It's the most wonderful time of the year, where the aroma of freshly baked goods fills the air and the twinkling lights cast a warm glow over everything. During this festive season, many of us are searching for quick and delicious ways to bring holiday cheer into our homes. One of the best shortcuts to achieve that is by using cake mix, a versatile ingredient that can be transformed into delightful Christmas treats in no time. In this blog post, we'll explore three easy yet impressive Christmas treats you can make with just a box of cake mix. Whether you're an experienced baker or a novice, these recipes will ensure your holiday table is both beautiful and tasty!
Recipe 1: Candy Cane Cake Pops
Transform a simple cake mix into festive, fun, and beautifully decorated cake pops that taste just like your favorite holiday candy.
- Ingredients:
- 1 box of white or vanilla cake mix (prepare as per package instructions)
- Candy canes
- 1 container of white or vanilla frosting
- 1 bag of candy melts (red or white, or mix for a swirly effect)
- Sprinkles or edible glitter (optional)
- Lollipop sticks
- Instructions:
- Cook the cake according to the box instructions, let it cool, and crumble it into a large bowl.
- Mix in about ¾ of the frosting until the cake mix has a dough-like consistency.
- Roll the dough into small balls and place them on a baking sheet. Freeze for at least 30 minutes.
- Melt the candy melts in the microwave or a double boiler, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
- Dip the tip of a lollipop stick into the melted candy and then into a cake ball. Re-coat the top of the cake ball with candy and decorate with crushed candy cane pieces or sprinkles.
- Let them set and enjoy your homemade Candy Cane Cake Pops!
Notes:
🎄 Note: If the cake mix dough is too sticky, chill it in the refrigerator for a bit to make it easier to work with.
Recipe 2: Gingerbread Mini Cakes
These mini cakes combine the classic flavors of gingerbread with the convenience of a cake mix for an easy yet delightful treat.
- Ingredients:
- 1 box of spice or yellow cake mix
- 1 tsp ginger
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp cloves
- Water, oil, and eggs (as per cake mix instructions)
- Molasses (1 tbsp, optional for a deeper flavor)
- Whipped topping or cream cheese frosting
- Powdered sugar for dusting
- Instructions:
- Add the spices to the cake mix. If you're using molasses, stir it in as well.
- Prepare the mix as usual, adjusting the water slightly if using molasses.
- Pour the batter into greased mini bundt pans or muffin tins.
- Bake according to the cake mix package's directions, reducing the time by about 5-10 minutes due to the smaller size.
- After cooling, frost or dust with powdered sugar. Decorate with sprinkles or mini candies for a festive touch.
Notes:
🎅 Note: Be sure not to overfill the pans, as these cakes will rise. Overfilling can cause the batter to spill over or the mini cakes to lose shape.
Recipe 3: Christmas Wreath Cookies
These cute, colorful cookies look like miniature Christmas wreaths and are perfect for decorating your holiday table or tree.
- Ingredients:
- 1 box of vanilla or white cake mix
- 1/4 cup butter, softened
- 2 eggs
- Green food coloring
- Red and green M&M's or candy-coated chocolate pieces
- Small round candy sprinkles (for decoration)
- Instructions:
- Mix the cake mix, butter, eggs, and a few drops of green food coloring until well combined. The dough should be soft but not too sticky.
- Roll the dough into small balls and flatten slightly. Make a hole in the center to create a wreath shape.
- Place onto a lined baking sheet and add M&M's or candy pieces for decoration.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 8-10 minutes or until just set.
- Once cooled, use a toothpick to drizzle additional icing to resemble Christmas lights or use the candy sprinkles to mimic berries.
Notes:
🍪 Note: These cookies are best eaten within a day or two, as they will soften if stored for longer periods.
The final flurry of Christmas preparations can be a lot to handle, but with these easy Christmas treats, you'll add a dash of homemade magic to your festivities without the fuss. These recipes make use of cake mixes to cut down on preparation time, allowing you to spend more time with loved ones or sipping on some festive eggnog. Let these delightful confections bring joy and warmth to your holiday gatherings, proving that with a little creativity and some kitchen shortcuts, you can enjoy both the spirit and the treats of the season.
Can I make these treats ahead of time?
+
Yes, you can prepare these treats in advance. Candy Cane Cake Pops can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week or in the freezer for a month. Mini Cakes can be made days ahead if kept well-covered, and the Christmas Wreath Cookies are best when consumed within a day or two of baking, though you can freeze the dough before baking for up to a month.
Can I use a different flavor cake mix?
+
Absolutely! While the recipes use white, vanilla, and spice cake mixes for specific flavors, feel free to experiment with chocolate, strawberry, or even funfetti cake mix for different taste profiles and festive colors.
What other decorations can I use?
+
The possibilities are endless! Besides candy, you can use icing, colored sugars, mini marshmallows, chocolate chips, nuts, or even edible glitter. For a more personalized touch, consider edible markers to write names or festive messages on your treats.
