15 Creative Cake Mix Recipes for Simple Homemade Treats

Cake mix isn’t just for cakes, it’s a versatile shortcut for creating a variety of sweet treats quickly and easily. From soft cookies and brownies to coffee cakes and muffins, there are endless ways to turn a simple mix into something special. This roundup features 16 delicious and approachable cake mix recipes that are perfect for holidays, everyday baking, or satisfying your sweet tooth with minimal effort.

Strawberry Lemonade Cake Mix Crinkle Cookies

These cookies combine bright, tangy lemon flavor with bursts of sweet strawberry. The crinkled tops give them a fun texture and a homemade appearance. They are soft on the inside and lightly crisp on the edges. Each bite balances fruity notes with the sweetness of the cake mix base.
Get the Recipe: Strawberry Lemonade Cake Mix Crinkle Cookies

Cake Mix Coffee Cake

This coffee cake uses a cake mix as a base for an effortless morning treat. Cinnamon and sugar create a streusel topping that adds crunch and flavor. It bakes up soft and fluffy, perfect for slicing. It pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee or tea.
Get the Recipe: Cake Mix Coffee Cake

Honey Bun Recipe with Yellow Cake Mix

Yellow cake mix transforms into a sweet, sticky honey bun with swirls of cinnamon. A simple glaze enhances the flavor and gives it a glossy finish. The rolls come out soft and tender with a caramelized edge. They are great for breakfast or a snack any time of day.
Get the Recipe: Honey Bun Recipe with Yellow Cake Mix

Chocolate Cake Mix Cookies

These cookies are rich and chocolatey with a soft, chewy texture. The cake mix keeps them simple while still delivering bold flavor. Each cookie has a deep cocoa taste that chocolate lovers will appreciate. They are quick to mix and bake for an easy treat.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Cake Mix Cookies

Crinkle Grinch Cookies – Easy Cake Mix Cookies

These festive cookies are green and fun, perfect for holiday tables. Powdered sugar dusting creates a crinkled effect as they bake. The cake mix keeps them soft and tender inside. Their playful color and texture make them a conversation starter.
Get the Recipe: Crinkle Grinch Cookies – Easy Cake Mix Cookies

Cake Mix Mug Cake

A mug cake made from cake mix is ready in minutes for a single-serving dessert. It is light and spongy, with a texture similar to a traditional baked cake. You can customize it with chocolate chips, sprinkles, or frosting. It is ideal when you want a quick treat without making a whole cake.
Get the Recipe: Cake Mix Mug Cake

Red Velvet Brownies with Cake Mix

These brownies combine the classic red velvet flavor with the fudgy texture of brownies. They bake up thick and soft, with a rich color that makes them visually appealing. The recipe is simple but delivers a luxurious dessert. They can be cut into squares and shared easily.
Get the Recipe: Red Velvet Brownies with Cake Mix

Butter Pecan Cake Mix Cookies

Butter and pecans create a nutty, rich flavor in these soft cookies. The cake mix gives them a tender crumb that melts in your mouth. They have a subtle sweetness balanced by the roasted nuts. Each bite is a combination of buttery texture and crunchy pecans.
Get the Recipe: Butter Pecan Cake Mix Cookies

Oatmeal Cake Mix Cookies

Oats add chewiness and texture to these cake mix cookies. The simplicity of the base allows you to add spices or extras like raisins or nuts. They bake into golden, slightly crisp edges with a soft center. They are hearty and satisfying for an afternoon treat.
Get the Recipe: Oatmeal Cake Mix Cookies

Easy Pumpkin Bread With Cake Mix

Pumpkin puree transforms a simple cake mix into a moist, flavorful loaf. Spices like cinnamon and nutmeg enhance the seasonal flavors. The bread is soft and slices easily for snacking or breakfast. It creates a warm, inviting aroma as it bakes.
Get the Recipe: Easy Pumpkin Bread With Cake Mix

Funfetti Cake Mix Whoopie Pies

These whoopie pies are colorful and playful with sprinkles baked right in. Cake mix makes the cake-like cookies soft and tender. A sweet filling sandwiched between the cookies adds creaminess. They are fun to assemble and serve at gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Funfetti Cake Mix Whoopie Pies

Cake Mix M&M Christmas Cookie Recipe | Santa’s Cookies

Bright M&Ms add a festive touch to these cake mix cookies. The cookies are soft, with just enough chew to hold the candies in place. They are colorful and eye-catching on a cookie tray. Easy to make, they bring a bit of holiday cheer to any table.
Get the Recipe: Cake Mix M&M Christmas Cookie Recipe | Santa’s Cookies

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

These snickerdoodles have the classic cinnamon sugar coating. Cake mix simplifies the process while maintaining a soft, chewy texture. The cookies rise beautifully and keep their shape. They are fragrant and sweet without being overwhelming.
Get the Recipe: Cake Mix Snickerdoodles: The Easiest Cookies You’ll Ever Make

5-Ingredient Lemon White Chocolate Cookies With Cake Mix

Only five ingredients are needed for these bright lemon cookies with white chocolate chunks. The cake mix base keeps them soft and easy to handle. Lemon zest adds a citrusy punch, and the chocolate balances the tartness. They are simple, refreshing, and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: 5-Ingredient Lemon White Chocolate Cookies With Cake Mix

Chocolate Cake Mix Brownies.

These brownies are rich, fudgy, and chocolate-forward. Cake mix creates a base that is easy to prepare and bake. Each square has a dense, chewy texture that holds together well. They can be enjoyed plain or with a drizzle of chocolate or nuts.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Cake Mix Brownies.