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Making a cake using a box mix might be a shortcut, but it certainly doesn’t mean that it can’t be special. There are a lot of ways to use boxed cake mix that go beyond simply baking it in a round cake pan and topping it with store-bought frosting. We’ve created a list of our 10 favorite ways to take boxed cake mix to a whole new level — and some of these might completely surprise you!
Cake in Jars
Cakes on a plate are out. Cakes in a jar are IN. Take all the fun of birthday cake and make it portable by making these in jars. They can serve as a fun party treat for your guests, or even as an individual treat for one.
For a fun surprise, stuff your cake with an array of your favorite candies. Let your guests be surprised when you slice the cake and all the sweet treats come tumbling out!
There’s no better way to vamp up a box mix cake than turning it into soft, chewy cookies. Get all the classic flavors of birthday cake in a bite-sized treat the whole family will love.
An easy way to upgrade a box mix cake is by topping it with a delicious icing. We use Greek yogurt and cream cheese to create a light, fluffy icing that will taste like it came from a professional bakery.
Sweet and tart grapes are an unexpected and delicious addition to these little cakes. Have one for dessert, or pack it for lunch for a sweet afternoon treat.
Take a box of chocolate cake mix and turn it into these ooey-gooey cake squares. A homemade caramel-chocolate frosting makes this treat extra special.
Another unexpected way to transform cake mix is by turning them into waffles. Yes, you read that correctly—make any day special by whipping up these fluffy, cakey waffles. Add the cake batter to a waffle maker and add sprinkles and frosting on top for a breakfast worthy of a celebration.
A box of cake mix is the secret to get the perfectly airy, moist consistency in these whoopie pies. A tangy cream cheese frosting filling adds a pop of brightness to this dessert.
You’ll never guess just how easy it is to make this showstopper cake. Thanks to a box of cake mix, you can have a sweet and tangy dessert that your guests will be talking about for months to come.
Tres leches, which means “three milks,” mixes evaporated, condensed, and whole milk to create a rich and sweet dessert that pairs perfectly with tart citrus. Use a box of cake mix as a sweet shortcut.
