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5 Ways to Make Cake Mix Better

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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

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.

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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!
Poke Cake from Box Cake Mix

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.

Poke Cake with Icing

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

Yield: 24
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Cool Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 28 minutes

You can make any cake mix into cookies! Think of the possibilities; double chocolate chip, chocolate peppermint, rocky road. Recipe modified from Pillsbury

Ingredients

  • 15.25 oz box cake mix
  • ¼ cup oil
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 teaspoon milk
  • ½ cup mix-ins like chocolate chips, optional
  • frosting, optional

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375.
  2. Stir cake mix, eggs, oil and milk until combined. Stir in mix-ins.
  3. Make 1inch balls with spoons or a cookie scoop and place 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheet or parchment. Flatten slightly.
  4. Bake for 6-8 minutes or until golden around the edges.
  5. Cool for 1 minute before removing. Frost immediately if you are using frosting or making sandwich cookies.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 12 Serving Size: 2 cookies
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 271Total Fat: 12gSaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 31mgSodium: 282mgCarbohydrates: 41gFiber: 1gSugar: 26gProtein: 3g

This data was provided and calculated by Nutritionix on 1/28/2020

Did you make this recipe?

Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Pinterest

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Denay DeGuzman

Tuesday 6th of March 2018

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....

Joyce

Friday 8th of May 2020

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

Crystal Lopez

Tuesday 6th of March 2018

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

Christina

Tuesday 6th of March 2018

These are all amazing recipes! I some cake mixes in the pantry that I'm going to doctor up now!

Hil

Friday 23rd of December 2016

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!

Sherry Nappa

Friday 23rd of December 2016

Thanks for the great tips. I'll have to give some of them a try. Thanks for sharing at Funtastic Friday.

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