Easy Cake and Brownie Mix Makeovers

Transform a standard cake or brownie mix into a dessert masterpiece with these simple add-ins.
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Box-mix makeovers

Want to add a little pizzazz to a box-mix dessert? Start with your favorite mix -- one regular or sugar-free two-layer-size cake mix OR one family-size brownie mix (a 19.5 to 26-ounce package). Then stir, swirl or sprinkle some adds-ins -- such as flavored syrup, a little spice or chocolate chips -- and you've got a whole new creation.Click on the recipe link below for all our add-in ideas. For photos of some finished treats and a sampling of add-in ideas, click ahead.Easy Box-Mix MakeoversSee a short how-to video of box-mix makeovers

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Fill with pudding

A super-simple fix-up: Slice cupcakes into thirds or halves, fill with pudding, frost.

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Top hot cake after baking

Sprinkle chocolate and peanut butter pieces on a brownie mix while it's still hot from the oven. This technique helps the pieces stick to the cake but still retain their shape.Other sprinkles for hot cakes: coarsely chopped chocolate-covered raisins, chocolate-covered peanuts, candy bars or unwrapped caramels.

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Make it glitter

Pipe mini dollops of canned pink frosting (or white frosting tinted with red food coloring) over the top of a cupcake and sprinkle with edible glitter.

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Frost with swirls

Fill slightly hollowed brownie cupcakes with a small spoon of gooey marshmallow cream and top with drizzles of melted chocolate chips.

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Layer toppings

Our brownies are covered with both marshmallow cream and pink frosting, topped by chopped maraschino cherries.For a flavored cream: Beat together a jar of marshmallow cream and a quarter-cup orange marmalade, peanut butter or your favorite flavor of ice cream topping.

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Add chopped candies

Frost a chocolate cupcake with canned chocolate frosting, then sprinkle on chopped candy bar and chopped chocolate bar.

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Make a marshmallow flower

Decorate a cupcake with white canned frosting tinted with orange food coloring. Snip a large marshmallow to form petals and dip in colored sugar. Add a gumdrop to the center.

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Roll in sprinkles

Roll the edge of a pink-frosted cupcake in multicolor sprinkles.

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Create a tropical treat

Add shredded orange peel to whipped cream or whipped topping and spread between layers and on top of cake. Finish with toasted coconut and sliced kumquats.

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Kids' choice

Add animal crackers and candy-coated milk chocolate pieces to a just-frosted cupcake for instant kid appeal.Other topper ideas for frosting: Broken peanut brittle, honey-roasted peanuts, toasted coconut, broken cookies, grated chocolate, chopped candy, miniature semisweet chocolate pieces or colored sprinkles.

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Batter fix-ups: Add seasoning

Stir your choice of seasoning into basic box-mix batter. Try:• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, ground ginger, apple pie spice or pumpkin pie spice• One-half teaspoon ground chipotle chile pepper (for some heat)• 2 teaspoons grated orange peel

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Mix liquid flavor into batter

Replace 1/4 cup of the water in the box mix with one of these:• 1/4 cup coffee liqueur• 1/4 cup melted ice cream• 1/4 cup flavored coffee syrup• 1/4 cup chocolate-flavored syrup

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Top ready-to-bake batter

Just before you bake your cake, top the batter with ingredients such as:• 1 cup dried cranberries, dried cherries or raisins• 1 cup coarsely chopped smoked almonds or other nuts• 1 cup flaked or shredded coconut (toast coconut, if you like)

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Flavor frosting

Add flavor to canned frosting by folding in ingredients such as a quarter-cup miniature semisweet chocolate pieces, 2 tablespoons chopped maraschino cherries or 2 teaspoons grated orange peel.

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