Top 20+ spring cake recipes that start with a box mix—but taste homemade

Nobody will believe these cakes aren't from-scratch.

Did you know that the directions on the cake mix package are just a suggestion? You can use it as directed or as an ingredient in a separate recipe. Cake mix can be used for cookies, cobblers, and more—including cakes with a different set of ingredients than what's called for on the box. These perfect-for-spring cakes are the latter, made from boxed mixes that are simply jumping-off points for a delicious, moist dessert that is hard to resist.

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01 of 20

Pink Velvet Cake

"It’s a new spin on the Southern favorite." —Annie Campbell

02 of 20

Golden Rum Cake

"This rum cake is a family favorite at all our get-togethers. The butter rum glaze makes it extra special!" —Jackie

03 of 20

Cinnamon Toast Crunch Apple Dump Cake

"This Cinnamon Toast Crunch apple dump cake is delicious with cold vanilla ice cream or a cup of coffee, and about the easiest dessert you'll ever make. With only 4 ingredients, it's assembled and ready for the oven in 5 minutes." —Nicole McLaughlin

04 of 20

Orange Cake

"My mom gave me this orange cake recipe, and I can't make it often because I would eat the whole thing. This is the best cake I have ever tasted. I hope it lasts more than a day at your house!" —Angie LaSala

05 of 20

No-Fail Pound Cake

"This pound cake made with cake mix is simple to make and the best I've ever tasted. I often take one to work, where it quickly disappears. I also use this recipe at Christmas time to make 6 small loaves for gifts, which take about 45 minutes to bake." —patsy

06 of 20

Easy Incredible Ice Cream Cake

"Perfect for summer parties or birthdays any month of the year, this simple ice cream cake is better and less expensive than any store-bought version! Layers of moist cake, crunchy cookies, rich ice cream, and a smooth, buttery-like icing deliver sweet perfection in every bite." —NicoleMcmom

07 of 20

Michelle's Honeybun Cake

"If you love honeybuns, then you'll love this cake. It's literally a giant honeybun." —MBP

08 of 20

Lemonade Cake I

"This is my husband's favorite cake. It is two layers of yellow cake with a lemonade flavored ice cream center. Wonderful on a hot day." —Mona

09 of 20

Better Than Sex Cake

"A better than sex cake made with rich chocolate cake, caramel, toffee, and whipped topping... Need I say more?" —Elaine

10 of 20

Triple Berry Cheesecake Poke Cake

"For this triple-berry cheesecake poke cake recipe, poke a classic yellow cake and fill it with homemade berry sauce before topping it with a tangy, delicious, no-bake cheesecake filling! This cake is best made the day before and is great for all those summer potlucks!" —Julie Hubert

11 of 20

Blueberry Cream Cheese Pound Cake

"This recipe is so easy and is so good! Great for breakfast with a cup of coffee, or for dessert." —prissycat

12 of 20

Margarita Cake

"This margarita cake is easy to make with cake mix, vanilla pudding, tequila, lime juice, and triple sec. The cake is topped with a margarita-flavored glaze for a fabulous celebration cake." —Carol

13 of 20

Salted Caramel Irish Cream Poke Cake

"This delicious poke cake with Irish cream and salted caramel is made with cake mix for ease, but you can also make it from scratch." —Julia Levy

14 of 20

Strawberry Dream Cake

"Pudding-like strawberry dream cake with a decadent white chocolate frosting." —lemieuxbgvsuedu

15 of 20

Pistachio Cake

"This pistachio cake is as easy as it is tasty. A delightful green Bundt cake made by enhancing a cake mix and pudding with homemade pistachio butter. It's topped with a sweet and creamy glaze for a delicious dessert." —Marcia

16 of 20

Ice Cream Cake

"This ice cream cake is easy to make with any flavor of ice cream or cake mix you prefer. Frost with your favorite frosting, fudge topping, crushed Oreos, or anything!" —winnie the pooh

17 of 20

Best Ever Piña Colada Cake

"This piña colada poke cake recipe is amazingly simple to make. Enjoy tropical flavor in every bite!" —SunnyDaysNora

18 of 20

Chocolate Tres Leches Cake

"This moist chocolate tres leches cake is a rich and delicious twist on the classic Mexican dessert. It tastes like you spent all day in the kitchen but a boxed mix makes it so easy!" —MrsFisher0729

19 of 20

Lemon-Filled Cupcakes

"My family requests that I make these lemon-filled cupcakes every time I come home. For all lemon lovers!" —Carlie O'Neal

20 of 20

S'mores Cake

"This s'mores cake is a delicious, chocolaty cake with crushed graham crackers and homemade marshmallow frosting between the cake layers, topped with a rich chocolate frosting and toasted marshmallow rosettes. A definite crowd-pleaser with all the flavors of the campfire treat in a cake!" —Karen Rankin