Making Cake Mixes Taste Better

Tip: Making Cake Mixes Taste "From Scratch"

When making a cake mix cake, I use milk instead of water. I measure the required milk in a 2 cup mixing cup. Then I add the correct amount of oil and eggs. I beat the cake mix to get the lumps out and then gradually add what is in the 2 cup measuring cup.

Once it is blended well, I scrape the bowl and then beat for 2 minutes on medium speed. I then pour the batter in a prepared 9x13 inch pan and bake it a 300 degrees F for about 45 minutes. Baking it with a lower heat makes the cake rise more evenly and keeps the cake from having narrow edges and a high center of the cake.

People that eat my cakes can't believe I used a cake mix. They say it tastes like a "scratch" cake.

By Sue from Chester, SC

Feedback:

RE: Making Cake Mixes Taste "From Scratch"

I quit using cake mixes and now make all my own cakes. Home made cakes don't contain all the chemicals that you find in a cake mix. (04/16/2009)

By MCW

RE: Making Cake Mixes Taste "From Scratch"

Good idea! I found that following the beat for 2 minutes directions helped.

Also, straight from my a chef's mouth, use a tsp of vanilla, it helps cut down on the cloying sweetness from boxed cakes, any flavor.

And I realize that from scratch cakes are good, but you can find box mixes on sale for less than a dollar a LOT of the time, the ingredients to make from scratch, cost way more than that! (04/16/2009)

By michawnpita

RE: Making Cake Mixes Taste "From Scratch"

Thanks for the great tip! I love making from scratch cakes but they can be very time consuming. The lower heat setting will help a lot also. (04/19/2009)

By Chevygirl

RE: Making Cake Mixes Taste "From Scratch"

For goodness sake, just make your cakes from scratch - far better for you with no preservatives! (04/20/2009)

By Kings Kid

Tip: Making Cake Mixes Taste "From Scratch"

To make cake mixes taste like cakes made "from scratch":

• White Cake: Add 1/4 cup cooking oil to the cake mix.
• Chocolate Cake: Add 1/4 cup sour cream to the cake mix.

I have found that these tips work especially well with Duncan Hines cake mixes.

Source: I have had this tip for years, and as far as I can recall, it was given to me by a friend of my mother's.

By Annabelle from Phoenix, AZ

Feedback:

RE: Making Cake Mixes Taste "From Scratch"

Another tip is to add 1/2 to 1 tsp. of vanilla to your cake mix. I also have butter flavoring/extract which I typically add 1/2 to 1 tsp. of to each boxed cake mix as well. (11/15/2007)

By Kelly

RE: Making Cake Mixes Taste "From Scratch"

I have always added about 1/4 cup extra flour to a cake mix to make it taste more homemade. This seems to give the cake mix more body. Then, just mix it like you would normally and bake. (04/10/2008)

By Arizona Survivor