While this time of year is full of holiday cheer, it also has plenty of expenses. Between gifts, decorations, and holiday gatherings, our wallets are already feeling the pinch.
But the good news is, you don’t need many expensive ingredients to make a standout holiday dessert. A $1.25 box of cake mix from stores like Dollar Tree, Walmart, and Aldi is the secret to creating crowd-pleasing sweet treats without spending a fortune.
These 16 recipes go to show that festive baking doesn’t have to cost a fortune—or take all day. So, save these recipes and turn that $1.25 box into pure holiday magic.
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01 of 16
Sock It to Me Cake
Credit: Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
“I followed this recipe exactly as written, and it came out perfect! It was super moist, wonderfully flavorful, and sweet, without being heavy. I will make this cake again for the holidays with confidence! Might be the best cake I have ever made!” —Denise C
02 of 16
Pudding Poke Cake
Credit: Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
Two pre-made components—yellow cake mix and Jell-O Instant Pudding—make this cake a breeze to prep. Feel free to experiment with flavors too. Butterscotch, pistachio, banana, coconut, or vanilla pudding all work beautifully here.
03 of 16
Golden Rum Cake
Credit: Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
This Golden Rum Cake recipe has nearly 1,700 five-star reviews, and several commenters note they have made this cake for decades. It’s easy to make any time, but special enough to serve on your holiday dessert table.
04 of 16
Red Velvet Cake Mix Cookies
How gorgeous would these Red Velvet Cake Mix Cookies look on your holiday cookie tray? Plus, the recipe only has four ingredients, so it’s a breeze to make!
05 of 16
Pumpkin Crunch Cake
Credit: DOTDASH MEREDITH FOOD STUDIOS
“Seriously amazing!! The first time I made this, I made it as directed. The second time I added some chocolate chips and toffee pieces. Both times it was incredible. Honestly, it’s my favorite cake EVER!” —Lisa Beth Bassett
06 of 16
Cinnamon Roll Dump Cake
This dump cake recipe uses not one, but three store-bought items for an easy homemade dessert. Canned cinnamon rolls are topped with ready-made cream cheese frosting and a box of cinnamon swirl coffee cake mix. Just make sure every bit of the cake mix is covered with butter; this provides the moisture it needs to cook properly.
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07 of 16
Chocolate Flan Cake
Credit: Allrecipes / Julia Hartbeck
“Fabulous recipe! I followed the recipe exactly as stated and it turned out perfect. It was moist and delicious. The only difference for me was that baking time was only 1 hour and 15 minutes.” —Becky McDonald
08 of 16
Sweet Potato Dump Cake
Credit: Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
This easy sweet potato dump cake is like sweet potato casserole—but as a dessert. Buttery and sweet, with a crunchy top, you’ll be the hit of every seasonal potluck you’re invited to.
09 of 16
Easy Apple Crisp
Credit: Allrecipes / Qi Ai
“Amazing apple crisp recipe. Turned out very moist and it was absolutely soo yummy and very easy to make. I’m gonna have to make it again!” —TastyRibs6101
10 of 16
Pumpkin Cobbler
Credit: Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
This pumpkin cobbler recipe is the one everyone asks me to make and bring as soon as the holiday season arrives. It features a perfectly spiced pumpkin filling topped with yellow cake mix and melted butter. It’s simple and delicious! Top with vanilla ice cream or homemade whipped cream.
11 of 16
Outrageously Buttery Crumb Cake
Credit: Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
“This simple crumb cake is the best I ever tasted. The cake is so moist, and there is a ton of buttery crumb topping to die for. It’s my aunt’s recipe from the 1970s (hence the 1 pound of butter) and therefore of utmost decadence, but oh so delicious! I’ve made this recipe so many times, with so many compliments.” —Rgilmore212
12 of 16
Pumpkin Crumb Cake
“This pumpkin crumb cake is three layers of deliciousness! With a cakey crust, a smooth pumpkin custard filling, and a buttery walnut topping, it’s sure to be a favorite around Thanksgiving! This recipe was given to me by a friend and has always been a hit with my family.” —Debbie
13 of 16
Death By Chocolate Trifle
Credit: Kelsey Hansen / Food Styling: Lauren McAnelly / Prop Styling: Natalie Ghazali
Talk about a show-stopping centerpiece. This incredible trifle will steal the show of your holiday feast, and no one will ever guess it’s made with a box of cake mix.
14 of 16
Too Much Chocolate Cake
“This chocolate Bundt cake is very moist, very chocolaty, and very easy to make with cake mix, sour cream, instant pudding, and loads of chocolate chips. I won 1st prize at the county fair with this recipe!” —Denise
15 of 16
Better Than Sex Cake
Credit: Dotdash Meredith Food Studios
“I’ve made this twice and it hasn’t lasted longer than 24 hours each time! I’m making it again for Thanksgiving!” —SereneYeast3727
16 of 16
Super Duper Easy Apple Cake
“Made this cake for the morning of our granddaughter’s wedding for the ladies’ wedding party. It was a huge success. Recommend for any to make and very easy. I did not use the glaze, I used powdered sugar to sprinkle over before serving.” —Leah Bethke
Read the original article on Allrecipes
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