11+ Desserts Using Cake Mix for Thanksgiving Recipes

Thanksgiving is a time for gratitude, family gatherings, and of course, indulging in delectable desserts. If you’re looking to impress your guests with minimal effort, using cake mix as a base for your holiday treats might just be the perfect solution.

Pumpkin Spice Cake Mix Cookies

Pumpkin Spice Cookies

Pumpkin Spice Cookies from Allrecipes

Rating: 4.4 (372 reviews). Total Time: 40 min.

Pumpkin Cookies with Cake Mix

Pumpkin Cookies with Cake Mix from Meatloaf and Melodrama

Rating: 5 (3 reviews). Total Time: 20 min.

2-Ingredient Pumpkin Cake Mix Cookies

2-Ingredient Pumpkin Cake Mix Cookies from The Soccer Mom Blog

Rating: 5 (11 reviews). Total Time: 28 min.

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Imagine the warm, comforting flavors of pumpkin pie wrapped up in a soft, chewy cookie. These Pumpkin Spice Cake Mix Cookies are a delightful blend of pumpkin puree, spice cake mix, and a hint of cinnamon. The aroma alone is enough to make you feel like you’re wrapped in a cozy blanket by the fireplace.

What makes these cookies so special is their simplicity. You only need a few ingredients, yet the result is a cookie that’s moist and bursting with autumn flavors. The pumpkin puree not only adds flavor but also keeps the cookies soft, while the spice mix infuses them with the essence of fall. This recipe is popular because it’s quick to prepare, making it a fantastic option for busy Thanksgiving days when you want a homemade treat without the fuss.

Apple Pie Cake

Apple Pie Cake

Apple Pie Cake from Southern Living

Rating: 4.4 (7 reviews). Total Time: 1 hr 30 min.

Apple Dump Cake

Apple Dump Cake from Allrecipes

Rating: 4.8 (121 reviews). Total Time: 1 hr.

Cinnamon Apple Pie Cake

Cinnamon Apple Pie Cake from Recipe Girl

Rating: 4.2 (23 reviews). Total Time: 1 hr 50 min.

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Who can resist the classic combination of apples and cinnamon? With this Apple Pie Cake, you get the best of both worlds—a cake that tastes like your favorite apple pie. By using a yellow cake mix as the base, you can create a dessert that’s both familiar and exciting. The cake is layered with apple pie filling and a crumble topping that adds a delightful crunch.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability. You can use any variety of apples you prefer, ensuring each bite is uniquely yours. The cake mix simplifies the process, allowing you to focus on the more creative aspects, like adding a drizzle of caramel or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. This dessert is a crowd-pleaser, often making it the star of the Thanksgiving dessert table.

Cranberry Orange Bundt Cake

Cranberry Orange Bundt Cake

Cranberry Orange Bundt Cake from Sally's Baking Addiction

Rating: 4.7 (44 reviews). Total Time: 5 hr 30 min.

Cranberry Orange Bundt Cake

Cranberry Orange Bundt Cake from Tornadough Alli

Rating: 5 (13 reviews). Total Time: 1 hr 35 min.

Orange Cranberry Bundt Cake

Orange Cranberry Bundt Cake from Chelsweets

Rating: 4.7 (81 reviews). Total Time: 3 hr 15 min.

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If you’re in the mood for something a bit more sophisticated yet easy to make, the Cranberry Orange Bundt Cake is a fantastic choice. The combination of tart cranberries and the zesty brightness of orange creates a refreshing flavor profile that’s perfect for the holiday season. The cake mix acts as a perfect base, allowing these flavors to shine.

What makes this cake truly special is its presentation. The Bundt shape adds an elegant touch, making it look like you spent hours in the kitchen when it only took a short time to prepare. The glaze, made from fresh orange juice and zest, adds a glossy finish that enhances the cake’s appeal. It’s a great way to introduce a splash of color to your dessert spread, and it’s sure to spark conversations around the dinner table.

This cake is not only delicious but also versatile. You can easily substitute the cranberries with other berries if you prefer or even add nuts for extra texture. The possibilities are endless, and each variation adds its unique twist to the classic Thanksgiving dessert.

Pecan Pie Bars

2-Ingredient Pumpkin Cake

2-Ingredient Pumpkin Cake from Allrecipes

Rating: 4.7 (621 reviews). Total Time: 30 min.

Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe

Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe from Mom Foodie

Rating: 4.9 (167 reviews). Total Time: 1 h 8 min.

Pumpkin Dump Cake

Pumpkin Dump Cake from Allrecipes

Rating: 4.7 (215 reviews).

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Pecan pie is a Thanksgiving staple, and with these Pecan Pie Bars, you can enjoy all its wonderful flavors in a convenient, handheld form. By starting with a cake mix, you create a buttery crust that’s topped with a gooey, sweet pecan filling. Each bite is a perfect balance of crunchy and chewy, sweet and nutty.

This recipe is particularly popular because it transforms a traditional pie into an easy-to-serve bar, ideal for potlucks or large gatherings. The cake mix ensures that the crust is sturdy enough to hold the rich filling, which features chopped pecans, brown sugar, and a touch of vanilla. The result is a dessert that’s not only tasty but also practical for serving a crowd. Whether enjoyed warm or at room temperature, these bars capture the essence of a classic pecan pie in every bite.

Pro Tricks for Amazing Cake Mix Desserts

2-Ingredient Pumpkin Cake

2-Ingredient Pumpkin Cake from Allrecipes

Rating: 4.7 (621 reviews). Total Time: 30 min.

Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe

Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe from Mom Foodie

Rating: 4.9 (167 reviews). Total Time: 1 h 8 min.

Pumpkin Dump Cake

Pumpkin Dump Cake from Allrecipes

Rating: 4.7 (215 reviews).

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Enhance with Extras

Don’t be afraid to add a bit of extra flair to your cake mix desserts. Consider incorporating mix-ins like chocolate chips, nuts, or dried fruits to elevate the flavors and textures of your creations.

Experiment with Frosting

A simple frosting can transform a cake mix dessert into something extraordinary. Try flavored glazes, cream cheese frosting, or a dusting of powdered sugar to complement your dessert’s flavors.

Bake with Precision

Keep a close eye on baking times and temperatures. Every oven is different, so use a toothpick to check doneness and adjust as needed to ensure perfect results every time.