Here are some of the simple swaps and additions you can make to boxed cake mix:
Use an extra egg: Most boxed mixes will call for three eggs. Use four for a cake that's richer-tasting and moister. This tip is one I use practically every time I make a boxed cake mix.
Substitute dairy: Replace the water called for on the package with dairy. My favorite is buttermilk for that little bit of tang. Dairy adds fat and makes for a more homemade-tasting cake.
Replace water with other liquids: If you're not going the dairy route, replace the water with another liquid for added flavor. Use coffee for a deep, dark chocolate cake, or ginger ale in light and bright yellow cake. Combine with dairy to get the added fat by using 3/4 cup liquid and 1/4 cup sour cream or buttermilk.
Add a mix-in: Mix-ins always make a cake special and taste more like homemade. A combo I love is cream of coconut and shredded coconut. Fold the mix-in into the batter last, adding up to 1 cup.
Go all-citrus: Make a cake with a citrus punch, replacing the water with juice and adding lots of zest. Try orange, lemon, or lemon-lime. Add lemon and lime zest to a cake made with lemon-lime soda for the liquid.
Add extracts: A little more vanilla is never a bad thing. Boost the flavor with an extra teaspoon or so of vanilla extract. Vanilla is always an excellent choice, but any extract can enhance a flavor. How about a teaspoon of almond extract in that strawberry cake mix?
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.
Make a filling: A filling in the center definitely screams (or at least politely says) "homemade!" Make a simple one by stirring together a cup of mini chocolate chips with 1/2 cup light brown sugar and 1/2 cup chopped pecans. Pour 1/2 of the cake batter into a Bundt pan. Top with the filling mixture. Cover the filling with the remaining cake batter and bake.
Frost with a homemade frosting: Now, I'll admit to liking canned frosting—but spread on graham crackers, not cakes. To elevate a cake mix cake, top with a homemade frosting. It doesn't have to be fancy or time-consuming, but a homemade frosting will take your cake to the next level. Try the frosting recipe above on a devil's food cake or yellow cake.
You know what's weird? I have a sudden craving for cake. You too? If you've tried any of these tips or have others of your own, I'd love to hear them!
