16 Creative Recipes Using White Cake Mix

From Bundt cakes and tortes to cookies and cupcakes, these recipes using white cake mix turn a simple box into bakery-worthy desserts.

The quietest box in the pantry, a basic white cake mix, has a way of surprising once it’s prepared, baked and sliced. Quick white cake mix ideas lean into that blank-slate quality, turning simple ingredients into tortes, Bundts and layered cakes that feel more like weekend bakery treats than a weeknight pantry cleanout.

Our cake mix recipes keep the foundation simple, allowing every flavor to stand out. Coconut cream cake layers a soft milk-soaked base with whipped topping and toasted coconut. Cranberry cake brightens the table with tart fruit, orange zest and a thick sweep of cream cheese frosting. Rainbow cake hides soft pastel stripes beneath clouds of cream. Strawberry lemon cupcakes tuck citrus into the crumb and finish with frosting that tastes like real fruit. These quick baking recipes show off a cake mix’s best traits—a light texture, gentle sweetness and the ability to carry bold add-ins.

These easy desserts with cake mix also pair well with creamy accompaniments, like a scoop of ice cream next to a warm slice or a dollop of whipped cream just before serving. Seasonal twists like pumpkin spice, cranberry or peppermint add a special touch. They also complement other easy pantry desserts, proving that with a white cake mix on hand, simple ingredients can create desserts that are flavorful and full of personality.

1/16

Funfetti Pancakes

Total Time:20 min
Servings:6
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: For my kids' birthdays, I like to make these cake mix pancakes. Frosting and more sprinkles seal the deal! —Dina Crowell, Fredericksburg, Virginia
2/16

Spumoni Torte

Total Time:55 min
Servings:16
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: I made up this recipe to end a big Italian Christmas Eve dinner. I thought it would be nice and light after a heavy meal. The cake frosts the best when it’s been stored in the freezer for a day. —Lynne Ogg, East Bethel, Minnesota
3/16

Strawberry Lemon Cupcakes

Total Time:40 min
Servings:2 dozen
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: My granddaughter Sydney has acquired a love of baking. While I was visiting her in Tampa, we made these light, fluffy cupcakes. She's a natural—they turned out fantastic! —Lonnie Hartstack, Clarinda, Iowa
4/16

Pistachio Bread

Total Time:55 min
Servings:2 loaves (12 pieces each)
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: I love making many of these special loaves to give away for the holidays. They also freeze well, so it is easy to pull out for unexpected guests. —Judy Fischer, Green Bay, Wisconsin
5/16

Pina Colada Tube Cake

Total Time:1 hour
Servings:12
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: We named this a pina colada cake because it has coconut, pineapple and rum. It’s a soothing finish at the end of a big spread. —Debra Keil, Owasso, Oklahoma
6/16

Root Beer Float Cake

Total Time:45 min
Servings:15
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: I add root beer to both the cake batter and fluffy frosting of this summery dessert to get that great root beer float taste. Serve this moist cake to a bunch of hungry kids and watch it disappear! —Kat Thompson, Prineville, Oregon
7/16

Cranberry Layer Cake

Total Time:50 min
Servings:16
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: I adapted a Bundt cake recipe to create this layer cake. Cranberries, walnuts and homemade frosting make it taste so delicious that you’d never guess it starts with a convenient cake mix. —Sandy Burkett, Galena, Ohio
8/16

Pear Bundt Cake

Total Time:1 hour 5 min
Servings:16
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: Next time you make cake from a mix, try my easy and delicious recipe. The pears and syrup add sweet flavor and prevent the cake from drying out. And since there’s no oil added to the batter, this tender fall-perfect cake is surprisingly low in fat. —Veronica Ross, Columbia Heights, Minnesota
9/16

Pistachio and Coconut Cake

Total Time:1 hour
Servings:16
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: This coconut cake is good any time of the year, but the color is perfect for St. Patrick's Day. The secret is adding pistachio instant pudding mix to the cake mix and the frosting. —Dora May Meredith, Rockford, Illinois

Find even more cake mix recipes made with pudding!

10/16

Sweet Potato Cheesecake Brownies

Total Time:1 hour 5 min
Servings:2 dozen
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: If you're looking for something other than pumpkin, these sweet potato bars are a yummy alternative. Make them ahead—they're even better refrigerated overnight. —Debbie Glasscock, Conway, Arkansas
11/16

Cherry Poke Cake

Total Time:45 min
Servings:20
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: I serve this cherry cake for holidays because it's so festive and easy. No one will know your secret is adding a package of cherry gelatin to a boxed cake mix! —Margaret McNeil, Germantown, Tennessee
12/16

Coconut Cream Cake

Total Time:40 min
Servings:15
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: Have the urge to splurge? Try this moist and mouthwatering cake. No one who's ever eaten a piece can believe it's lower in fat. —Deborah Protzman, Bloomington, Illinois
13/16

Cookies and Cream Cake

Total Time:55 min
Servings:12
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: If you like cookies and cream ice cream, you'll love this cake. Chocolate sandwich cookies are mixed into the batter and pressed into the sweet and creamy frosting for a fun look. —Pat Habiger, Spearville, Kansas
14/16

Raspberry Cake

Total Time:45 min
Servings:16
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: Jazz up plain cake with raspberry gelatin and frozen berries. Spread with a light and fruity whipped topping (or this whipped topping substitute), the festive results make a cool and refreshing dessert. —Marion Anderson, Dalton, Minnesota
15/16

Rainbow Cake with Clouds

Total Time:1 hour 10 min
Servings:16
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: Some cakes stand on their own without icing. For this bright Rainbow Cake, use a little whipped cream to make fluffy clouds. —Janet Tigchelaar, Jerseyville, Ontario
16/16

Eggnog Tres Leches Cake

Total Time:1 hour 5 min
Servings:15
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: When the holidays roll around, my family eagerly anticipates sampling this cake. Its rich eggnog flavor is delightful. —Jan Valdez, Chicago, Illinois

Recipes Using White Cake Mix FAQ

What creative dessert recipes can I make using a box white cake mix?

You can make creative dessert recipes like whoopie pies, layered trifles or cake mix doughnuts using a box white cake mix. Box cake mix also works well in cake mix cookie bars, layered with sweetened condensed milk and chocolate chips. Or, try easy cake mix cupcakes topped with colorful decorations for parties or holidays. A mix’s neutral flavor makes it easy to build on, whether adding citrus zest, crushed cookies or flavored extracts. For a simple twist, bake and crumble the cake to use as a base for parfaits or cake pops. It is great for bite-sized treats or repurposing leftovers.

How do I make white cake mix taste homemade?

To make a white cake mix taste homemade, swap in milk or buttermilk for the water and use melted butter instead of oil. Stir in a teaspoon of homemade vanilla extract or a pinch of salt to deepen the flavor. For more moisture, fold in sour cream, citrus zest or even a packet of instant pudding. If baking cupcakes or layer cakes, line your pans with parchment. Then let the cakes cool completely before frosting for a polished, bakery-style finish.

How do I store baked goods made with cake mix?

The best way to store baked goods made with cake mix is in airtight containers at room temperature for up to three days. Frosted cakes and cream-filled treats are better kept in the refrigerator. For longer storage, wrap unfrosted cakes or cupcakes tightly in storage wrap and foil, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll stay fresh for up to two months in the freezer, just thaw at room temperature before serving.