There’s no doubt that box cake mixes are super convenient and they’re delicious. Whether you’re short on time, don’t have ingredients, or aren’t a good baker, they’re a great solution for birthdays, holidays, and graduations. But if you want to make your box cake taste more homemade, here are five ways to do so. You’ll be able to trick your friends and family into thinking you made the cake from scratch.
Add More Eggs
To make the cake even moister, add two extra egg yolks than the recipe calls for. For a lighter cake, use only egg whites and replace each egg yolk with one tablespoon of melted butter.
Replace the Water
Swap out water for something with more flavor and fat like whole milk, non-dairy milk, or buttermilk. You can also use soda, juice, or stout beer instead of water.
Amp Up the Chocolate
Give your chocolate cake a richer taste by using hot water instead of tap water. Try brewed coffee instead of water to make the chocolate flavor more intense.
Replace the Oil
Most box cakes call for vegetable or canola oil, which have almost no flavor. Instead, replace the oil with an equal amount of melted butter or add two tablespoons of mayonnaise or 1/4 cup sour cream or full fat yogurt.
Add Flavor
Boost the flavor of cakes by adding 1/2 to one teaspoon of rum, almond, orange, or vanilla extracts. You can also add a teaspoon or two of lemon or lime zest to white or yellow cakes. Lastly, don’t be afraid to add cookies, brownies, or chocolate chips into the mix.
