11 Tricks to Make Boxed Cake Mix Taste Homemade
Updated: Jan. 17, 2024
Don't have time to make a cake from scratch? We'll show you how to make cake mix taste homemade.
Whipping up a dessert has never been easier with boxed cake coming to the rescue. But sometimes that pre-made mixture takes away from that homemade taste—and it sure doesn’t compete with Grandma’s cakes.
That’s where these simple tricks and tips come in! With just a simple addition (or two), these cake mixtures transform from dry white cake to a moist and decadent dessert. With these upgrades, your guests will never know these aren’t cakes made from scratch.
Keep the convenience going and explore these creative ways to make box brownies better and top these off with store-bought frosting!
Switch the Water for Buttermilk
Most box mixes ask you to add eggs, oil and water. To make the boxed cake taste homemade, replace the water with rich and tasty buttermilk. Use the amount you would for water for the creamiest results. You won’t regret it!
Want to make your own? Learn 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. Using a long knife, cut the cooled cake horizontally, spread a layer between each slice and reassemble! You could use homemade lemon curd or a spread like Nutella.
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 available. The flavor will be rich and indulgent! Try it out with this Chocolate Comfort Cake recipe.
Use Flavor Extracts
Taking your standard cake mix to the next level has never been this easy. All you’ll need are some flavor extracts straight from your kitchen! Choose unique combinations—such as vanilla and ginger—to create an original cake. Or, for a seasonal flavor, use peppermint extract like in this peppermint bundt cake. If using vanilla, be sure to look up the differences between different types of vanilla extract.
Add Mayonnaise
Mayonnaise in a cake? No, we haven’t lost our minds! Surprisingly, this secret ingredient could take your cake to the next level of delicious heaven. Adding a spoonful or two to the mix before you bake it will greatly improve the texture.
Here’s why mayonnaise makes the perfect chocolate cake.
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! This Watergate cake uses club soda for a sweetened-down dessert.
Throw in Some Nuts
When mixing the batter for your cake, grab a handful of walnuts and throw them into the mix. These extras make for a fantastic crunchy texture and add a homemade element to the dessert. You can experiment with different types of nuts, too! Just don’t forget to chop your nuts before you add them in.
Try mixing this trick with others on this list! This Pistachio Cake with Walnuts uses pistachio pudding and chopped walnuts for a dessert that’ll instantly become a family favorite.
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. This trick makes a huge difference in flavor! These are our favorite brands of butter.
Add Pudding Mix
Mixing two different box desserts together? Yep, it works. This method for making boxed cake taste homemade adds extra moisture and density to the dessert, resulting in an indulgent treat. This hack is especially great for larger cakes.
It’s best to use a flavored pudding mix that fits your flavor (like chocolate pudding in a chocolate cake). Then again, feel free to experiment with different flavor combinations.
Check out these cake recipes that start with pudding mix.
Add Sour Cream
Much like using mayonnaise, sour cream adds a supreme amount of moisture to your cake that you’ve desperately been missing. The best part? It should almost always be in your fridge, ready to go! If not, these sour cream substitutes work, too.
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? Mix a can of store-bought frosting with an 8-ounce container of whipped topping instead. The result is soft, creamy, and easy to spread! Make sure to follow these cake-decorating tips for gorgeous results. Also, check how to make canned frosting taste like homemade.
Originally Published: June 05, 2018
