- Cake Mix Cinnamon Rolls
- Caramel Brownies III
- Bar Cookies from Cake Mix
- Substitutions and Variations for Cake Cookie Bars
- How to Store Cake Mix Bars
- Common Questions
- You Need to Try These Shortcuts
Desserts Using Cake Mix Boxes are basically a lifesaver when you’re staring at your empty pantry, totally zapped after a long week, and still want something sweet. You know those nights when you crave dessert but you’re NOT interested in a hundred-step recipe? I live there. Seriously, box cake can turn into the coolest treats ever with almost no effort. Sometimes I wonder how I survived college without these hacks.
Cake Mix Cinnamon Rolls
Okay, let’s be real. Fresh cinnamon rolls can be a hot mess to make from scratch. But if you have some cake mix sitting in the cabinet, you’re halfway there. Mix up your favorite yellow or white cake mix with yeast and a little water—my aunt swears by using milk instead, but I just stick to water because I’m lazy (and, you know, lactose happens). Once you’ve got your dough sticky, you roll it out and just slather on brown sugar and cinnamon like you’re painting a masterpiece. Oh, and don’t skimp on the butter. These get super fluffy in the oven. When they’re warm and gooey, slap on a quick powdered sugar glaze. Nobody at brunch will ever know. Seriously, I brought these to my Sunday crew and my friend texted, “Cinnamon roll queen!” and I blushed.
Caramel Brownies III
One bite. That’s all it took for my cousin to declare “these are better than any five-star restaurant.” Dramatic? Maybe, but these caramel brownies really are the definition of easy indulgence. Just grab a chocolate cake mix box, stir in eggs, oil, maybe a splash of strong coffee if you’re brave (it wakes up the chocolate, trust me). Half the batter goes in the pan—doesn’t have to be neat—then pour a thick rope of caramel sauce over it (homemade, store bought, whatever’s closest). Add the rest of the batter. Bake it up and let that caramel work its sticky magic. They get fudgy in the center but still cakey around the edges… perfect mess.
“My teenage son HATES anything I make with shortcuts, but he gobbled two squares before I even got them out of the pan. These brownies are now my secret weapon.” — Sandra
Bar Cookies from Cake Mix
Let’s talk wild flavors. You know those cake mix boxes you see on the clearance rack in oddball flavors, like lemon or red velvet? Grab those. You just mix the dry cake mix with melted butter and one egg. If it’s too dry, honestly, just add a splash of milk (don’t fuss about measuring). Spread it onto a greased pan, bake till the edges brown up, and that’s it. Sometimes I’ll jazz them up with whatever’s hanging out in my cabinet—mini marshmallows, peanut butter chips, broken pretzel bits. I promise, they disappear every time at potlucks. Kids swarm these. Adults act suspicious but then ask for the recipe. Magic? Maybe, or just cake mix.
Substitutions and Variations for Cake Cookie Bars
So if you feel like playing around, here are a few swaps that I KNOW work (from too many late night experiments):
- Need dairy-free? Use coconut oil instead of butter—makes them a little tropical too, not mad about it.
- Want more protein? Stir in a handful of nuts or a scoop of peanut butter.
- Going gluten-free? Pick a gluten-free cake mix and keep the rest the same.
Mixing it up this way means no two batches ever taste the same. Sometimes the “accident” bars end up better than the planned ones.
How to Store Cake Mix Bars
Here’s a little wisdom that comes from many, many late-night fridge raids: cake mix bars don’t love being left out. After they cool, stash them in an airtight container. Room temp is fine for a day or maybe two if you don’t live somewhere super muggy (trust me, Florida humidity turns them into glue). For longer storage, I toss them in the freezer, wrapped tight. When you want one, pop in the microwave for a few seconds—they taste fresh-baked again.
Common Questions
Q: Can I use any cake mix flavor?
A: Yep! Whatever flavor you’ve got stashed works. Even spice cake in fall… total game changer.
Q: Do I ALWAYS have to follow the box instructions?
A: Not really. These recipes are about shortcuts, so swap, add, subtract. Just make sure you have a mix of wet stuff (eggs, oil, etc.) and the cake mix itself.
Q: How do I keep mix-ins from sinking?
A: Toss them with a little flour or even the dry cake mix before folding them in. Works like magic.
Q: Is homemade better than box mix?
A: Honestly? Sometimes. But busy weeknights and last-minute guests don’t leave time for all that. No judgment here!
Q: Dairy allergy in the house, what’s safe?
A: Use a dairy-free cake mix (most store brands have one) and swap butter for oil or vegan margarine.
You Need to Try These Shortcuts
There’s no shame in using a box mix. I’d argue some of these desserts using cake mix boxes are tastier than ones from scratch—and your “wow, that was easy” grin will prove it. Take a quick scroll through YouTube if you want a walkthrough or grab those clearance cake mixes next grocery run. Try ‘em once and you’ll see—easy desserts can feel like little victories. For more smart dessert hacks, check out this cake mix guide or browse my favorite quick treats. Get messy, have fun, and send me your wildest cake mix inventions next!
Cake Mix Dessert Hacks
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl
- Baking Pan
- Oven
Ingredients
Cake Mix Cinnamon Rolls
- 1 box yellow or white cake mix
- 1 packet yeast
- 1 cup water (or milk)
- brown sugar, cinnamon, butter for filling
- powdered sugar glaze for topping
Caramel Brownies III
- 1 box chocolate cake mix
- 2-3 eggs
- oil as directed on cake mix
- 1 splash strong coffee optional, enhances chocolate flavor
- caramel sauce homemade or store-bought
Bar Cookies from Cake Mix
- 1 box cake mix (any flavor)
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup melted butter (or coconut oil)
- mix-ins chocolate chips, marshmallows, nuts, pretzels, etc.
Instructions
- Cake Mix Cinnamon Rolls: Mix cake mix, yeast, and water (or milk). Knead into dough. Roll out and spread with butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Roll, slice, and bake until fluffy. Top with powdered sugar glaze.
- Caramel Brownies III: Mix chocolate cake mix with eggs, oil, and coffee if using. Spread half in baking pan, drizzle caramel sauce over, then cover with remaining batter. Bake until fudgy in center and cakey at edges.
- Bar Cookies from Cake Mix: Mix dry cake mix with melted butter and one egg. If too dry, add splash of milk. Spread in greased pan, add optional mix-ins, and bake until edges brown.
- Storage: Keep bars in an airtight container at room temp up to 2 days, or freeze for longer storage. Microwave briefly before serving to refresh.