, dust with powdered sugar or drizzle with a pina colada glaze.

   
   

Pear Upside-Down Cake

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 2-3 ripe pears, sliced
• 1 box yellow cake mix
• 1 cup milk
• 1 egg
• 1 tsp cinnamon

Instructions:

1. 
   

   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

   
   
2. 
   

   Melt butter in a round cake pan in the oven. Sprinkle brown sugar over melted butter.

   
   
3. 
   

   Arrange pear slices in a single layer on top of the sugar mixture.

   
   
4. 
   

   In a large bowl, mix cake mix, milk, egg, and cinnamon until smooth.

   
   
5. 
   

   Pour batter over the pears in the pan.

   
   
6. 
   

   Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

   
   
7. 
   

   Let cool for 5 minutes, then invert onto a serving plate.

   
   
8. 
   

   Enjoy your delicious pear upside-down cake!

   
   

Honey Bun Cake

Ingredients:

• 1 box yellow cake mix
• 4 eggs
• 1 cup sour cream
• 3/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans (optional)

Instructions:

1. 
   

   Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13-inch pan.

   
   
2. 
   

   Mix cake mix, eggs, sour cream, oil, and water in a bowl until smooth.

   
   
3. 
   

   In another bowl, combine brown sugar and cinnamon.

   
   
4. 
   

   Pour half the batter into the pan. Sprinkle the cinnamon mixture on top.

   
   
5. 
   

   Add the rest of the batter. Swirl with a knife for a marbled effect.

   
   
6. 
   

   Bake for 35-40 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.

   
   
7. 
   

   Let it cool before serving. Enjoy your tasty Honey Bun Cake!

   
   

Chocolate-Covered Cake Balls

Ingredients:

• 1 box chocolate cake mix
• 1 cup prepared frosting
• 16 oz chocolate melting wafers
• Sprinkles (optional)

Instructions:

1. 
   

   Bake cake according to box directions. Let cool completely.

   
   
2. 
   

   Crumble cake into fine crumbs in a large bowl. Mix in frosting until well combined.

   
   
3. 
   

   Roll mixture into 1-inch balls. Place on a lined baking sheet and chill for 1 hour.

   
   
4. 
   

   Melt chocolate wafers according to package instructions.

   
   
5. 
   

   Dip each ball into melted chocolate using a fork. Tap off excess.

   
   
6. 
   

   Place dipped balls back on lined sheet. Add sprinkles if desired.

   
   
7. 
   

   Refrigerate until chocolate sets, about 30 minutes.

   
   
8. 
   

   Enjoy your homemade chocolate-covered cake balls!

   
   

Funfetti Cheesecake

Ingredients:

• 1 box Funfetti cake mix
• 16 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup rainbow sprinkles
• 8 oz whipped topping

Instructions:

1. 
   

   Prepare cake mix according to box directions. Bake in a 9-inch springform pan.

   
   
2. 
   

   Let cake cool completely.

   
   
3. 
   

   Beat cream cheese and sugar until fluffy.

   
   
4. 
   

   Add eggs one at a time, mixing well.

   
   
5. 
   

   Stir in sour cream, vanilla, and sprinkles.

   
   
6. 
   

   Pour mixture over cooled cake.

   
   
7. 
   

   Bake at 350°F for 60-70 minutes until center is slightly jiggly.

   
   
8. 
   

   Cool completely, then chill for at least 4 hours.

   
   
9. 
   

   Top with whipped topping and extra sprinkles before serving.

   
   

Giant Twinkie Bundt Cake

Ingredients:

• 1 box yellow cake mix
• 1 box instant vanilla pudding mix
• 4 eggs
• 1/2 cup melted butter
• 1 cup water
• Cooking spray

Filling:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 7 oz marshmallow creme
• 2 cups powdered sugar
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 2-3 tbsp heavy cream (if needed)

Instructions:

1. 
   

   Preheat your oven to 350°F. Spray a Bundt pan with cooking spray.

   
   
2. 
   

   Mix cake mix, pudding mix, eggs, melted butter, and water in a large bowl until smooth.

   
   
3. 
   

   Pour batter into the Bundt pan. Bake for 25-35 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.

   
   
4. 
   

   Let the cake cool completely.

   
   
5. 
   

   For the filling, beat butter until fluffy. Add marshmallow creme, powdered sugar, and vanilla. Mix until smooth.

   
   
6. 
   

   Cut the cooled cake in half horizontally. Spread the filling between layers and on top.

   
   
7. 
   

   Chill for 30 minutes before serving. Enjoy your giant Twinkie cake!