by Jen
on October 21, 2012
I think many of us have heard of Ann Byrn, better known as “The Cake Mix Doctor.” She’s published multiple cookbooks sharing how to turn a traditional boxed cake mix into something special. Since cake mix is the cornerstone of most of Ann’s recipes it seems only logical that she would create her own brand of cake mix, right? Well, she has and I was recently contacted by a blog reader who is helping Ann on the PR front with an offer to try the new cake mixes.
Typically, I steer clear of boxed/pre-mixed baked because I prefer to make them from scratch and can do without all the preservatives, additives and food coloring that go into them. I agreed to test Ann’s mixes because they are made with only five or six ingredients and have no additives, preservatives or trans fats.
My all-time favorite cake combination when I was growing up was yellow cake with chocolate frosting so clearly that’s the first way I put the cake mix to use.
Peanut Butter Chocolate Layer Bars
The cake mix was a breeze to put together. I only had to add butter (love that you add butter and not oil), milk and eggs. The batter produced perfectly shaped cupcakes.
And then I got a bit more creative with the mix and made the Chocolate Peanut Butter Layer Bars from Ann’s website. YUM!
I ate somewhere in the neighborhood of five of these addictive squares of heaven throughout the day on Saturday, including one warmed and topped with ice cream (I highly suggest that). These bars are one of those recipes that you know would be a hit with a crowd and a great thing to take to a party. They’re super simple to put together since you use the boxed mix for the top and bottom layer. You could use any cake mix but of course I recommend The Cake Mix Doctor if you can find it in your area! Also, I halved the recipe and baked it in a square 8×8 pan. I used my food scale to weigh out half of the mix.
Peanut Butter Chocolate Layer Bars
(Recipe source The Cake Mix Doctor)
Do you have any recipes you love that use cake mix? I have two more boxes to use!
{ }
July 22, 2026
I am such a creature of habit when it comes to breakfast. 95% of the time I’m craving a breakfast that is on the sweet side. That mostly alternates between smoothies or yogurt bowls with overnight oats, chia pudding or oatmeal occasionally thrown in there. On the rare occasion I go savory – it’s scrambled [...]
{ }
July 19, 2026
I want to bottle up this summer and make it last forever (well, maybe minus the wildly hot and humid weather that makes running a big thumbs down). I mentioned this in my last post…but I am really enjoying the slower pace and the days that feel like they have more space. While I’m trying [...]
{ }
July 10, 2026
Happy Friday! I hope this post finds you well and enjoying the summer. We are in the dog days of it over here in Charlotte – the heat and humidity is off the charts – but it’s something I’ll embrace because I deeply appreciate the massive slow down that summer has brought. A lot of [...]
{ }
June 21, 2026
I recently traveled to Big Bear Lake, California for the inaugural Big Bear Peaks + Pines three-day stage race hosted by TransRockies Running. This was my third TransRockies event in 12 months (see also Colorado + Moab) and I’m here to tell you that they can do no wrong when it comes to race organization [...]
{ }
May 30, 2026
Happy weekend! Another week in the books! I got three runs in (6.5 miles, 5.5 miles, 5.5 miles) and I have a trail run planned for tomorrow. Total weekly mileage will end up around 30-35 miles depending on if I go for 13 or 17 tomorrow! I’m 16 weeks out from the Golden Ultra so [...]
{ }
May 23, 2026
Happy Memorial Day Weekend. It’s a very rainy one here in Charlotte and while I am a little bummed not to be spending the weekend in Florida with the fam or by the pool at our swim club (just opened for the season!), I’m also welcoming a slower pace and time at home. It’s been [...]
{ }
May 3, 2026
Hi and happy May! As we roll into the first full week of a new month, I have almost a month’s worth of lunch ideas for you. It’s a great mix of sandwiches, bowls, salads and wraps. I hope you enjoy and find some inspiration for your midday meal! Open-faced chickpea salad sandwich on toasted [...]
{ }
