What Can I Bake with Yellow Cake Mix?

Yellow cake mix is a versatile and easy-to-use ingredient that can be transformed into many delicious desserts. From classic yellow cake to creative recipes like cake pops and trifle, there are plenty of options for baking with this pantry staple.

What is Yellow Cake Mix?

Yellow cake mix is a pre-made mixture of dry ingredients that includes flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. It is a convenient option for bakers who want to save time and effort while still making a delicious cake. Most cake mixes also include artificial flavors and colors, which give the cake its signature yellow hue.

Classic Yellow Cake Recipe

Making a classic yellow cake with yellow cake mix is easy and requires only a few additional ingredients. Here is a simple recipe that yields a moist and fluffy cake:

Ingredients

• 1 box yellow cake mix
• 1 cup water
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 3 large eggs

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, water, vegetable oil, and eggs.
3. Beat the mixture on medium speed with an electric mixer for 2 minutes.
4. Pour the batter into a greased 9×13-inch baking pan.
5. Bake the cake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Allow the cake to cool completely before serving.

Chocolate Chip Cookie Bars

Yellow cake mix can also be used to make delicious chocolate chip cookie bars. This recipe combines the sweet and buttery flavor of yellow cake with the gooeyness of chocolate chips. Here is how to make it:

Ingredients

• 1 box yellow cake mix
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 large egg
• 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, melted butter, and egg. Mix until well combined.
3. Stir in the chocolate chips.
4. Press the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking pan.
5. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown.
6. Allow the cookie bars to cool before cutting into squares and serving.

Lemon Bars

For a tangy and refreshing dessert, try making lemon bars with yellow cake mix. This recipe combines the sweetness of yellow cake with the tartness of lemon curd. Here is how to make it:

Ingredients

• 1 box yellow cake mix
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 large egg
• 1 jar lemon curd (10 oz)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, softened butter, and egg. Mix until well combined.
3. Press the mixture into the bottom of a greased 9×13-inch baking pan.
4. Spread the lemon curd over the cake mixture.

Pineapple Upside-Down Cake

Yellow cake mix is also a great base for a classic pineapple upside-down cake. This recipe features juicy pineapple slices and a caramelized brown sugar topping. Here is how to make it:

Ingredients

• 1 can pineapple slices (20 oz), drained
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 box yellow cake mix
• 3 large eggs
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 1 cup water

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a 9×13-inch baking pan, combine the melted butter and brown sugar.
3. Arrange the pineapple slices in a single layer over the brown sugar mixture.
4. In a large bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and water. Beat on medium speed with an electric mixer for 2 minutes.
5. Pour the cake batter over the pineapple slices.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Allow the cake to cool for 5 minutes before inverting it onto a serving platter.
8. Serve the cake warm or at room temperature.

Strawberry Shortcake

Yellow cake mix can also be used to make a classic strawberry shortcake. This recipe features fresh strawberries and whipped cream, making it the perfect dessert for spring and summer. Here is how to make it:

Ingredients

• 1 box yellow cake mix
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup milk
• 1 quart fresh strawberries, sliced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine the yellow cake mix, softened butter, eggs, and milk. Beat on medium speed with an electric mixer for 2 minutes.
3. Pour the cake batter into a greased 9×13-inch baking pan.
4. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
5. Allow the cake to cool completely.
6. In a large bowl, whip the heavy cream and powdered sugar together until stiff peaks form.
7. To assemble the shortcake, slice the cake into squares and top each square with sliced strawberries and whipped cream.

Cake Pops

Yellow cake mix can also be used to make fun and colorful cake pops. This recipe combines crumbled cake with frosting and candy melts to create bite-sized treats. Here is how to make it:

Ingredients

• 1 box yellow cake mix
• 1 can vanilla frosting (16 oz)
• 1 bag candy melts (12 oz)
• Lollipop sticks
• Sprinkles (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Prepare the yellow cake mix according to the package instructions.
3. Bake the cake in a greased 9×13-inch baking pan.
4. Allow the cake to cool completely, then crumble it into a large bowl.
5. Add the vanilla frosting to the bowl and mix until well combined.
6. Roll the cake mixture into small balls and insert a lollipop stick into each one.
7. Melt the candy melts according to the package instructions.
8. Dip each cake pop into the candy melts, then decorate with sprinkles if desired.

FAQs

Conclusion

As you can see, there are many delicious and creative desserts that you can make with yellow cake mix. From classic lemon bars to fun and colorful cake pops, the possibilities are endless. So next time you have a box of yellow cake mix in your pantry, don’t just settle for a plain cake. Get creative and try one of these recipes instead.