Baking on a Dime: 50 Budget-Friendly Recipes

If you love a light pineapple cupcake but you’re in a hurry to make it, have I got a treat for you! This simple affordable recipe has only three ingredients and comes together in literally minutes!

If you’re looking for creative ways to take a simple box of yellow cake mix and turn it into a delicious cake that’s anything but simple, this is the post for you! Keep reading, because I’m going to share some of my favorite Doctored Yellow Cake Mix recipes.

If you’re looking for the world’s simplest chocolate cake, this is the recipe for you! It comes together in no time at all, and is completely egg and milk free! Best of all, it's super affordable!

If you’ve been to the grocery store lately, you know that eggs are pricey! For most bakers, this is bad news. But it doesn’t have to be. Here at Out of the Box Baking we’ve got a ton of egg-free recipes you’re sure to love!

If you love the flavor of carrot cake but the ease of a bar, have I got a treat for you. These luscious and affordable carrot cake bars come together in no time. And best of all, they start with a box of cake mix!

Bisquick is a versatile product, capable of baking a variety of things–from biscuits, to dumplings, to pancakes, to waffles. . .and more! With prices going up, you might be tempted to skip it when you’re at the store. Now you can do that with a clear conscience! You can make your own DIY Bisquick Mix for pennies on the dollar. And, guess what? It’s just as good as the original, (maybe more so)!

If you’re looking for a light, fluffy frosting, one that’s a little different from a traditional buttercream, you’re going to love this delicious marshmallow fluff frosting! Best of all, it comes together in minutes!

Nearly one hundred years ago, America went through a terrible depression. People in every economic class struggled to make ends meet. In the big cities, many ended up in soup lines. Those who were fortunate enough to farm their own land learned how to take care of themselves by canning, preserving, and so on.

Rarely do you hear the word “healthy” in the same sentence as the word “muffin” but these yummy Cinnamon Apple Muffins definitely are! They’re packed with oats, real apple, cinnamon, and even a banana. (Hey, basically a fruit salad with some oats thrown in!)

It happens to every baker. You’re in the middle of a big baking project and you realize you’re missing something critical. Do you make a run to the grocery store or is there some way to substitute a different ingredient?

If you’re in the mood for those perfect fall flavors–pumpkin and spice–have I got a recipe for you! This is an easy cake to whip up in a hurry, and it all starts with a boxed cake mix! Whether you’re serving it for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any other time of year, it’s the perfect blend of flavors.

If you’re in a hurry to make a loaf of sourdough but you don’t want to add yeast, this is the recipe for you. Keep reading to discover these same-day sourdough secrets!

Here at Out of the Box Baking we’re all about starting with a boxed cake mix! Don’t believe it? Check out How to Doctor a Boxed Cake Mix: The Ultimate Guide. That post is incredibly helpful, no matter which boxed mix you’re starting with!

If you love a terrific lemon-flavored cookie but you’re in a hurry, this is the recipe for you! These cake mix cookies are simple and delicious, and come together in minutes!

If you want to turn all-purpose flour into cake flour, you’ve come to the right spot! You can do it, easy as 1-2-3!

This super simple bread loaf is made with self-rising flour and just a few pantry staples, making it perfect for beginners or last-minute baking. Soft on the inside with a golden crust, it’s a quick, no-yeast recipe you’ll turn to again and again!

If you love those warm fall spices and you're also a fan of a traditional shortbread cookie, this is the sweet treat for you! These delicious cookies are perfect for fall. . .or any time of year!

If you’re looking for recipes that can be made in a hurry, you’ve come to the right place! In this post I’m going to share some of my quick and easy cookies, cakes, cupcakes, pies, and other desserts.

If you want a light, fluffy biscuit loaded with buttery flavor, this is the recipe for you! I’m going to show you how to make delicious homemade butter biscuits from scratch.

You were absolutely sure you would eat those bananas before they started going bad. But here you are, facing a bunch of bananas that are completely speckled and you don’t know what to do with them. Oh, sure, you could make banana bread. Everyone says you should. But you’ve done that a zillion times and you’re ready for something different. . .something more.

If you love the warm flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice but you also love the nutty, fruity texture of a fruitcake, you’re going to love this recipe. It’s the perfect blend of two favorites. And best of all, it starts with a box of cake mix!

These are hard times we’re living in. If you’ve been to the grocery store in recent months you know that supplies are limited. And the items that remain? Well, let’s just say they don’t cost what they used to. That’s why I created this post, to share some of my favorite tips for baking on a budget during these crazy times.

If you love the sweetness of blueberries and the rich hearty flavor of a sweet muffin, have I got a treat for you. These traditional Blueberry Muffins are loaded with flavor, have a crunchy topping, and are easy to make!

You’re running short on ingredients but still want to bake? No problem! We’ve got you covered with these easy low-ingredient recipes!

If you’re in the mood for light, fluffy pancakes but don’t have any pancake mix on hand, you’re in luck! This simple recipe is absolutely perfect and so easy to whip up!

During the Depression era the situation was dire and supplies were short. Grandma had to think on her feet. Many of the items she counted on were no longer available or were out of reach financially. Still, she managed to put food on the table every night. How did she do it? What did she know that we don’t?

They’re light, they’re fluffy, they’re crisp on the edges and filled with a luscious, tender crumb. These easy baking powder biscuits are everything you would expect…and so much more!

Whether you’re making a wedding cake, a birthday cake, or simple cupcakes, this delicious white cake recipe is going to be memorable for your family, friends, and party guests.

If you’re looking for a super easy, tender biscuit recipe, you’ve come to the right place. These mayonnaise-based biscuits are flaky, tasty, and so, so easy to make! Best of all, you’ve probably got everything you need in your pantry and refrigerator right now.

If you love a good shortbread cookie but you’re also a fan of lemon, this is the recipe for you! This delicious lemon shortbread is simple to make and over-the-top delicious to eat!

If you’re looking for a rich maple shortbread that’s flaky and delicious, have I got a treat for you! This recipe is so simple you don’t even need a mixer!

If you’re looking for the world’s simplest fudge recipe, you’ve come to the right place. This recipe starts with two simple ingredients: chocolate chips and canned frosting.

If you love a good snickerdoodle but you want the ease of a cookie bar, this is the recipe for you! These delicious bars are light, delicious, and loaded with cinnamon flavor.

These are strange times we’re living in, where eggs are so pricey! If you’re looking for recipes that call for fewer eggs, I’ve got a bunch for you in this post!

In this post I’m going to share a simple but delicious cookie recipe that’s sure to be a big hit with kids and adults alike! These luscious chocolate sugar crinkle cookies are brownie-like in texture and loaded with chocolatey flavor!

If you’re looking for a sopapilla recipe that’s simple and fast, have I got a treat for you! These tasty treats come together in minutes and taste even better than the ones you get in a restaurant!

If you’ve been spending money on dog treats and you’re ready for a cheaper, homemade alternative, I’ve got a “treat” for you. (Get it? Treat?) These homemade dog treats are simple and your dog will love them!

If you want to make a beautiful fondant-covered cake but you’re turned off by store-bought fondant, this is the post for you! Making homemade marshmallow fondant is easy, affordable, and oh, so tasty!

If you love the crisp sweet flavor of brittle with the yummy crunch of peanuts, this is the recipe for you. This brittle is a family recipe, passed down over multiple generations. It’s easy, and definitely one you’ll pass on to your friends and loved ones.

If you’re looking for a light, crisp buttery cookie, you’ve come to the right place. In this post I’m going to teach you how to make traditional, old-fashioned butter cookies, just like Grandma used to make!

If you’re looking for a fluffy, crisp, old-fashioned Sugar Cookie, do I have a treat for you! This is a simple sugar cookie recipe, packed full of flavor, and straight from Grandma’s cookbook!

If you love the combination of cinnamon and sugar and you happen to love streusel topping with crunchy toasted pecans, then I’ve got the perfect recipe for you. This Easy Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake is perfect for breakfast. . .or any time of day!

They’re tart, sweet, crisp and creamy. These affordable luscious lemon bars are all of the above. . .and then some!

If you’re looking for a host of different cookie recipes to fill that holiday cookie exchange tray, you’ve come to the right place. These sixteen recipes are simple to make and perfect for a swap!

Sometimes you’re just in the mood for chocolate. Nothing else will do. This luscious brownie recipe will satisfy that desire and it doesn’t require a special brownie mix. A simple chocolate cake mix will do. Talk about a great hack!

If you love the combination of cinnamon and brown sugar and you’re in a hurry, these muffins will be perfect for you. They come together (start to finish) in under 20 minutes. And best of all, they start with a simple white cake mix.

If you’ve been looking for the perfect sugar crinkle cookies, you’ve come to the right place! This easy recipe is so fool-proof that you’ll use it again and again! It’s perfect as a sugar cookie, but with a few variations can serve as a base for much, much more!

Today I’m going to share a delicious recipe for Easy Fry Bread. This recipe is so versatile and can be used to create many favorites–like beignets, donuts, fried bread, or even churros. Talk about the perfect sweet treat! And guess what? These tiny crisp pieces of bread can be used as a base for savory dishes, as well!

If you love the light, flaky texture of puff pastry and the creamy goodness of macaroni and cheese you're going to flip over this fun and simple recipe.

In this post you will receive all of the information you need to make the ultimate cut-out sugar cookies.

If you’re looking for the world’s simplest but most delicious biscuit, you’ve come to the right place! These light, fluffy biscuits are incredibly fast and easy to make and packed full of flavor and texture.

This is the perfect easy fudge recipe, only calling for three ingredients: chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, and Oreos!

I call this my “Leftovers” fudge and it’s exactly what the name implies–fudge that’s made out of leftovers. It’s perfect for the holidays or any time of year. I believe this fudge would hold up nicely on a holiday tray at Christmas time, so you might consider adding it to yours!

If you’re looking for the perfect Snickerdoodle recipe–light and fluffy and filled with cinnamon and sugar–you’ve come to the right place.

If you’re looking for a master list of those cakes you grew up eating, this is the post for you! In this comprehensive list you’ll find many of your favorites, the ones grandma loved to bake!

If you love a simple butter cookie that comes together in minutes, this is the recipe for you! And they come highly recommended by one of the world's finest bakers: Mary Berry!

If you’re looking for a delicious and simple focaccia recipe, one that’s packed full of flavor and texture, look no further. This one is (literally) perfect!

If you’re looking for a simple and delicious appetizer, one you can take to your next event, one with flavors reminiscent of your childhood, this is the post for you! These yummy Sloppy Joe Roll Ups are going to make everyone happy!

If you want a delicious butter cookie, perfect for dunking in your hot tea or coffee, this is the recipe for you! These delicious French Butter Cookies are simple to make and come together in minutes!

If you love the bright flavors of coconut and lemon you’re going to flip over these cookies. They come together in minutes and start with a simple box of Dolly Parton cake mix.

If you love the flavors of cinnamon and apple, have I got a treat for you. This simple cake starts with a box of cake mix but certainly doesn’t end there!

Looking for a quick apple pie recipe that comes together in minutes but has all of the traditional flavors you've come to enjoy! This is it, folks!

If you’re a fan of flaky, crisp pastry and you also enjoy the rich flavor of Nutella, this is the recipe for you!

If you love an old-fashioned fall cookie, one that makes you think of days gone by, you’re going to love this simple recipe! It starts with a simple and inexpensive ingredient used “back in the day” - molasses!

If you’re looking for a simple but delicious gingerbread cookie, this is it! These come together so easily and they’re perfect for rolling and cutting!

If you love the warm, rich spices of fall but you’re also a fan of those delicious oatmeal cookies grandma used to make, you’re going to flip over this simple but yummy recipe from Out of the Box Baking! It merges both worlds into one scrumptious cookie!

If you love the light, airy texture of those little cakes called Twinkles but you've got a crowd to feed, this is the cake for you! This Twinkie-inspired cake is simple and delicious. Best of all, it starts with a box of cake mix!

If you're crazy about lemon cookies and the idea of a lovely tart glaze makes you swoon, this is the recipe for you! Keep reading to discover one of the simplest and most delicious cookies. . .ever!

If you’re looking for the perfect party appetizer, one that comes together in minutes, you’re going to love these sausage rolls! But don’t be fooled. These are also great for breakfast. . .or any time of day!

If you love that delicious combination of chocolate and peanut butter you’re going to flip over this simple candy recipe from Out of the Box Baking.

If you love that rich pumpkin flavor and you're a fan of super-soft cookies, this is the recipe for you! These delicious cookies are almost cake-like in texture and are loaded with fall flavors!

If you're looking for a delicious pumpkin-themed recipe for fall (or any time of year) this is a great one! It's simple, delicious, and comes together in minutes!

If you love the warm flavor of peaches and the rich comfort of a good bread pudding, this is the recipe for you! In this post I’m going to show you how to make my favorite Peach Bread Pudding. Best of all, it starts with canned biscuits!

If you love a rich, sweet bread pudding but you’re also a fan of apple pie, have I got a treat for you! This delicious bread pudding is packed full of flavor and it’s super easy to make!

If you love the light, bright flavor of lemon in a rich trifle-like dessert you’re going to adore this lovely Lemon Oreo Lush. It’s simple to make and loaded with your favorite cookies—Oreos!

If you love chocolate and mint, you're going to adore these easy mint chocolate brownies. They're rich, minty, and best of all, easy to make. Like so many of our recipes here at Out of the Box Baking they start with a box mix.