Recipes | Desserts | 5 Ways to Make Cake Mix Better

5 Ways to Make Cake Mix Better

Sharing is caring!

The recipe on the back of a box of Cake Mix is lackluster.  You don’t have to follow box cake mix recipes exactly, you know… you can take a box of cake mix and make it into several different desserts or just a more fun cake.  Keep reading to find 5 ways to make cake mix better AND a super simple, easy to follow recipe.  Plus, I have a list of several other easy cake mix recipes that are sure to impress your guests!

5 Ways to Use Box Cake Mix

Be sure to check out the rest of my delicious dessert recipes!

Why is cake mix so simple to use in baking?

Cake mixes offer the home baker time-saving convenience while still allowing them to serve a delicious, homemade dessert.

Rather than baking from scratch, cake mixes require minimal effort as they have already been premeasured and mixed. The result is a cake with a consistent texture that can be personalized by adding additional ingredients like nuts, chocolate chips, or fruits.

Furthermore, since cake mix often includes its leavening agent and requires a few eggs for binding, it is a simple process to create and make!

How do I make cake mix take better?

One of the most effective ways to improve the taste and texture of cake made from a box mix is to substitute some ingredients for richer components.

Rather than using water in the recipe, try milk, melted butter, or even coffee to increase moisture. Adding Greek yogurt or sour cream can boost both flavor and moistness.

Additionally, adding small amounts of spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cardamom can enhance the cake mix’s taste profile.

Finally, tossing a handful of any chopped nuts or dried fruit into the batter will add another dimension to your creation.

These small tweaks may take more effort than simply following the package instructions, but they will ultimately produce a delicious dish.

You can also read these tips on How to Make Funfetti Cake Mix Taste Better!

What can I make with a boxed cake mix?

The versatility of the boxed cake mix makes it an appealing option for various baked goods. While the classic use is to create light and fluffy cakes, simple tweaks can turn that boxed cake into many other delicious treats.

Experienced bakers can go even further by adding their touches, such as almonds or chocolate chips, to the batter.

Depending on the occasion, a cook could assemble individual trifles by layering liqueur-soaked sponges with whipped cream and fruit or make decadent cupcakes topped with swirled frosting or sprinkles.

The ordinary boxed cake mix uses are limitless and can be tailored to suit one’s taste preferences or needs.

Top Shelf Elements Cake Carrier for Up to 10 inch x 4 1/2 inch Cake. Two Sided Fashionable Coral Pink Base Doubles as Five Section Serving TrayReed & Barton Lyndon 2pc Dessert Set, 0.8 LB, MetallicHomeries Acrylic Cake Stand with Dome Cover (6 in 1) Multi-Functional Serving Platter and Cake Plate - Use as Cake Holder, Salad Bowl, Platter, Punch Bowl, Desert Platter, Nachos & Salsa Plate,XINLIYA Set of 6 Pieces Metal Cake Stands Round Cake Stands Square Candy Fruite Display Plate Cupcake Serving Tower Wedding Brithday Party Celebration Home Decoration,Antique Gold

 

What are the flavors of cake mix I can buy at the store?

Most cake mix brands offer traditional favorites such as yellow, chocolate, and white cakes with additional flavor variations like marble and strawberry.

There are also unique options like pudding-in-the-mix cakes, lemon poppy seed cakes, and honey cakes found in stores with specialty baking ingredients.

For bakers looking for a more indulgent treat, there are options like double chocolate fudge mix or red velvet cream cheese frosting mix.

Whether you’re seeking a classic or an updated twist on the standard boxed cake mixes, discovering the range of flavors will guarantee an exciting option to bring home and enjoy.

🍳 My New Favorite — With a Reader Discount!

This is my new favorite nonstick skillet I use every single week — and I’ve got a deal just for you!

Elite 5.5-Quart Oval Electric Skillet

🛍️ Elite 5.5-Quart Oval Electric Skillet

  • ✔️ Non-toxic & PFAS-free
  • ✔️ Easy to clean (even after cheesy eggs!)
  • ✔️ Beautiful enough to serve in

🌿 $25 off a $150+ purchase with code: 3BOYSANDADOG

Shop GreenPan – Save $25

🟢 “400+ readers clicked this code last month – I truly love this pan!”


Does a boxed cake mix taste like a homemade cake? 

It can! There are many ways that you can add better flavor to a good boxed cake mix. Make sure that you’re choosing a cake mix that you like the flavor of, first and foremost. If you like white cake mix, use that. If you like chocolate cake mix, use that.

And if you’re a strawberry cake mix fan, use that! Having a box cake taste like a homemade cake can happen, but you need to choose a flavor that you like first. 

After that, you can achieve your bakery cake by following the simple steps below. You’ll find tips for wet ingredients, dry ingredients, cake batter tips, and even easy steps on how you can make a box cake mix taste homemade. 

One other thing to think about is adding homemade frosting on top! Box cake mixes can easily taste like homemade cake recipes by adding a frosting that you make for extra flavor! This is such an easy way to make an average cake mix taste like the best cake ever. 

If you want a flavorful cake and a moist cake, use the simple swaps and tips below. You won’t be sorry! 

5 Ways to Make Cake Mix Better

1.  More Fat in Your Box Cake Mix:

If you want a better box cake mix you need to substitute melted butter for the oil and double the amount your recipe calls for.  

If you are on a diet, use applesauce instead of the extra oil or butter.

 It won’t be as flavorful, but it will help with moist cakes.

🍳 My New Favorite — With a Reader Discount!

This is my new favorite nonstick skillet I use every single week — and I’ve got a deal just for you!

Elite 5.5-Quart Oval Electric Skillet

🛍️ Elite 5.5-Quart Oval Electric Skillet

  • ✔️ Non-toxic & PFAS-free
  • ✔️ Easy to clean (even after cheesy eggs!)
  • ✔️ Beautiful enough to serve in

🌿 $25 off a $150+ purchase with code: 3BOYSANDADOG

Shop GreenPan – Save $25

🟢 “400+ readers clicked this code last month – I truly love this pan!”

Would you like to save this?

We'll email this post to you, so you can come back to it later! You'll also get regular recipes & printables to your inbox!

2.  Make it Eggcellent:

Add an extra egg or two to make your cake mix recipe extra rich and fluffy – like in the Best Cupcake Recipe EVER from Crystal and Company!

The extra egg yolk or two makes the recipe richer.  The egg whites make the box mixes fluffier. 

So, you can do one or both depending on how your want your cake to taste.

5 Ways to Improve Boxed Cake Mix

3.  Water Strike:

Water is drying out your cake and cupcakes!  So, when replacing the water, use milk (chocolate milk?) or soda instead like this Mountain Dew Cupcake Recipe or these Coca-Cola Cupcakes.  What flavor of soda pop cake will you make?

You could also add a 1/2 cup to a cup of sour cream make them more moist.

[alert-announce]

Click Here for the other Top Recipes

[/alert-announce]

Shop My Planning Printables:

The following planning printables of mine can be found on:

A collage of printable meal planning sheets titled 52 Weeks Printable Menus & Shopping Lists features menus for Weeks 52 and 40, a shopping list for Week 1 with categories like produce and pantry staples, and a playful twist for holiday seasons—Grinch OREO Cookie Balls recipe inspiration.
Image of a Mom Planner printable pack cover featuring seven planner preview pages, including chore, budget, menu, daily, weekly, and monthly planners. The pack contains 25 pages with a green and white design reminiscent of Grinch OREO Cookie Balls.
Image showcasing a collection of fitness planner pages, with sections for body measurements, workout tracker, water intake, and meal ideas. As you jot down your goals, imagine treating yourself with Grinch OREO Cookie Balls after a week of dedication. Central cover reads My Fitness Planner.

4.  Be Adventurous:

Throw stuff in there!  Here are a few ideas.  Try adding one or more following these box cake mix hacks!

  • Extra vanilla extract, strawberry, or almond flavoring.
  • 2 tablespoons of peanut butter or nutella.
  • Your favorite candy bars – like this Reese’s Cupcake Recipe
  • Chopped fresh fruit between two cakes, with frosting, can make a delicious and simple layer cake!
Pale yellow custard is being poured from a bowl over a freshly baked cake with holes poked in it, set in a glass baking dish—a delightful twist and one of the 5 ways to make cake mix better.

I like to make Poke Cake and fill the holes with Jello or pudding – seriously, it is probably my favorite box cake improvements.  For a bit extra, try putting pudding in the mix, not just in the holes.

A slice of yellow cake with fluffy white frosting sits on a plate alongside a scoop of pink and white ice cream, showcasing one of the 5 ways to make cake mix better.

Poke Cake with Icing[/caption]

5.  Make Cake Mix Cookies:

How to Make Funfetti Cookies from a Box of Cake Mix

Try one or more of these alterations to your cake mix recipe and never eat a nasty, dry, flavorless boxed cake again!

Kelli’s Boxed Cake Mix Recipes:

Cinnamon Banana Bread Cake Mix Recipe

Blueberry Cobbler from Yellow Cake Mix

Zucchini Bread Easy Cake Mix Recipe

Chocolate Mint Oreo Cupcake

Gluten Free Mint Chocolate Chip Cupcakes

Blueberry Cobbler made with Cake Mix

           

 

More Ways to Use Box Cake Mix:

You can make any cake mix into cookies!  Think of the possibilities; double chocolate chip, chocolate peppermint, rocky road.  Can you tell I like chocolate?  Just follow this simple recipe:

Boxed Cake Mix Cookies Recipe

5 Ways to make Cake Mix better

Kelli Miller
Transform ordinary boxed cake mix into extraordinary desserts with these five simple and creative ideas! Discover easy tips to improve flavor, moisture, and texture, ensuring every bite tastes homemade.
5 from 22 votes
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 8 minutes
Cool Time 10 minutes
Total Time 28 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 24 cookies
Calories 271 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 15.25 oz box cake mix
  • ¼ Cup(s) oil
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 teaspoon milk
  • ½ Cup(s) mix-ins like chocolate chips optional
  • frosting optional

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 375.
  • Stir cake mix, eggs, oil and milk until combined. Stir in mix-ins.
  • Make 1inch balls with spoons or a cookie scoop and place 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheet or parchment. Flatten slightly.
  • Bake for 6-8 minutes or until golden around the edges.
  • Cool for 1 minute before removing. Frost immediately if you are using frosting or making sandwich cookies.

Nutrition

Serving: 2cookiesCalories: 271kcalCarbohydrates: 41gProtein: 3gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 31mgSodium: 282mgFiber: 1gSugar: 26g
Keyword boxed cake mix hacks, cake mix ideas, cake mix recipes, easy dessert recipes, homemade cake flavor., how to make cake mix moist, ways to improve cake mix
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

You Are Also Going To Love:

Studies have shown that if you really like homemaking posts, you will also love the following articles. 🙂  I have pulled them together for you right here!

Be sure to check out my easy simple recipes as well!

A close-up of a bowl filled with hamburger soup, featuring ground meat, green beans, corn, and diced tomatoes. A slice of wild rice and cranberry bread loaf sits beside it. The text above reads Slow Cooker Hamburger Soup on a red and white background.
Wild Rice and Cranberry Bread
A hand in a yellow glove holds a scrubbing brush over a blue bucket filled with soapy water on a wooden floor. The text above reads Professional Cleaning Tips. Just like mastering a 5-ingredient tuna casserole, effective cleaning is all about using the right tools and techniques.
A bathroom featuring a white sink and faucet, a plant, and a large mirror. Overlaid text reads: The Secret to a sparkling Shower and Tub is easier than you think, in red font—just like crafting the perfect Wild Rice and Cranberry Bread.

Sharing is caring!

Similar Posts

41 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    Oh my gosh! I was so excited to have stumbled up on this post that’s packed with awesome tips to make cake mix better and wonderful recipes. What fabulous ideas! I followed your simple recipe to make cake mix into cookies and it was just like you described – quick, easy and so delicious! I added in some colorful sprinkles just like those in your image. Mmmmm….

    1. I have some add in for box brownies I add two tablespoons of malt powder yummy ?. Also tsp. Of cinnamon sometimes or more.

  2. 5 stars
    You had me at cake mix cookies! I love these ideas of taking something ordinary and making it AMAZING! Love!

  3. 5 stars
    These are all amazing recipes! I some cake mixes in the pantry that I’m going to doctor up now!

  4. 5 stars
    Oh my gosh! I was so excited to have stumbled up on this post that’s packed with awesome tips to make cake mix better and wonderful recipes. What fabulous ideas! I followed your simple recipe to make cake mix into cookies and it was just like you described – quick, easy and so delicious! I added in some colorful sprinkles just like those in your image. Mmmmm….

  5. 5 stars
    You had me at cake mix cookies! I love these ideas of taking something ordinary and making it AMAZING! Love!

  6. 5 stars
    These are all amazing recipes! I some cake mixes in the pantry that I’m going to doctor up now!

  7. I want to try making cake with soda! That sounds like a lot of fun. I bet with sugared soda though 🙂

    Thanks for sharing at Bloggers Spotlight!

  8. 5 stars
    Great tips for a better cake! Hope you have a fantastic weekend and thanks so much for sharing with us at Full Plate Thursday!
    Miz Helen

  9. 5 stars
    Great tips for a better cake! Hope you have a fantastic weekend and thanks so much for sharing with us at Full Plate Thursday!
    Miz Helen

  10. 5 stars
    Hey Kelli! These are excellent tips. Cake mix cookies seem like they are delicious! Definitely going to change up the way I bake now. Thank you so much for joining the party at Dishing It & Digging It this week!

  11. 5 stars
    Hey Kelli! These are excellent tips. Cake mix cookies seem like they are delicious! Definitely going to change up the way I bake now. Thank you so much for joining the party at Dishing It & Digging It this week!

  12. I love these tips. I also like the confetti cookies. They may go in my holiday treat bags this year. Thanks for sharing on Sunday’s Best.

  13. Great ideas!! My husband is the cake man – I’ll share these with him! Thanks for sharing on the What’s for Dinner link up – Would love to have you give us a comment at the party!

  14. 5 stars
    These are great tips. I’m going to bake cupcakes but will try for the first time to make buttercream frosting.

  15. 5 stars
    These are great tips. I’m going to bake cupcakes but will try for the first time to make buttercream frosting.

  16. 5 stars
    Although I usually do cook from scratch, I sometimes can’t resist the convenience of cake mixes. I do many of the things you suggest, using the mix as a starting point for my own creation. Great tips. Break out of the box! 😀

  17. 5 stars
    Although I usually do cook from scratch, I sometimes can’t resist the convenience of cake mixes. I do many of the things you suggest, using the mix as a starting point for my own creation. Great tips. Break out of the box! 😀

  18. I had no idea that boxed cake mix could be so versatile. Thank you for the great tips and recipes. I will be trying some of these this weekend. My kids will be excited.

  19. When I make cupcakes I use a boxed white cake mix, the ingredients called for on the back of the box, except I only use 2 egg whites and add 2 more whole eggs. I also add a small box of instant fat free sugar free vanilla pudding powder mix, 1 teaspoon of clear vanilla flavoring, 1 teaspoon of coconut flavoring and the beans of 1 whole vanilla bean. I bake on 325. Everyone asks for these cupcakes and they can never figure out the flavoring combo. Over the years, I’ve just tweaked and tweaked the recipe till now and it’s perfect. I have used butter for oil and milk for water but to me, they are alittle too dense so I just stick with my tweaked recipe.

    1. This sounds super delicious – I love to try adding new things and taking out old things from a boxed mix 🙂

  20. I use olive oil instead of the regular cooking oil or butter. It makes the most moist and delicious cakes I have ever tried!

    1. I see all but the top one – I have let the lady that combined my sites know. 🙂 Thanks bunches for telling me!

  21. 5 stars
    Great tips for making our cakes better, I will have to try some of these. Hope you have a great weekend and thank you so much for sharing with Full Plate Thursday.
    Come Back Soon!
    Miz Helen

  22. 5 stars
    Great tips for making our cakes better, I will have to try some of these. Hope you have a great weekend and thank you so much for sharing with Full Plate Thursday.
    Come Back Soon!
    Miz Helen

  23. Great ideas. One more. . . When making pineapple upside down cake, use the pineapple juice in the cake instead of water. So much more flavorful!!!

  24. All good ideas – my daughter swears by putting more oil in brownie mix, too…hey, it isn’t diet food! I made a cake for Easter that was pineapple flavored and added a small can of crushed pineapple to it to amp up the flavor. it was moist and wonderful! Pinning this post – thanks!

  25. 5 stars
    Great Ideas! Thank you so much for sharing your awesome recipe with Full Plate Thursday and have a great weekend.
    Come Back Soon!
    Miz Helen

  26. 5 stars
    Great Ideas! Thank you so much for sharing your awesome recipe with Full Plate Thursday and have a great weekend.
    Come Back Soon!
    Miz Helen

  27. Love these great tips…I always add Vanilla to EVERYthing almost but never thought to use any of the others you speak of.
    Over from Miz Helens

  28. ooo fun ideas! Thanks for linking up to Tasteful Tuesdays! love it! Really appreciate you stopping by my blog! I’m trying to keep in better touch with my linkers/readers… If you already follow me, please let me know I will find your blog on Bloglovin (I’m transferring my follows there)if you don’t follow in any way, would you consider following via GFC or other method?
    http://www.nap-timecreations.com

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating