18 Decadent Desserts That Start With White Cake Mix

Sometimes, you just need a little help from a box of white cake mix to create something truly decadent. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just looking for an easy dessert to create, these recipes are perfect for any occasion. From fruity cobblers to elegant layer cakes, there’s something here for everyone. Each dessert in this list starts with a simple white cake mix, but the results are anything but basic. You won’t believe how easy and tasty these treats can be!

Pineapple Upside-Down Cake

This classic dessert starts with 1 box of white cake mix (15.25 oz) mixed with 3 eggs and 1/3 cup vegetable oil. In a cast-iron skillet, melt 1/4 cup of butter and combine it with 1/2 cup of brown sugar, then arrange 1 can of pineapple slices (20 oz) and maraschino cherries in the bottom of the pan. Pour the prepared cake mix over the fruit and bake at 350°F for 35-40 minutes until golden. Once baked, allow the cake to cool for a few minutes, then invert it onto a serving plate to reveal the caramelized pineapple and cherry topping. The combination of buttery cake with the sweet, caramelized fruit is irresistible, delivering a rich tropical flavor in every bite.

Tiramisu Layer Cake

For a quick and decadent version of tiramisu, start with 1 box of white cake mix (15.25 oz) and bake as instructed. Once cooled, soak the cake layers with a mixture of 1/2 cup brewed espresso and 2 tablespoons of coffee liqueur. For the filling, mix 8 oz of mascarpone with 1/2 cup powdered sugar and 1 cup heavy cream until fluffy. Layer the soaked cake with the mascarpone mixture and dust with cocoa powder between each layer. After assembling the cake, dust the top with additional cocoa powder for a perfect finish. This cake blends the rich coffee flavors of tiramisu with the fluffy texture of a layer cake, making it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.

Coconut Poke Cake

This tropical treat starts with 1 box of white cake mix (15.25 oz) baked according to package instructions. Once baked, poke holes all over the cake and pour a mixture of 1/2 cup coconut milk and 1/2 cup sweetened condensed milk over the top. Let the cake absorb the liquid before topping it with 1 cup of whipped cream and 1/2 cup toasted coconut flakes. The result is an ultra-moist cake with a strong coconut flavor that is light, creamy, and perfect for summer gatherings. The toasted coconut adds a satisfying crunch that complements the soft cake layers.

Cherry Dump Cake

This incredibly easy dessert combines 1 can of cherry pie filling (21 oz) with 1 box of white cake mix (15.25 oz). Spread the cherry pie filling in the bottom of a baking dish, then evenly sprinkle the dry cake mix on top. Dot the surface with 1/2 cup of sliced butter and bake at 350°F for 45 minutes until the top is golden brown and the cherries are bubbling. The cake mix forms a crispy, buttery crust over the sweet, tangy cherries. It’s a perfect quick dessert that delivers both texture and flavor with minimal effort.

Lemon Blueberry Cake

For a fresh, fruity dessert, mix 1 box of white cake mix (15.25 oz) with the zest of 2 lemons and 1 cup of fresh blueberries. Bake the cake according to package instructions at 350°F for 30-35 minutes. While the cake cools, prepare a glaze with 1/2 cup powdered sugar and 2 tablespoons lemon juice. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake for a bright, zesty finish that complements the burst of sweetness from the blueberries. The lemon and blueberry combination provides a refreshing contrast that’s light yet satisfying.

Easy Apple Crisp

This simple apple crisp starts with 6 cups of sliced apples tossed in 1/4 cup sugar and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. Spread the apples in a baking dish and top with a mixture of 1 box white cake mix (15.25 oz), 1/2 cup oats, and 1/2 cup melted butter. Bake at 350°F for 45 minutes until the top is golden and crispy. The warm, spiced apples become soft and juicy while the cake mix and oats form a crunchy, buttery topping. Serve with vanilla ice cream for a comforting and delicious dessert.

Cake Mix Cookies

To make easy cake mix cookies, combine 1 box of white cake mix (15.25 oz) with 1/2 cup vegetable oil and 2 eggs to form a dough. Mix in your choice of add-ins, such as 1 cup of chocolate chips, nuts, or sprinkles. Drop spoonfuls of the dough onto a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 10-12 minutes until the edges are golden. These cookies are soft and chewy with a slightly crisp edge, offering a quick and customizable treat perfect for any occasion.

Pistachio Cake with Frosting

This nutty cake begins with 1 box of white cake mix (15.25 oz) combined with 1 box of pistachio pudding mix (3.4 oz) for added flavor and color. Bake the cake as directed, then frost with a mixture of 1 cup heavy cream, 1 box of pistachio pudding mix (3.4 oz), and 1/2 cup powdered sugar whipped together until fluffy. The pistachio flavor in both the cake and frosting creates a light, creamy dessert with a subtle nutty taste that’s perfect for special occasions. Garnish with chopped pistachios for an extra burst of flavor and texture.

Best Ever Piña Colada Cake

This tropical cake starts with 1 box of white cake mix (15.25 oz) mixed with 1 cup of coconut milk and 1/2 cup of pineapple juice. Once baked, the cake is topped with a coconut cream frosting made by mixing 1 cup of coconut cream, 1/2 cup powdered sugar, and 1 cup heavy cream whipped to soft peaks. The cake is then garnished with 1/2 cup of toasted coconut flakes. The result is a moist, flavorful cake that combines the sweet and tangy flavors of pineapple with the rich creaminess of coconut. Every bite transports you to the tropics, making it perfect for summer parties or a refreshing dessert.

Strawberry Sheet Cake

For this simple yet delicious dessert, start with 1 box of white cake mix (15.25 oz) combined with 1 cup of fresh strawberry puree. Bake the batter in a sheet pan at 350°F for 25-30 minutes until golden and cooked through. Once the cake is cooled, top it with a frosting made from 1 cup butter, 4 cups powdered sugar, and 1/4 cup strawberry puree. The cake is moist and sweet with a rich strawberry flavor that shines through in both the cake and frosting. It’s the perfect choice for a spring or summer celebration, with its light, fruity taste and gorgeous pink hue.

Sweetheart Cupcakes

These charming cupcakes are made by preparing 1 box of white cake mix (15.25 oz) according to the package instructions. Once baked, the cupcakes are frosted with a mixture of 1 cup butter, 4 cups powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons milk, and a drop of red food coloring for a pink hue. The cupcakes are then decorated with heart-shaped sprinkles, perfect for Valentine’s Day or any special occasion. Each bite is a soft, sweet experience with the perfect amount of creamy frosting to complement the fluffy cake. Their vibrant color and tender texture make them an instant hit at any gathering.

Italian Lemon Cream Cake

To make this sophisticated dessert, prepare 1 box of white cake mix (15.25 oz) and add the zest and juice of 2 lemons. After baking, frost the cake with a lemon buttercream made by mixing 1 cup butter, 3 cups powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, and 1 tablespoon lemon zest. The result is a moist, citrusy cake with a fresh, tangy flavor that pairs beautifully with the rich, creamy buttercream. It’s a light yet flavorful dessert, perfect for summertime or any occasion that calls for a bright, elegant dessert.

Cherry Crunch Cake

This simple dessert starts with 1 can of cherry pie filling (21 oz) spread into the bottom of a baking dish. Top with 1 box of white cake mix (15.25 oz), then drizzle 1/2 cup of melted butter over the top. Bake at 350°F for 40-45 minutes until the topping is golden and crisp. The result is a warm, bubbly cherry filling with a buttery, crunchy cake topping. The contrast between the sweet, syrupy cherries and the crispy cake mix makes this an irresistible dessert that’s perfect for a quick, fuss-free treat.

White Tres Leches Cake

For a rich and creamy treat, bake 1 box of white cake mix (15.25 oz) as directed. Once cooled, poke holes in the cake and pour a mixture of 1 cup evaporated milk, 1 cup sweetened condensed milk, and 1/2 cup heavy cream over the top. Let the cake soak for at least 2 hours, then top with whipped cream made from 1 cup heavy cream and 2 tablespoons powdered sugar. The result is a soft, moist cake that’s drenched in sweet milk and topped with fluffy whipped cream. This dessert is incredibly rich and decadent, with a melt-in-your-mouth texture.

Neapolitan Bundt Cake

This visually stunning dessert starts with 1 box of white cake mix (15.25 oz) divided into three equal portions. Add 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder to one portion, 1/4 cup strawberry puree to another, and leave the third portion plain. Layer the three batters in a greased Bundt pan and bake at 350°F for 40-45 minutes until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. The result is a beautiful cake with distinct chocolate, strawberry, and vanilla layers. Each bite is a delightful mix of classic flavors with a light, tender texture that’s sure to impress.

Easy Peach Cobbler with Cake Mix

For a quick and delicious peach cobbler, start with 1 can of peach slices (21 oz) in syrup, spread into a baking dish. Top with 1 box of white cake mix (15.25 oz), then drizzle 1/2 cup of melted butter evenly over the top. Bake at 350°F for 40-45 minutes until the top is golden and crispy. The cobbler features a soft, syrupy peach filling underneath a crunchy cake topping. The contrast between the juicy peaches and the crisp topping creates a delightful balance of textures and flavors, perfect for any summer gathering.

Hamburger Cake

This whimsical cake starts with 1 box of white cake mix (15.25 oz), baked into two round cake layers. The layers are then decorated with buttercream frosting in colors that mimic the appearance of a hamburger, with yellow for cheese, red for ketchup, green for lettuce, and brown for the patty. The cake is layered to resemble a giant hamburger, making it a fun and visually appealing dessert for kids’ parties. The sweet, buttery cake is soft and moist, while the creamy frosting adds a delightful texture and appearance. It’s sure to be the centerpiece of any celebration.

American Flag Cake

For a patriotic dessert, prepare 1 box of white cake mix (15.25 oz) and divide the batter into three portions, coloring one red, one blue, and leaving one white. Pour the batter into a rectangular pan in a flag design and bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes. Once cooled, frost the cake with a mixture of 1 cup butter, 4 cups powdered sugar, and 2 tablespoons milk, and top with fresh strawberries and blueberries arranged to mimic the stars and stripes. The cake is light and fluffy with a sweet, creamy frosting and bursts of fresh berry flavor. It’s perfect for celebrating the Fourth of July or any patriotic occasion.

This article originally appeared on RetailShout

More From RetailShout

22 Genius Tips for an Organized Pantry

Keeping your pantry organized can feel like a never-ending battle, but with a few creative strategies, it can be a breeze. Imagine opening your pantry door to find everything neatly in place, with a spot for every item and no more frustrating searches for that elusive jar of spices. Read More.

14 Ultimate Food Cities in the United States

When it comes to food, America has some of the most exciting cities that are perfect for any foodie. These cities are not just about delicious dishes but also about unique culinary experiences that you won’t find anywhere else.  Read More.

16 Everyday Things Becoming Unaffordable for the Middle Class

Lately, it feels like more and more things are slipping out of reach for the middle class. It’s not just about cutting back on a few luxuries; it’s about major parts of life that used to be manageable.  Read More.