11 Tricks to Make Boxed Cake Mix Taste Homemade
Updated: Jun. 15, 2022Don't have time to make a cake from scratch? We'll show you how to make cake mix taste homemade.
Switch the Water for Buttermilk
Most box mixes ask you to add eggs, oil and water. To make the cake more interesting, replace the water with some rich and tasty buttermilk instead. Use the same amount as you would water for the best, creamiest results. You won’t regret it!
Want to make your own? This is how to make buttermilk at home.
Add Some Special Layers
You’ll want to bake your cake in 8- or 9-inch round pans for this. Then, use a long knife to cut the cooled cake horizontally, spread a layer between each slice and reassemble! You could use homemade lemon curd, a spread like Nutella or even a creamy custard.
This is our favorite brand of cake mix.
Give It a Caffeine Kick
Why not add a hint of coffee to your chocolate cake mix? Substitute the water with brewed coffee, or mix water with instant coffee granules, whatever you have on hand. The flavor will be rich and indulgent!
Check out our favorite instant coffee products.
Use Flavor Extracts
Taking your standard cake mix to the next level has never been quite so easy. If you have some flavor extracts in your kitchen, you have the answer! Choose some unique combinations—such as vanilla and ginger—to create an original cake. Be sure to look up the differences between different types of vanilla extract.
Use Soda, Not Water
This idea is an oddball for sure–but it works. Replacing the water with cream soda, Coca-Cola or Pepsi can help you create a sweet and tasty cake in no time at all. It will be so moist and rich, you won’t believe it!
Throw in Some Nuts
Who doesn’t love nuts? When you’re mixing the batter for your cake, simply grab a handful of walnuts and throw them into the mix. These extras make for a fantastic crunchy texture and add a cool homemade element to the dessert. You can experiment with different types of nuts, too!
Don’t forget to chop your nuts before you add ’em.
Melt Some Butter
Is there anything more delicious than freshly melted butter? If the box recipe calls for water or oil, substitute it for some buttery goodness instead. This makes a huge difference in flavor! This is our favorite brand of butter.
Add Pudding Mix
Mixing two different box desserts together? Yep, it works. This brilliant video by TikTok user @willcookforcake showed us what we should have been adding this whole time: pudding mix! While she uses vanilla in the video, it’s best to use a flavored pudding mix that fits your flavor (like chocolate pudding in a chocolate cake). Then again, if you’re into some experimentation, feel free to use whatever flavor you want.
So why does this work? It helps to add extra moisture and density. This is especially great for larger cakes.
Check out these cake recipes that start with pudding mix.
Add Sour Cream
If you’ve ever made banana bread before, it’s likely you’ve dealt with whisking in a good amount of sour cream. Much like using mayonnaise, sour cream adds a supreme amount of moisture into your cake that you’ve desperately been missing. The best part? It should almost always be in your fridge, ready to go!
Here are some sour cream substitutes just in case.
Frost to Perfection
Last but by no means least… it’s time to decorate your cake. Don’t have the time to make homemade frosting? Just mix a can of store-bought frosting with an 8-ounce container of whipped topping. The result is soft, creamy and easy to spread! Here are a few tips for cake decorating.
