We love a shortcut, especially when the end result is something mouthwateringly delicious. From pancakes and cookies to waffles and fudge, all you need to whip up these yummy creations is a box of cake mix (plus a few kitchen staples). And don’t worry—these recipes look and taste like the real deal, meaning that no one (not even your mother-in-law) will guess that they weren’t made from scratch. Sweet.
15 Weird but Wonderful Ways to Use Cake Mix
Published May 8, 2017
If You Give a Blonde a Kitchen
Birthday Cake Mix Waffles
Topped with maple syrup, whipped cream and rainbow sprinkles, natch.
Get the recipe
Cake Batter Dip
So much fun(fetti).
Cake Batter Cookies
Serve with a glass of cold milk, or make 'em into the prettiest ice-cream sandwiches.
Easy Lemon Meringue Cupcakes
Whip up a batch of these beauties when you want to impress guests but are short on time.
Cake Batter Fudge
The sweetest party favor treat.
Cake Mix Cookies
The opportunities are endless.
Cake Mix Pancakes
Red velvet for breakfast? Count. Us. In.
Skinny Confetti Cake Batter Milkshakes
The spiral sprinkle glasses are actually surprisingly easy to make. (And don't they look cute?)
Pip and Ebby
Strawberry Cake Mix Brownies
A new take on an old classic.
Get the recipe
Peach and Plenty
Cake Batter French Macarons
We’ll take two, s'il vous plaît.
Get the recipe
Cake Mix Doughnuts
Cronuts? Yawn. This is the combo we’ve been waiting for.
Pumpkin Cake Mix Cinnamon Rolls
These babies need to be prepped the night before, but they’re totally worth the extra effort.
Lazy Cookie Bars
Chewy, gooey bites of deliciousness.
Cake Batter Ice Cream
A no-churn treat the whole family will love.
Four-ingredient Lemon Cookies
They’re light and airy, so it’s fine to eat five.
More Stories You'll Love
What Are the Best Steak Cuts for Grilling? From Ribeye to Tri-Tip, Here Are 10 We Love
What’s New at Trader Joe’s in June? Breaded Cheddar Cheese Curds, Tomato-Burrata Ravioloni and More
The Secret to an Incredible Pizza? This Ultra-Portable Ooni Koda 16 Oven
How to Make Upside-Down Pastries, AKA the TikTok Food Trend That’s Ideal for Summer Entertaining
The 10 Best Dairy-Free Yogurts You Can Buy
92 Easy Summer Desserts to Devour from Now Until Labor Day