Cake Mix Dessert Hacks
Box cake mixes are a lifesaver when you want dessert fast with minimal effort. From cinnamon rolls to caramel brownies and easy cookie bars, these shortcuts transform a humble box mix into crowd-pleasing treats.
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.
Notes
Substitutions: use coconut oil for dairy-free, nuts/peanut butter for extra protein, or gluten-free cake mix as needed. Toss mix-ins in flour to prevent sinking.