27 Yellow Cake Mix Desserts

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Yellow cake mix: it’s the humble box sitting in your pantry, full of possibilities.

While it’s a classic base for a birthday cake, there’s so much more you can do with it! From cookies to cobblers, donuts to decadent bars, yellow cake mix is the ultimate shortcut ingredient for whipping up crowd-pleasing desserts without the hassle of starting from scratch.

Whether you’re looking for a quick treat to satisfy your sweet tooth or an impressive dessert to bring to a gathering, this versatile pantry staple is the key to countless creative recipes.

In this blog, we’ve rounded up 27 mouthwatering yellow cake mix desserts that will transform this everyday mix into something extraordinary.

Yellow Cake Mix Desserts

1. Cake Mix Cookie Bars

Transform yellow cake mix into chewy, rich cookie bars with minimal effort.

All you need is a box of cake mix, a couple of eggs, melted butter, and chocolate chips.

Combine these ingredients to form a thick dough, press it into a greased baking dish, and bake until golden brown.

The result? Perfectly soft and gooey bars that taste like a cross between a cookie and a brownie.

Try adding nuts, caramel bits, or white chocolate chips for some extra flair.

2. Snickerdoodle Bars

Turn your favorite cinnamon-sugar cookies into a bar version using yellow cake mix!

Mix the cake mix with eggs and butter to form a dough, then press it into a baking pan.

Before baking, sprinkle a generous layer of cinnamon sugar on top for that classic snickerdoodle flavor.

These bars are chewy, sweet, and just a little spicy perfect for a cozy afternoon snack.

3. Peanut Butter Cake Mix Cookies

If you love peanut butter, these cookies are for you.

Combine yellow cake mix with peanut butter, eggs, and a splash of vanilla.

The dough comes together quickly, and you can roll it into balls before pressing a fork on top to create the signature peanut butter cookie pattern.

Bake until lightly golden and enjoy these soft, peanut-buttery treats.

4. Funfetti Bars

Add a pop of color to your dessert table with these funfetti bars.

Start with a box of yellow cake mix, then stir in sprinkles and a handful of white chocolate chips.

Bake the batter in a rectangular pan, and once cooled, slice it into bars.

These treats are vibrant, chewy, and perfect for birthdays, celebrations, or whenever you need a little fun.

5. Cake Mix Chocolate Chip Cookies

Yes, you can make chocolate chip cookies with yellow cake mix! Mix the cake mix with butter and eggs, then fold in chocolate chips.

The result is a batch of cookies that are soft and slightly cakey, with plenty of melty chocolate in every bite.

These cookies come together in no time, making them ideal for last-minute dessert cravings.

6. Peach Cobbler

Peach cobbler couldn’t be easier with yellow cake mix.

Simply pour a can of peaches (with the syrup) into a baking dish, sprinkle the cake mix on top, and drizzle with melted butter.

Bake until the topping is golden and the peaches are bubbling.

Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a dessert that tastes like summer.

7. Apple Crisp

Make a quick and delicious apple crisp by layering spiced apple pie filling in a baking dish, topping it with yellow cake mix, and then adding melted butter.

As it bakes, the cake mix forms a golden, crisp topping that pairs perfectly with the tender apples.

Add a dollop of whipped cream or ice cream for the ultimate comfort dessert.

8. Berry Dump Cake

This dump cake is as easy as its name suggests.

Combine frozen mixed berries and sugar in a baking dish, top with yellow cake mix, and pour melted butter evenly over the top.

Bake until the topping is crisp and golden, and the berries are bubbling.

It’s sweet, tart, and utterly irresistible.

9. Cherry Cobbler

For cherry cobbler, layer cherry pie filling in a baking dish and sprinkle yellow cake mix on top.

Drizzle with melted butter and bake until golden brown.

The sweet cherries and buttery topping make a deliciously simple dessert that’s perfect for any occasion.

10. Cake Mix Cheesecake Bars

Use yellow cake mix to create a simple yet indulgent cheesecake bar.

Mix the cake mix with butter and eggs to form a crust, press it into a pan, and top it with a creamy cheesecake layer made from cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla.

Bake until set, then chill before slicing into bars.

They’re rich, creamy, and utterly satisfying.

11. Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars

Add a seasonal twist to your cheesecake bars by incorporating pumpkin puree and spices.

Use yellow cake mix as the base, then layer it with a spiced pumpkin cheesecake mixture.

These bars are perfect for fall gatherings or anytime you’re craving warm, cozy flavors.

12. Lemon Cream Pie Bars

Brighten up your dessert menu with lemon cream pie bars.

Combine yellow cake mix with butter and eggs to form a crust, then top with a lemon pudding and whipped cream mixture.

Chill before serving to let the flavors meld.

These bars are refreshing and perfect for citrus lovers.

13. Cinnamon Streusel Muffins

Whip up bakery-style muffins by mixing yellow cake mix with cinnamon and nutmeg, then topping each muffin with a crumbly streusel made of butter, sugar, and flour.

Bake until golden and enjoy these spiced, tender muffins with your morning coffee.

14. Lemon Cupcakes

For light and zesty lemon cupcakes, mix lemon juice and zest into yellow cake mix batter.

Bake in cupcake liners and top with a tangy cream cheese frosting.

These cupcakes are bright, fluffy, and perfect for spring or summer.

15. Banana Muffins

Got ripe bananas? Mash them up and mix them into yellow cake mix to create moist banana muffins.

Add chopped nuts or chocolate chips for extra flavor.

They’re perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert.

16. Carrot Cupcakes

Add grated carrots, cinnamon, and nutmeg to yellow cake mix for quick carrot cupcakes.

Bake until fluffy and top with a rich cream cheese frosting.

These are a hit at parties and a great way to sneak in some veggies.

17. Pineapple Upside-Down Cake

This retro dessert is as tasty as it is beautiful.

Arrange pineapple rings and maraschino cherries in the bottom of a baking pan, sprinkle with brown sugar, and pour yellow cake mix batter over the top.

Bake until golden and flip it upside down for a stunning presentation.

18. Boston Cream Poke Cake

Start with a baked yellow cake and poke holes all over it.

Pour vanilla pudding over the top, letting it seep into the cake.

Chill, then frost with chocolate ganache.

It’s creamy, chocolatey, and always a crowd-pleaser.

19. Strawberry Shortcake Cake

Layer fluffy yellow cake with fresh strawberries and whipped cream for a simple yet elegant dessert.

It’s light, refreshing, and perfect for summer gatherings.

20. Butter Pecan Cake

Mix chopped pecans and brown sugar into yellow cake batter for a rich, nutty flavor.

Top with buttercream frosting and more pecans for a decadent treat that’s sure to impress.

21. Spice Cake

Add pumpkin spice or cinnamon to yellow cake mix for a warm, cozy dessert.

Top with cream cheese frosting for a classic finish, or keep it simple with a dusting of powdered sugar.

22. Cinnamon Roll Bread

Swirl cinnamon sugar into yellow cake batter before baking to create a quick cinnamon roll-inspired bread.

Drizzle with a simple powdered sugar glaze for a sweet, breakfast-worthy treat.

23. Banana Bread

Upgrade banana bread by using yellow cake mix as the base.

Mix in mashed bananas and bake until golden.

Add chocolate chips or walnuts for extra texture and flavor.

24. Lemon Loaf

Create a light and tangy lemon loaf by mixing lemon juice, zest, and a splash of milk into yellow cake mix.

Bake in a loaf pan and drizzle with a sweet lemon glaze.

25. Chocolate Chip Bundt Cake

Add chocolate chips to yellow cake mix and bake in a bundt pan for a simple, elegant dessert.

Drizzle with chocolate glaze or dust with powdered sugar for a finishing touch.

26. Orange Dreamsicle Bundt Cake

Combine orange juice and zest with yellow cake mix for a cake that tastes like a dreamsicle.

Bake in a bundt pan and glaze with a sweet orange icing for a citrusy dessert.

27. Rum Bundt Cake

Mix rum into yellow cake batter and bake in a bundt pan.

Once baked, soak the cake with a buttery rum glaze for a moist, flavorful dessert that’s perfect for celebrations.