13 Cake Mix Recipes That Make Baking Quicker

Cake mix is more than just the base for a simple cake, it’s a shortcut to everything from cookies and bars to donuts and whoopie pies. These recipes use boxed mix to keep things easy without sacrificing flavor or texture. With just a few ingredients, you can turn cake mix into soft cookies, chewy bars, or fluffy mug cakes in no time. Whether you’re baking for fun, a last-minute treat, or a quick dessert fix, these ideas help you get creative fast.

Chocolate Cake Mix Cookies

These cookies start with a chocolate cake mix and bake into soft, rich rounds. They’re deeply chocolatey with a fudgy center. Add-ins like chocolate chips or nuts work well here. No one will know they started with a box.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Cake Mix Cookies

Cake Mix Coffee Cake

A yellow cake mix forms the base for this buttery coffee cake with a cinnamon sugar swirl. The crumb stays soft while the topping gets a nice crunch. It’s simple to prep and serve warm. Great for brunch or dessert.
Get the Recipe: Cake Mix Coffee Cake

Honey Bun Recipe with Yellow Cake Mix

This version of a honey bun cake uses boxed mix for a shortcut to sweet, swirled perfection. A cinnamon sugar layer runs through the middle. It finishes with a light glaze on top. It’s soft, sweet, and comes together quickly.
Get the Recipe: Honey Bun Recipe with Yellow Cake Mix

Butter Pecan Cake Mix Cookies

These cookies are soft, chewy, and loaded with buttery pecan flavor. The mix gives them a tender base that’s easy to work with. Toasted pecans add a crunchy finish. A cozy cookie with minimal effort.
Get the Recipe: Butter Pecan Cake Mix Cookies

Microwave Mug Cake with Cake Mix

With just cake mix, water, and a microwave, you can have dessert in under 2 minutes. The result is soft and spongy with just the right amount of sweetness. Perfect for single servings. Add chocolate chips or frosting for a little extra.
Get the Recipe: Microwave Mug Cake with Cake Mix

Cake Mix Mug Cake

Another take on mug cake, this one gives you flexibility with flavor. Choose your favorite cake mix and microwave a warm treat fast. It’s soft, fluffy, and ready in minutes. No oven required.
Get the Recipe: Cake Mix Mug Cake

Cake Mix Snickerdoodles: The Easiest Cookies You’ll Ever Make

Cake mix makes these snickerdoodles chewy and quick to pull together. Each cookie gets rolled in cinnamon sugar before baking. They puff up slightly and stay soft. A classic cookie with way less effort.
Get the Recipe: Cake Mix Snickerdoodles: The Easiest Cookies You’ll Ever Make

Funfetti Cake Mix Whoopie Pies

Bright and festive, these whoopie pies sandwich frosting between soft Funfetti rounds. The cake mix keeps the texture light. Rainbow sprinkles make them extra fun. Great for parties or bake sales.
Get the Recipe: Funfetti Cake Mix Whoopie Pies

Cake Mix Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

Yellow cake mix creates a buttery base for these cookie bars. Chocolate chips melt into the dough for a soft, chewy bite. No scooping needed—just press and bake. Great for slicing and sharing.
Get the Recipe: Cake Mix Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

5-Ingredient Lemon White Chocolate Cookies With Cake Mix

These cookies mix lemon cake mix with white chocolate chips for a bright, citrusy treat. They stay soft in the middle with golden edges. The flavor is sweet with just a little tang. An easy cookie with fresh taste.
Get the Recipe: 5-Ingredient Lemon White Chocolate Cookies With Cake Mix

Chocolate Cake Mix Brownies.

Cake mix forms the base of these rich, fudgy brownies. The texture stays soft with a bit of chew on the edge. No need to melt chocolate or measure cocoa. Just mix, bake, and cool.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Cake Mix Brownies.

Cake Mix Donuts

These baked donuts use cake mix to keep things light and easy. The texture is soft with a slight crust on the outside. Dip in glaze or sprinkles once cooled. A great choice for quick breakfasts or snacks.
Get the Recipe: Cake Mix Donuts

Cake Mix Pumpkin Whoopie Pies (So Good!)

Spiced cake mix forms the soft shells of these pumpkin whoopie pies. A cream filling gets sandwiched in between. The result is sweet, spiced, and easy to hold. Perfect for fall baking or gifting.
Get the Recipe: Cake Mix Pumpkin Whoopie Pies (So Good!)