How to Turn a Boxed Cake Mix into Petit Fours

Learn how to turn a boxed cake mix into elegant petit fours with this step-by-step guide to baking, layering, dipping, and decorating beautiful bite-sized cakes.

If you've been following my "How to Turn a Boxed Cake Mix..." series, you already know that I love discovering new ways to transform an ordinary boxed cake mix into something completely unexpected. Over the years I've turned cake mixes into cookies, brownies, muffins, cupcakes, dessert bars, pastries, quick breads, cinnamon rolls, and more. But few transformations surprise people quite as much as petit fours.

Elegant little cakes like these often look like they came from a fancy bakery, but don't let their appearance fool you. Once I discovered that a simple cake mix baked in a thin sheet could become the foundation for beautiful layered petit fours, I never looked back. They're easier than most people imagine, endlessly customizable, and always a conversation starter on a dessert table.

This guide isn't one specific recipe. Instead, I'll show you the basic technique I use so you can create all sorts of beautiful petit fours using your favorite cake mix flavors.

What Are Petit Fours?

Petit fours are elegant bite-sized layered cakes traditionally served at weddings, bridal showers, tea parties, holidays, and other special occasions.

Classic French versions are often covered in poured fondant or poured icing.

My version uses a smooth chocolate coating instead.

It's easier for home bakers, just as beautiful, and opens the door to endless decorating possibilities.

Why Cake Mix Is Perfect for Petit Fours

This is one place where a boxed cake mix truly shines.

Cake mixes create a soft, even crumb that's easy to slice and sturdy enough to stack without falling apart. Best of all, you're not limited to plain vanilla cake.

You can begin with:

White
Chocolate
Strawberry
Lemon
Red Velvet
Butter Pecan
Spice
Funfetti

Every flavor creates a completely different petit four.

The Secret Is the Pan

This is probably the biggest lesson I've learned. Instead of baking your cake in round cake pans or a 9x13 pan, bake it in a jelly roll pan or Nordic Ware half-sheet pan.

Why?

Because thinner cakes:

bake faster
cool faster
require less trimming
stack beautifully
produce perfectly sized petit fours

That one simple change makes the entire process easier.

The Basic Method

Bake a thin sheet cake.
Cool completely.
Chill until firm.
Add your filling.
Stack the layers.
Freeze briefly.
Cut into squares.
Dip in chocolate or almond bark.
Decorate before the coating sets.

That's the entire process. Once you've done it once, you'll realize just how approachable homemade petit fours can be.

Why Each Step Matters

Bake Thin

Creates uniform layers.

Chill Before Cutting

Cleaner edges.

Freeze Before Dipping

Keeps crumbs out of the coating.

Thin the Chocolate

Produces a smooth, glossy finish.

Decorate Immediately

The coating sets quickly, so have your decorations ready before you begin.

Filling Ideas

One of my favorite things about petit fours is changing the fillings.

Some delicious options include:

Buttercream
Marshmallow Fluff Frosting
Chocolate Ganache
Raspberry Jam
Lemon Curd
Cream Cheese Frosting
Cookie Butter
Salted Caramel

Decorating Ideas

Dress them up for any occasion with:

chocolate drizzle
sprinkles
sanding sugar
edible pearls
piped buttercream flowers
crushed cookies
freeze-dried fruit
toasted coconut
chopped pecans
edible glitter

My Favorite Cake Mix Petit Four Recipes

This collection is still growing, but here are my current favorites.

Simple Cake Mix Petit Fours

My basic recipe that teaches the classic technique.

Easy Oreo Petit Fours

Chocolate lovers will adore this cookies-and-cream version topped with crushed Oreos.

LET'S EXPLORE THE "HOW TO TURN A BOXED CAKE MIX..." SERIES

Click any guide below to discover a new way to transform an ordinary boxed cake mix into something extraordinary.

Cake Mix Transformation Cheat Sheet

Every transformation on this site begins with the same simple idea: change the ingredients, change the result. Here's a quick reference showing the basic formula behind each type of cake mix creation.

Want to Make...	Basic Formula	The Result
🍰 Cake	Follow the box directions (then doctor as desired)	Light, fluffy traditional cake.
🧈 Pound Cake	4 eggs + butter/oil + milk + pudding	Rich, dense, buttery crumb.
🧁 Cupcakes	Doctored cake batter	Bakery-style cupcakes with tender crumb.
🍪 Cookies & Whoopie Pies	2 eggs + ½ cup butter	Thick dough for soft, chewy cookies.
🍫 Brownies	2 eggs + ½ cup butter	Dense, fudgy brownies.
🍋 Dessert Bars	1 egg + ½ cup butter	Press-in dough with a shortbread-style crust.
🥐 Pastries	Enriched dough (see guide)	Flaky pastries, scones, pinwheels, kolaches, and more.
🍞 Quick Breads	3 eggs + butter + mashed fruit or sour cream	Moist loaf cakes with bakery texture.
🧁 Muffins	2 eggs + butter + about ¾ cup liquid	Tender, bakery-style muffins.
🍥 Cinnamon Rolls	Yeast + cake mix dough	Soft, fluffy cinnamon rolls.
🎂 Cake Bites	2 eggs + ½ cup butter (+ splash of liquid if needed)	Soft, bite-sized treats perfect for parties.
💝 Petit Fours	Thin sheet cake + coating	Elegant bite-sized desserts for celebrations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I really make petit fours from a boxed cake mix?

Absolutely! A boxed cake mix creates a consistent, tender crumb that's perfect for layering and decorating.

What's the best pan to use?

I recommend a jelly roll pan or Nordic Ware half-sheet pan for thin, even cake layers.

Can I freeze petit fours?

Yes. Freeze them before coating or after they're completely decorated.

Do I have to use poured fondant?

No. I prefer a chocolate or almond bark coating because it's much easier for home bakers and still produces beautiful results.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Definitely. Petit fours are excellent make-ahead desserts for parties and holidays.

Final Thoughts

Petit fours may look elegant, but they're surprisingly approachable once you understand the technique. By baking a boxed cake mix in a thin layer instead of a traditional cake pan, you've already solved half the challenge. From there, it's simply a matter of layering, chilling, dipping, and decorating.

Whether you're making them for a bridal shower, a tea party, a holiday gathering, or just because you love pretty desserts, I hope this guide gives you the confidence to create your own beautiful petit fours at home.

Thanks for Stopping By!

If you make these petit fours and enjoy them, please let us know in the comments. Before you go, why not pin some photos to your Pinterest boards?