Got a Box of Red Velvet Cake Mix? Here's What to Make With It!

ByJanice Thompson

Got a box of red velvet cake mix? Discover easy brownies, whoopie pies, cakes, cookies, and more delicious red velvet dessert ideas!

Got a box of red velvet cake mix sitting in your pantry? Well, you've come to the right place! In this post, we're going to explore some delicious ways to turn that humble box of cake mix into something special, from fudgy brownies to cream-filled whoopie pies and more.

And if you don't happen to have a box of red velvet cake mix? Don't worry, friends. I've got a trick for that, too!

A Little Red Velvet Love from Texas

red velvet cake from white cake mix

Here in Texas, we love our red velvet cake. And when I say love, I mean LOVE.

There's something about that beautiful red color, the subtle cocoa flavor, and a generous helping of cream cheese frosting that makes a Southern baker's heart happy.

Red velvet is one of those desserts that feels right at home at a church potluck, family reunion, birthday party, or holiday gathering. It's fancy enough for a celebration but familiar enough to remind you of Grandma's kitchen.

And here's the thing: We don't particularly care whether it starts with a box or comes together completely from scratch.

We just love red velvet!

Lately, I've been on a bit of a cake mix adventure, asking myself one simple question: What else can I make with this box?

I've already explored yellow cake mix, along with white, spice, lemon, and other cake mix flavors. But I knew I couldn't leave red velvet out of the fun.

So, I rolled up my sleeves, pulled out my baking pans, and started experimenting.

And, oh my goodness, did we ever have some delicious results!

What Makes Red Velvet Cake So Special?

Some people think red velvet cake is simply chocolate cake with red food coloring, but there's a little more to the story.

Traditional red velvet has a mild cocoa flavor rather than the deep, intense chocolate flavor you might expect from a chocolate layer cake. It also has a subtle tang, often associated with ingredients like buttermilk and vinegar.

That combination gives red velvet its distinctive personality.

Then, of course, there's the frosting.

Cream cheese frosting and red velvet go together like biscuits and gravy. The slight tang of the frosting complements the cocoa beautifully, and that creamy white topping looks gorgeous against the reddish cake.

But don't feel limited to traditional layer cakes. As I've recently discovered, red velvet makes a wonderful starting point for all sorts of desserts.

What Can You Make with a Box of Red Velvet Cake Mix?

Let's start with recipes that actually use a boxed red velvet cake mix. These are especially handy when you want something homemade and delicious without measuring out all of the dry ingredients from scratch.

1. Easy Red Velvet Brownies from Cake Mix

easy red velvet brownies from cake mix

These brownies were one of my latest kitchen experiments, and I couldn't have been happier with the results!

By combining red velvet cake mix with melted butter, eggs, and mini chocolate chips, I created brownies that fall somewhere between fudgy and cake-like. They're tender in the middle, have lovely crackly tops, and deliver just the right amount of cocoa flavor.

And that gorgeous red color? Perfect for Valentine's Day, Christmas, or any time you're craving something a little different.

You can enjoy them plain, add white chocolate chips, or finish them with cream cheese frosting for an extra-special treat.

2. Red Velvet Whoopie Pies (Easy Cake Mix Recipe)

red velvet whoopie pies

If you've never made whoopie pies using cake mix, you're in for a treat!

These soft red velvet sandwich cookies are filled with luscious cream, creating a dessert that's somewhere between a cookie and a little handheld cake.

They're pretty enough for a party, easy to share, and especially lovely on a holiday dessert tray.

I love the contrast between the rich red cookies and that thick white filling.

And because the cookies start with cake mix, you can skip several measuring steps and get straight to the fun part.

Red Velvet Truffles

Bake a red velvet cake, allow it to cool completely, and crumble it into a bowl.

Mix in just enough frosting to hold the crumbs together, then roll into balls. Chill until firm before dipping in melted chocolate or candy coating.

White chocolate coating would be especially pretty against that bright red center.

Easy Red Velvet Cheesecake Bars

red velvet cheesecake bars

Love red velvet and cheesecake? These delicious dessert bars bring two favorites together in one irresistible treat! They're a lovely choice for Valentine's Day, Christmas, or any occasion that calls for something a little special.

Red Velvet crinkle Cookies

Another fun possibility is turning your red velvet mix into soft, chewy crinkle cookies. Cake mix cookie dough uses much less liquid than cake batter, giving you a thick, scoopable consistency, perfect for these crinkle cookies!

This recipe is a "from scratch" recipe but you can make these same cookies using a box of cake mix. Here's how you'll do it:

Red Velvet Cake Mix Crinkle Cookies

  • 1 box red velvet cake mix (13.25–15.25 oz)
  • 1 large egg
  • ½ cup melted butter, slightly cooled
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
  • ½ cup powdered sugar, for rolling

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Mix cake mix, egg, melted butter, and vanilla until a thick dough forms.
  3. Chill dough for 20–30 minutes if it's too sticky to handle.
  4. Scoop into balls, about 1 tablespoon each.
  5. Roll generously in powdered sugar. For an especially white coating, roll first in granulated sugar, then powdered sugar.
  6. Bake for 9–11 minutes, until the edges are set but the centers still look slightly soft.
  7. Cool on the baking sheet for 5 minutes before transferring to a rack.

One little baking note: With just one egg, these should be denser and chewier than traditional cake mix cookies. If the dough seems too crumbly to scoop, I'd add a second egg rather than milk.

More Ways to Use Red Velvet Cake Mix

Now that we've made brownies and whoopie pies, let's talk about a few more possibilities.

The beauty of boxed cake mix is its versatility. With a few adjustments, you can turn it into all sorts of sweet treats.

Red Velvet Cupcakes

This is probably the easiest transformation of all! Prepare the cake mix according to the package directions, divide the batter among lined muffin cups, and bake according to the cupcake directions on the box.

Once cooled, top with cream cheese frosting and perhaps a sprinkling of red velvet cake crumbs.

These would be beautiful for Valentine's Day, Christmas, or a bridal shower.

Red Velvet Trifle

This would be a wonderful way to serve red velvet to a crowd!

Layer cubes of prepared red velvet cake with sweetened cream cheese filling or whipped cream in a glass trifle bowl.

You could even add a few chocolate shavings between the layers.

It's a lovely make-ahead dessert for a potluck or holiday gathering.

Red Velvet Poke Cake

Bake the cake in a 9×13-inch pan, then poke holes across the surface after baking.

Add your favorite compatible filling, allow the cake to cool, and finish with a creamy frosting or topping.

The result is an easy, crowd-friendly dessert that can be sliced into generous squares.

Red Velvet Bundt Cake

A boxed red velvet cake mix can also be prepared in a Bundt pan, provided you follow the pan size and baking guidance on the package.

Finish the cooled cake with a cream cheese glaze that drips down the sides.

It's a simple presentation that looks impressive without requiring any piping skills.

Don't Have Red Velvet Cake Mix? Make Your Own!

Now, this is where my latest kitchen adventure got especially interesting.

I wondered whether I could take an ordinary box of white cake mix and transform it into a delicious red velvet layer cake.

So I gave it a try!

I added unsweetened cocoa powder, milk instead of water, red food coloring, and a little vinegar to give the cake that subtle tang we associate with red velvet.

Then I baked two beautiful layers and finished them with a generous amount of cream cheese frosting.

And guess what?

It worked!

The cake had an incredibly soft, luxurious crumb, a lovely cocoa flavor, and just enough tang to make it taste like red velvet rather than ordinary chocolate cake.

The color was a little more muted than some commercial red velvet mixes, but the flavor and texture were absolutely wonderful.

If you've got white cake mix in the pantry, this is a transformation worth trying.

How to Turn a White Cake Mix into Red Velvet Cake

You can also explore my collection of recipes that start with white cake mix for even more inspiration.

More Red Velvet Recipes You'll Love

Of course, my love for red velvet didn't begin with boxed cake mix.

I've made quite a few red velvet desserts over the years, including traditional cakes, cookies, bars, and candies.

If you're in the mood for even more red velvet goodness, here are some additional recipes to explore.

Classic Red Velvet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

classic red velvet cake

Sometimes you just can't beat a traditional red velvet layer cake.

This version features that familiar cocoa flavor and a creamy frosting that makes every slice feel like a celebration.

It's a wonderful choice when you want to make red velvet the centerpiece of your dessert table.

Red Velvet Cookies from Scratch

For those days when you want to start with flour, sugar, cocoa, and the other basics, these homemade red velvet cookies are a delicious choice.

They're a lovely way to enjoy the familiar flavor of red velvet without making an entire cake.

Tips for Baking with Red Velvet Cake Mix

One thing I've learned through all of these cake mix experiments is that a boxed mix can be a wonderful starting point, but the ingredients you add make a difference.

If you're making a traditional cake or cupcakes, following the package directions is a good place to begin.

If you're making brownies or cookies, however, you'll usually need a much thicker batter or dough. That's why you shouldn't automatically add the water and oil called for on the cake mix box when following a brownie or cookie recipe.

Cream cheese frosting is a classic choice, but it's not your only option. Vanilla buttercream, white chocolate, and even a simple powdered sugar glaze can complement red velvet beautifully.

And don't forget about presentation! Red velvet desserts are naturally colorful, so a little white frosting or a dusting of powdered sugar can go a long way.

Frequently Asked Questions About Red Velvet Cake Mix

Is red velvet cake just chocolate cake with red food coloring?

Not exactly. Red velvet generally has a milder cocoa flavor and a subtle tang that sets it apart from traditional chocolate cake. The red coloring is part of its signature appearance, but the flavor matters, too.

Can I make brownies using red velvet cake mix?

Absolutely! In fact, I recently did just that. My easy red velvet cake mix brownies use melted butter, eggs, and mini chocolate chips to create a wonderfully tender brownie with a fudgy, cake-like texture.

Can I turn red velvet cake mix into cookies?

Yes! By reducing the liquid ingredients, you can create a thicker dough suitable for cookies. Follow a cake mix cookie recipe rather than the standard cake directions for the best results.

What frosting goes best with red velvet cake?

Cream cheese frosting is the traditional favorite because its tangy flavor complements the mild cocoa cake. Vanilla buttercream and white chocolate frosting are delicious alternatives.

Can I make red velvet cake without buying red velvet cake mix?

Yes! I recently transformed a box of white cake mix into a red velvet layer cake using cocoa powder, milk, vinegar, and red food coloring. It's a handy trick when you already have white cake mix in the pantry.

Is red velvet cake mix good for Valentine's Day desserts?

It's perfect! The red color makes it a natural choice for Valentine's Day, but it's equally lovely for Christmas, birthdays, anniversaries, and other celebrations.

Can I freeze red velvet desserts?

Many red velvet cakes, brownies, and unfrosted cookies freeze well when wrapped tightly and stored in freezer-safe containers. For the best appearance and texture, consider adding delicate frostings or decorations after thawing.

More Cake Mix Magic from Out of the Box Baking

One box of cake mix. A whole world of possibilities!

I've been having the best time experimenting with different cake mix flavors, turning those humble little boxes into cookies, brownies, bars, cakes, and all sorts of sweet surprises.

If you've got a box of cake mix in your pantry, I've got ideas for you!

And if you're ready to take your cake mix adventures even further, don't miss my Ultimate Guide to Doctoring a Boxed Cake Mix.

Who knew one little box could lead to so many delicious possibilities?

A Little Something from My Kitchen to Yours

I have to say, this red velvet adventure has been especially satisfying.

Between the fudgy brownies, the cream-filled whoopie pies, and my latest experiment turning white cake mix into red velvet cake, I've been reminded once again that baking doesn't have to be complicated to be wonderful.

Sometimes all it takes is a box of cake mix, a few pantry ingredients, and the willingness to try something new.

And if you're anything like me, one successful experiment will have you dreaming up three more before the dishes are even washed!

So, the next time you see a box of red velvet cake mix at the grocery store, don't feel limited to making an ordinary cake.

Bring it home, put on your apron, and see what kind of magic you can create.

And if you try one of these ideas, I'd love to hear how it turns out!

Thanks for Stopping By!

Thanks so much for spending a little time in my kitchen today. I hope this collection inspires you to think outside the box (the cake mix box, that is!) and have some fun with red velvet.

Happy baking, friends!

Before you go, why not pin some photos to your Pinterest boards? I love it when folks share my recipes!

About the Baker: I'm Janice, the baker behind Out of the Box Baking, where I love turning everyday ingredients and humble boxed mixes into delicious homemade treats. From old-fashioned Southern favorites to creative cake mix experiments, there's always something sweet happening in my kitchen!

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