Boxed cake mix is a convenient and easy way to make a cake, but it can sometimes taste a little too “boxed.” However, there are a few simple tricks you can use to make your boxed cake taste like it was made from scratch.
With a few extra ingredients and a little bit of know-how, you can take your boxed cake to the next level and make it taste like it was made with love in your own kitchen.
In this guide, we will explore some of the best ways to make boxed cake taste like homemade. From adding extra ingredients like sour cream, yogurt, or pudding mix, to using high-quality extracts and toppings, you’ll learn how to make boxed cake taste like it was made with care.
So, whether you’re short on time, or just want a quick and easy way to make a delicious cake, this guide will show you how to make boxed cake taste like homemade.
Keep in mind that making changes to the recipe may affect the final outcome, and it could be possible that the final product is not as expected. It is recommended to start with small changes and adjust as needed based on the desired result and personal taste.
How to Make Boxed Cake Mix Denser
There are a few ways to make boxed cake mix denser:
- Add an extra egg: Adding an extra egg to the mix can make the cake denser and give it a more homemade texture.
- Add sour cream or yogurt: Adding a little sour cream or yogurt to the mix can make the cake denser and give it a more moist texture.
- Use butter instead of oil: Substituting butter for the oil called for in the recipe can make the cake denser and give it a more rich flavor.
- Use less liquid: Boxed cake mixes usually call for a specific amount of liquid, but using a little less can make the cake denser.
How to Make Boxed Cake Mix Moister
- Replace the water called for in the recipe with milk or buttermilk. This will add more fat and flavor to the cake.
- Add a small amount of mayonnaise to the mix. These ingredients are high in fat and will add moisture to the cake.
- Use oil instead of butter or margarine. Oil will make the cake more moist than butter or margarine.
- Add a small amount of instant pudding mix to the mix. This will add moisture and make the cake more dense.
- Instead of using water, use brewed fruit juice or coffee to make the batter. This will add more flavor and moisture to the cake.
- Try adding a 1/4 cup of applesauce to the batter. This will add moisture and add a subtle flavor of apple to the cake.
- Adding a 1/4 cup of yogurt or sour cream can also help add moisture to the cake.
Other Ways to Make Boxed Cake Mix Taste Like Bakery Cake
- Use high-quality ingredients. Use real butter or oil instead of margarine, and use whole milk or heavy cream instead of water.
- Add extra flavorings. Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract, almond extract, or other flavorings to enhance the taste of the cake.
- Add fruit or nuts to the batter. This can add texture and flavor to the cake.
- Use a different type of sweetener. Instead of using granulated sugar, try using brown sugar, honey or maple syrup. This will add a different depth of flavor to the cake.
- Use a different type of fat. Instead of using oil, try using melted butter, or even a combination of the two.
- Add a filling to the cake. Spread a layer of jam, Nutella, or even a pastry cream between the layers of cake.
- Try frosting with a homemade frosting. Bakery cakes are often frosted with buttercream or cream cheese frosting, which can be made at home and taste much better than store-bought frosting.
- Experiment with different flavors. Try using different types of cake mix and different types of add-ins, such as chocolate chips, nuts, or shredded coconut, to create a unique flavor profile.
- For chocolate cake, replace the water with hot coffee. The coffee will bring out the chocolate flavor and the heat will make the chocolate bloom.
The Right Pan for Delicious Cake
The type of pan you use to bake a cake can affect the final texture and taste of the cake. The best type of pan for baking a cake that tastes like a bakery cake is a heavy-duty aluminum pan.
Aluminum is a great heat conductor, which means that it heats evenly, so your cake will bake evenly. Additionally, aluminum pans are durable and long-lasting, so they are a great investment for any home baker.
I like this nonstick Chicago Metallic Cake Pan. It is made from heavy weight aluminized steel for superior heat conduction and even baking and has a reinforced wire rod rom that prevents warping.
Another option is a springform pan, which allows you to remove the sides of the pan, making it easy to remove the cake without damaging it. This can be useful if you want to add a filling between the layers or decorate the cake.
When using any kind of pan, it’s important to properly prepare it by greasing it, or lining it with parchment paper, to prevent sticking.
Remember that the size and shape of the pan can also affect the baking time and final texture, so it’s important to use the correct size pan for the recipe you’re using.
