Making a great cake from a cheap cake mix is all about enhancing the flavor and texture with a few additional ingredients. Here’s a simple way to elevate a basic cake mix:
Enhanced Cake Mix Cake
Ingredients:
- 1 box of cake mix (any flavor)
- 1 cup water (replace with milk for a richer taste)
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil (replace with melted butter for more flavor)
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional, for extra flavor)
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven according to the cake mix package directions. Typically, this will be around 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour your cake pans.
- Prepare the batter:
- In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, milk (instead of water), melted butter (instead of oil), and eggs.
- Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract for added depth of flavor.
- Mix on low speed for 30 seconds, then increase to medium speed and beat for 2 minutes until the batter is smooth and well combined.
- Bake: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pans. Bake according to the times listed on the cake mix package, usually around 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool: Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn them out onto a wire rack to cool completely.
Additional Tips:
- Add-ins: Mix in chocolate chips, fruit, nuts, or flavor extracts to the batter before baking for extra flavor.
- Frosting: Use store-bought frosting or make a simple homemade frosting to add a personal touch.
- Moisture Boost: Add a small package of instant pudding mix (in a flavor that complements your cake) to the dry cake mix for added moisture and flavor.
By making these simple substitutions and additions, you can turn an inexpensive cake mix into a delicious and impressive dessert!
Recipe Card
Enhanced Cake Mix Cake
Making a great cake from a cheap cake mix is all about enhancing the flavor and texture with a few additional ingredients. Here’s a simple way to elevate a basic cake mix:
Ingredients
- – 1 box of cake mix any flavor
- – 1 cup water replace with milk for a richer taste
- – 1/2 cup vegetable oil replace with melted butter for more flavor
- – 3 large eggs
- – 1 teaspoon vanilla extract optional, for extra flavor
Instructions
- **Preheat your oven** according to the cake mix package directions. Typically, this will be around 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour your cake pans.
- **Prepare the batter**:
- – In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, milk (instead of water), melted butter (instead of oil), and eggs.
- – Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract for added depth of flavor.
- – Mix on low speed for 30 seconds, then increase to medium speed and beat for 2 minutes until the batter is smooth and well combined.
- **Bake**: Pour the batter into the prepared cake pans. Bake according to the times listed on the cake mix package, usually around 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- **Cool**: Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then turn them out onto a wire rack to cool completely.