3 Sneaky Ways to Hack a Cake Mix So No One Has a Clue It’s Not From Scratch

From chocolate chip cookies to banana pudding cake and a melted ice cream cake, create cake mix magic with these sneaky cake mix hacks that elevate simple mixes into impressive treats.

If I didn’t know better, I’d swear that cake mixes reproduce in the dark of night on the shelves of my pantry. One day not so long ago, I counted 18 boxes. I did a happy dance. Knowing a few glorious cake mix hacks, one simply cannot have too many cake mixes.

Here’s how that happens: Cake mixes go on sale routinely. One week, it will be Betty Crocker, then Duncan Hines takes its turn, and so on. This week, at my supermarket, Pillsbury cake mixes are on sale for $1.39. That’s a great deal and a good reason to stock up!

Because no one in my family is fond of plain, boring cake from a mix, my challenge has been to find better ways to use mixes than to simply follow the instructions on the box. What follows are my favorite hacks that disguise a mix so well that no one has a clue the delicious cookies and cakes are not from scratch. And you can be sure my lips are sealed.

Hack #1: Cake Mix Chocolate Chip

With just a handful of ingredients and a dash of creativity, you can whip up a batch of these irresistible Cake Mix Chocolate Chip Cookies—where simplicity meets sweetness.

What You’ll Need

• Yellow cake mix, or any flavor (15.25 oz): Different cake mixes may require slight adjustments due to variations like pudding or extra moist types. If the dough is too stiff, add 1-2 tablespoons of water until workable.
• Egg: Just one.
• Butter: Softened, or substitute with 1/2 cup vegetable oil.
• Vanilla extract: Buy in bulk or make your own.
• Milk: Whole milk or substitute with evaporated milk.
• Chocolate chips: Semisweet is the way to go, but feel free to use your favorite kind.
• Nuts: Chopped. I’m partial to walnuts, but any variety will do the trick!

How to Make Cake Mix Chocolate Chip Cookies

Dive into cookie-making mode by preheating the oven to 350°F (or 325°F if you’re using dark or nonstick pans). Now, grab a big bowl and toss in the cake mix, softened butter (or oil), milk, vanilla extract, and egg. Then, give it all a good mix with your electric mixer set to medium speed.

Once your dough is smooth, toss in the chopped nuts and chocolate chips and give it a gentle stir. Now, it’s time to plop spoonfuls of dough onto ungreased cookie sheets, leaving a little wiggle room between each dollop. Pop them in the oven and let them bake for 10-12 minutes until they’re just golden around the edges but still soft in the center—think of them as little cookie clouds!

When they’re done baking, resist the urge to dive in right away and let the cookies cool for just a minute on the sheets. Then, transfer them to a cooling rack to cool completely before storing them away in a covered container. Oh, and here’s a sneaky tip: toss in a piece of bread to keep them fresh and moist for days. Who knew bread could be a cookie’s best friend?

Unlock Creativity with Cake Mix Hacks

You’ll love the versatility of these cake mix cookies! With room for adaptability and exploration, you can customize them to your heart’s content.

For a softer cookie, try using only 1/3 cup butter and 2 eggs, skipping the milk altogether. And here’s a pro tip: to cut down on fat, swap out half of the oil with applesauce (still 1/2 cup total—half butter, half applesauce).

Want to bake up a big batch? No problem! This recipe easily multiplies by starting with two cake mixes and doubling the additions.

Let your imagination run wild with flavor combinations—think carrot cake mix with white chocolate chips or chocolate cake mix with peanut butter chips. With these cake mix cookies, the possibilities are truly endless!

• READ POST: Killer Chocolate Fudge Bundt Cake

Hack #2: Cake Mix Banana Pudding

This fusion of banana bread and cake is guaranteed to win the hearts (and stomachs) of your entire family faster than you can say “seconds, please!”

What You’ll Need

• Spice cake mix:  The spice is the star of the show in this recipe!
• Milk:  Whether you go for whole milk or opt for a dairy-free alternative like soy milk, oat milk, or coconut milk, it’s all good.
• Banana instant pudding: A classic from the folks at Jell-O!
• Vegetable oil: You can also use melted butter as a 1:1 swap for vegetable oil.
• Eggs: You’ll need three of ’em this time around!
• Bananas, mashed: Make sure they’re nice and ripe. Need ’em to ripen up a bit faster? Pop ’em in a closed paper bag with some ethylene-releasing fruits like apples or avocados.
• White frosting: If you don’t have any on hand, no worries—3 tablespoons of powdered sugar will do the trick just fine!

How to Make Cake Mix Banana Pudding

First up, preheat that oven to a toasty 350°F—let’s get this banana party started!

Now, grab a big mixing bowl and mix together the milk and instant pudding until it’s thick. Next, toss in the cake mix, oil, and eggs, and whip it all up with your electric mixer until it’s as smooth.

Once everything’s mixed to perfection, fold in the mashed bananas like you’re tucking them in for a cozy nap. Now, pour the batter into a greased and floured tube or Bundt cake pan.

Pop that bad boy in the oven and let it do its magic for 45 to 50 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

When your cake is hot out of the oven, flip it onto a platter. Once it’s cooled down, spread white frosting or sift powdered sugar over the top for a delightful finish. Enjoy the banana-licious goodness!

• MORE: Let Us Eat Coconut Cake!

 

Hack #3: Melted Ice Cream Cake Mix Hack

This Melted Ice Cream Cake recipe is easily made with cake mix, melted ice cream and eggs. So easy! Cake and ice cream in one!

What You’ll Need

• White cake mix:Keep it simple and let the ice cream flavor shine!
• Melted ice cream, any flavor: Yep, just let it melt.
• Eggs: Three of them.
• Powdered sugar: Also known as confectioner’s sugar.
• Milk:  Whether you go for whole milk or opt for a dairy-free alternative like soy milk, oat milk, or coconut milk, it’s all good.
• Sprinkles: Because what’s an ice cream cake without those fun, colorful sprinkles?

How to Make Cake Mix Melted Ice Cream Cake

Here’s the scoop on making this melted ice cream cake: First, let the ice cream relax at room temperature until it melts into creamy goodness. Then, preheat your oven to 350°F and prep your Bundt pan like a pro—give it a light mist of vegetable oil spray and a sprinkle of flour, then shake off the excess.

Now, grab a big bowl and mix together your cake mix, melted ice cream, and eggs. Beat it up with your electric mixer, starting slow for a minute, then cranking it up for two more until the batter is smooth. Pour the batter into your prepared pan, smoothing it out with a spatula.

Pop it in the oven and bake for 38 to 42 minutes, or until it bounces back when you poke it (just like your friend who always jumps when you say “Boo!”). Once it’s golden and gorgeous, let it cool on a rack for 20 minutes, then flip it out onto another rack and let it chill for another 30.

Now, for the icing on the cake—literally—whisk together powdered sugar and milk until it’s as smooth. Drizzle it all over your cake like you’re Picasso with a pastry bag, and if you’re feeling extra fancy, toss on some sprinkles for a pop of color. Or, keep it classic and dust it with powdered sugar before slicing and serving. Voilà! You’ve got yourself a cake fit for any occasion, whether it’s a birthday bash or just a Tuesday night treat.

 

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