Party planning should be fun and easy, so get things done in 15 minutes or less.

The 15-Minute Party Planner's blog breaks down basic party-planning tasks into simple actions that take 15 minutes or less. We're not here to make you the next Martha, we're here to help you be crafty quickly!

Sunday, February 13, 2011

How to spice up a boxed cake mix for a quick and easy dessert

The 15-minute party planners among us like to prep for parties without breaking a sweat. To make a simple boxed cake mix a little fancier, try these easy suggestions:
  • Add a box of dry instant pudding mix to your cake batter. Try adding pistachio pudding mix to chocolate cake batter or instant lemon pudding to a white cake mix.
  • Chop up candy bars or add chocolate chips for a more interesting cake.
  • Blend fresh fruit like strawberries or applesauce into your cake batter in place of one of the liquid elements.
  • Squeeze caramel or chocolate ice cream syrup into batter or frosting for an interesting twist.
  • When pouring chocolate cake batter into a pan, use half the batter to cover the bottom of the pan, then add a layer of Peppermint Patties or Andes Mints. Cover the mints with the remaining cake batter.
  • Add a dollop of peanut butter to a chocolate or vanilla cake mix for a nutty taste.
  • Consider baking two small cakes. When you're ready to frost the cakes, spread a layer of jam or marmalade on top of the first cake, put the second cake on top and then frost both cakes as one.
  • Top a frosted cake with sprinkles, chopped nuts, or M&Ms for easy decorating.
  • Dust frosting with cocoa powder or confectioners sugar.
  • Top a frosted cake with sliced fruit for a fresher take on boxed cake.
  • Cupcakes are instantly-cute desserts and don't require much more time than making one large cake. Buy cute liners and add from-a-box cake batter to make instantly-adorable desserts.