How to Make Box Cake Better
Turn a simple boxed cake mix into a bakery-style masterpiece with a few clever swaps and add-ins. From extra richness to creative flavor twists, these hacks will make everyone think your cake is homemade.
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl
- Hand Mixer
- Cake Pan
Ingredients
Box Cake Base
- 1 box cake mix any flavor
- 1 cup milk swap for water in the mix
- 3 eggs room temperature, add an extra yolk for richness
- 1/2 cup butter melted, use instead of oil
- 2 tbsp sour cream or yogurt optional, for added moisture
- 1 tsp vanilla or almond extract optional flavor boost
Instructions
- Preheat oven as directed on the cake mix box. Grease and flour your cake pan.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, melted butter, and extract (if using).
- Add the cake mix and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
- Fold in sour cream or yogurt for added richness and moisture. Optional: sprinkle chocolate chips or swirl jam into the batter.
- Pour batter into prepared pan and bake according to package directions, checking 5 minutes early to avoid overbaking.
- Cool for 10 minutes in the pan before removing. Frost with your favorite homemade frosting.
Notes
Flavor Variations: Add lemon zest and blueberries to lemon cake, cinnamon and nutmeg to vanilla, or replace milk with brewed coffee for a richer chocolate cake. Try pumpkin puree and pumpkin spice in yellow cake for a fall twist.
Frosting Ideas: Cream cheese frosting, chocolate ganache, peanut butter frosting, or classic buttercream all pair beautifully.