Peanut Butter Chocolate Poke Cake
When my family is planning a get-together, I can count on three or four people asking if I’m bringing this chocolate peanut butter poke cake. If you don’t have a chocolate cake mix, use a white or yellow one and stir in 3 tablespoons of baking cocoa. —Fay Moreland, Wichita Falls, Texas
Blueberry Lemon Cake
“I always set aside some of my fresh-picked blueberries to make this quick and easy dessert,” says Leona Luecking, West Burlington, Iowa. Lemon flavor sparks the fruit layer and the tender cake.Cake Mix Brownies
These cake mix brownies are a mash-up of two of my favorite desserts. A woman I worked with gave me a recipe for chocolate caramel brownies, and I have a recipe yellow cake mix bars. I wondered what they would taste like together, so I tried it—and I’ve been making them ever since! —Staci Mergenthal, Verdi, MinnesotaNot sure which brand of cake mix to buy? Check out the brands our editors and the Taste of Home Test Kitchen recommend.
Dutch Oven Chocolate Dump Cake
Looking for a quick dessert that will make people think you spent all day in the kitchen? This Dutch oven dump cake will wow your guests. Feel free to use your favorite pie filling in place of cherry. — Rashanda Cobbins, Milwaukee, WisconsinSemi-Homemade Recipe Contest
There’s no shame in shortcuts—especially on weekdays. Bring on the boxed mixes, canned goods and frozen veggies. If the fam can’t get enough of your half-homemade chicken mole, we wanna taste! And your shrimp cocktail sauce that’s practically cheating? That, too. Don’t forget your bakery-quality 3-ingredient breakfast pastries either. Send us your foolproof favorites with 12 ingredients or fewer for a chance to win $500.
Red Velvet Jar Cake
I love to make these red velvet jar cakes for friends, family and teachers. Red velvet is my favorite during the holidays, but you can use your favorite cake and frosting flavors. Then dress up the jars with homemade labels and ribbons for gifting. Don't forget to tie a spoon to the jar; everyone likes to dig right in! —Lillie Collier, Mobile, AlabamaPumpkin Spice Cake
We sometimes call this pumpkin spice cake "Thanksgiving Cake" because it's a tasty alternative to pie, but we don't relegate it to just that holiday. I think you'll agree it's delicious any time of the year.—Kathy Rhoads, Circleville, OhioNew to baking cakes? Check out our ultimate guide on how to bake a cake from scratch.