How To Make A Box Cake Mix Taste Homemade - All Things Mamma (2024)

Take your box cake mix to the next level by using my 10 Tricks To Make A Box Cake Mix Taste Homemade. If you’re ever wondering how to make your box cake mix taste better, this post is for you!

There’s just nothing like a big piece of homemade chocolate cake with creamy, chocolate frosting, and a tall glass of milk.

I don’t know about you, but I don’t always have time to make a recipe from scratch. And If I do have time, will it turn out awesome every time? So, I have a little trick up my sleeve on How To Make a Box Cake Mix Taste Homemade!

I turn to a doctored up cake mix to get the best cake and cupcakes around!

How To Make A Box Cake Mix Taste Homemade - All Things Mamma (1)

How To Make a Box Cake Mix Taste Better

Did you know that most professional cake makers use boxed cake mixes? They do!

I had no idea until I saw one of our town’s biggest wedding cake bakers checking out at the store with powdered sugar, butter, eggs, and several boxes of Duncan Hines White Cake Mix!

I could have sworn her cakes were homemade! Nope. They are all about how to make boxed cake mix better when they’re creating a wedding cake.

If you’re ready to learn how to make a box cake taste like a wedding cake – you’ve come to the right place!

Come to find out from a trusted friend that is known for her amazing cakes, that they even teach bakers in classes that you really can’t beat a Duncan Hines and Betty Crocker Cake mix these days! It really is the best box cake mix.

Apparently, the box mixes include the perfect mix of ingredients for a perfectly finished cake – every time! So, you HAVE TO TRY IT! It’s the best way on how to make a box cake mix better!

How To Make A Box Cake Mix Taste Homemade - All Things Mamma (2)

I decided it was time to put this little hack to the test and I pulled out a box cake mix, added in some ingredients that made it taste a little more “homemade”, baked it, and added my homemade buttercream frosting. (See me make buttercream frosting below! )

Yep! It tasted just like it was made from scratch! I was sold.

There is definitely a time for a homemade, from scratch cake – but there is also a time for doctoring up a boxed mix to make it taste just like homemade. If you want to figure out just how to make a box cake moist and fluffy, these tricks are just what you need.

So today I’m sharing the best cake mix hacks on how to make box cake taste better that you’ll definitely want to try!

Here are THE BEST Tricks On How To Make Box Cake Better!

How To Make A Box Cake Mix Taste Homemade - All Things Mamma (3)

Try adding a few of these tips to your box cake mix taste better!

  1. Use milk instead of water.
    Use whole milk instead of water. It gives it a denser texture like homemade with an improved taste. You can also use buttermilk in place of whole milk.
  2. Add extra eggs.
    To get an extra rich and moist cake, stir in two extra egg yolks along with the eggs the recipe calls for.
  3. Add sugar and flour to the dry mix.
    Add 1/4- 1 cup sugar and flour to your cake mix.
  4. Use coffee instead of water for chocolate cakes.
    For chocolate cakes, use strong brewed coffee instead of water to deepen the flavor.
  5. Sour Cream is perfect for adding moisture and rich flavor.
    Add in 1/2 cup sour cream to add a more dense, rich flavor. Or use mayonnaise and makeCopycat Portillo’s Chocolate Cake!
  6. Pudding adds moisture and flavor.
    Add a small instant pudding box to the mix to add moisture and flavor.
  7. Vanilla & Salt give the cake a more homemade taste.
    Add in a teaspoon of vanilla and 1/4 teaspoon of salt the mix.
  8. Butter instead of oil.
    Use melted butter in the place of vegetable oil for a richer taste.For an extra decadent cake, add two tablespoons of mayonnaise.
  9. Mix-Ins to personalize and level up the flavor.
    Add a handful of chocolate chips, fruit, or nuts to personalize your cake.
  10. Homemade Frosting is a game changer!
    Make homemade buttercream frosting! This is a MUST for cakes. Either vanilla buttercream or chocolate buttercream will make all the difference in the world!

That’s it! Try a few of these tricks the next time you’re wondering how to improve boxed cake mix. I have a feeling you will be reaching for a box mix more often!

If you want to see some of these tricks in action, check out this video where I make this cake LIVE on Good Day Marketplace HERE!

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How To Make A Box Cake Mix Taste Homemade - All Things Mamma (9)

Chocolate Cupcakes (From a Doctored Cake Mix)

For super moist chocolate cupcakes, try this Chocolate Cupcakes (from a doctored cake mix) recipe. It really does make the absolute best chocolate cupcakes! Top with my homemade buttercream frosting and chocolate shavings.

Pin RecipeSave RecipeRate RecipePrint Recipe

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Author: Kasey Schwartz

Servings: 24

Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 18 minutes minutes

Total Time: 28 minutes minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 15 oz. ounce box box devil’s food cake mix
  • 1 box instant chocolate pudding (dry)
  • 4 eggs
  • ¾ cup canola oil
  • ¾ cup milk
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 325℉. Place cupcake liners in cupcake pans.

  • Whisk together the dry ingredients in a large bowl.

  • Add the remaining ingredients and beat with a hand mixer for 2 minutes.

  • Use an ice cream scoop to fill cupcake liners about ¾ full.

  • Bake about 18 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.

  • Cool completely before frosting.

  • Pipe on frosting with a large star tip for a swirl or just by hand!

Butter Cream Frosting

    Video

    Nutrition

    Calories: 96kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 33mg | Sodium: 21mg | Potassium: 34mg | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 112IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 23mg | Iron: 1mg

    Did you make this recipe?Mention @kasey_allthingsmamma or tag #allthingsmamma!

    • Need to alter a recipe for other measurements? Try this free printable that shows youHow Many Cups in a Quart, Pint or Gallon and other valuable ways to translate while you cook.
    • The Best Easy Cake Recipes|Easy Cake Recipes that can be whipped up quickly and tastes like something you purchased from a bakery!
    • If you need to know How to Bake a Cake, I have you covered, too!
    • Out of eggs? Try these this Baker’s Guide to Egg Substitutes
    • Ever wondered Cake Flour vs. All Purpose Flour (What’s the difference?) We’ve got you!
    • When to Use Salted vs. Unsalted Butter – there’s a time for both!

    CLICK BELOW for my FREE printable cheat sheetfor

    How To Make A Box Cake Mix Taste Homemade - All Things Mamma (10)———-> 10 Tricks For Making A Box Cake Taste Homemade – Printable

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    Categories: Cake, Favorites, Kitchen Tips, , Recipes

    About Kasey Schwartz

    For over 15 years, Kasey Schwartz, the mastermind behind All Things Mamma, has been the ultimate go-to for mouthwatering family recipes. Her work has been featured on Today.com, Buzz Feed, Better Homes and Gardens, and more, making her your go-to mom next door for all things delicious and family-friendly.

    Read More About Me

    How To Make A Box Cake Mix Taste Homemade - All Things Mamma (2024)

    FAQs

    What can I add to a box cake to make it taste homemade? ›

    Boxed cake mixes can take on a lot of extra flavor and a little more liquid, so don't be afraid to add a splash of vanilla or almond extract to a white cake or a little coffee extract to a chocolate cake. Fresh lemon or orange zest is wonderful in a lemon cake and also divine in a yellow or white cake.

    How do you make your cake taste like it came from a bakery? ›

    Step 1: Look at the directions on the cake mix. Step 2: Add one more egg (or add 2 if you want it to be very rich). Step 3: Use melted butter instead of oil and double the amount. Step 4: Instead of water, use whole milk.

    What does adding an extra egg to a box cake mix do? ›

    Because eggs help build the cake's structure (don't use them and you're looking at a gooey mess), adding an extra egg yolk makes the cake batter denser. Translation: you'll have a moister confection. Conversely, she suggests an extra egg white for a fluffier cake.

    Can I use heavy cream instead of water in cake mix? ›

    When you see that the recipe calls for water, try swapping it out. Typically what I do is substitute the water for heavy cream and whole milk.

    How to doctor up a box cake mix? ›

    8 Ways To Make Boxed Cake Mix Taste Homemade
    1. Swap Oil for Melted Butter.
    2. Exchange Water for Dairy.
    3. Enhance With Extracts.
    4. Incorporate Sour Cream or Mayo.
    5. Add Nuts.
    6. Make Homemade Frosting.
    7. Layer With Fillings.
    8. Turn it into a Poke Cake.
    Apr 12, 2024

    Can I replace oil with melted butter in cake mix? ›

    Most cake mixes call for oil, but butter will bring in amazing flavor. To substitute butter for oil in baking just melt the butter, measure it, let it cool, and add it as you would the oil. Compared to oil, butter will create a cake with a firmer, cakeier texture.

    Should you beat eggs before adding to cake mix? ›

    Martina says, “Late in the mixing stage, eggs will incorporate better if you lightly beat them before adding to the batter. The finished cake may be slightly shorter than expected, but its flavor and tenderness shouldn't be affected.” For egg-leavened cakes, the eggs are crucial.

    Can I use mayo instead of eggs in a box cake mix? ›

    1 box of chocolate cake mix 1 cup of mayo Sub mayo in place of the oil and eggs called for on your box of chocolate cake mix, add water as instructed, and bake as instructed. Top with frosting of choice (I made a chocolate glaze) and enjoy! It does not taste like mayonnaise but it is incredibly rich and moist!

    How to make box cake fluffier? ›

    To make a box cake mix rise higher, try using a smaller pan, adding an extra egg, using milk instead of water, adding baking powder, mixing for longer, using room temperature ingredients, baking at a higher temperature, or using cake strips.

    How to spruce up a box cake mix? ›

    Add Some Extra Flavor

    Add a little rum, almond, or orange extract as well. If you're making a white or yellow cake, add a teaspoon or two of fresh lemon or lime zest, or a bit of juice. And don't forget about all of those ingredients in your pantry that you would use in cookies, brownies, or other cakes.

    Is it better to use milk or water in cake mix? ›

    Use milk instead of water

    Most box cake recipes will tell you to add water to the mix. Instead, try adding milk using the same proportions. This will make the cake richer and creamier because it ups the fat content. You can even use buttermilk here for a pleasant tang.

    What does corn syrup do to cakes? ›

    Corn syrup is used in candies to provide shine and to prevent the crystallization of the sugars (like what often happens with honey). It also provides moisture to the finished product, and can be used in cake batters to keep them smooth.

    What can I replace in box cake to make it better? ›

    How To Make Box Cake Better [19 Different Ways]
    1. Use an extra egg. Using an extra egg or two adds richness and moisture to your box cake. ...
    2. Use milk instead of water. ...
    3. Swap water for juice. ...
    4. Use butter instead of oil. ...
    5. Add a few spoonfuls of mayo. ...
    6. Use instant pudding mix. ...
    7. Make it nutty. ...
    8. Use coffee instead of water.
    Jun 30, 2023

    How do you make a box cake moist and dense? ›

    How To Make Boxed Cake Denser
    1. Add 2 extra egg yolks. ...
    2. Swap out oil for melted butter. ...
    3. Add 2 mashed ripe bananas, fold in just before baking. ...
    4. Add 1 cup pumpkin purée, fold in just before baking. ...
    5. Swap out water for coconut milk. ...
    6. Swap out oil for ricotta cheese. ...
    7. Add 4 ounces of chocolate, melted. ...
    8. Swap out water for heavy cream.
    May 16, 2023

    How do you add flavor to a cake after baking? ›

    1. Make a light simple syrup and add some extract or flavoring to the simple syrup. After your simple syrup has cooled brush it onto the cake. ...
    2. Brush your cake with ordinary juice or Liquor. ...
    3. Fill the cake with a flavored buttercream, ganache or filling. ...
    4. Serve your cake with jam/ flavored wh.
    Dec 23, 2018

    What does adding pudding to cake mix do? ›

    Put some pudding in the mix: Add a small box of pudding mix in with the cake mix. (Don't make the pudding.) The mix adds additional flavor, moistness, and a denser texture.

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