14 Easy Ways to Make Boxed Cake Mix Taste Homemade

PDF download Download Article
Simple swaps to elevate a basic boxed cake recipe
PDF download Download Article

With limited time, ingredients, or baking prowess, how do you transform a simple box cake mix into a fake-it-till-you-make-it bakery cake? We interviewed professional baker Lisa Britten for the best tips to upgrade your box cake to taste like something you made from scratch. Follow this list of sweet suggestions for an easy, better-than-box-mix cake. Ready, set, bake!

1

Add 1-2 extra eggs.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/c8\/Make-Box-Cake-Taste-Like-Bakery-Cake-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Make-Box-Cake-Taste-Like-Bakery-Cake-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/c8\/Make-Box-Cake-Taste-Like-Bakery-Cake-Step-1.jpg\/v4-728px-Make-Box-Cake-Taste-Like-Bakery-Cake-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    An extra egg yolk will enrich your cake’s flavor, while the egg white fluffs up your cake and gives it more moisture. If you want more fluff without more eggy flavor, add an extra egg white separated from the yolk. [1]
    2. Advertisement
2

Replace oil with an equal amount of melted butter.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/c0\/Make-Box-Cake-Taste-Like-Bakery-Cake-Step-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Make-Box-Cake-Taste-Like-Bakery-Cake-Step-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/c0\/Make-Box-Cake-Taste-Like-Bakery-Cake-Step-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Make-Box-Cake-Taste-Like-Bakery-Cake-Step-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    The texture of your cake will be denser and have a more intense flavor. Use butter as an alternative to oil with any flavor or brand of boxed cake. [2]
3

Replace eggs and oil with flavored soda.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/3a\/Make-Box-Cake-Taste-Like-Bakery-Cake-Step-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Make-Box-Cake-Taste-Like-Bakery-Cake-Step-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/3a\/Make-Box-Cake-Taste-Like-Bakery-Cake-Step-3.jpg\/v4-728px-Make-Box-Cake-Taste-Like-Bakery-Cake-Step-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Try root beer or cola to add a subtle taste to chocolate cake . [3] Pair lemon or strawberry cake mixes with Sprite, 7 UP, or ginger beer. [4]
    2. Advertisement
4

Replace water with an equal amount of milk.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/49\/Make-Box-Cake-Taste-Like-Bakery-Cake-Step-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Make-Box-Cake-Taste-Like-Bakery-Cake-Step-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/49\/Make-Box-Cake-Taste-Like-Bakery-Cake-Step-4.jpg\/v4-728px-Make-Box-Cake-Taste-Like-Bakery-Cake-Step-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Use whole milk or your preferred non-dairy milk with a white or vanilla cake mix. Use buttermilk for a tangier flavor, which pairs especially well with red velvet cakes.
    • As another substitute for water, pro baker Lisa Britten recommends using “coffee creamers to give [your cake] a different taste.”
5

Replace water with an equal amount of coffee.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/25\/Make-Box-Cake-Taste-Like-Bakery-Cake-Step-5.jpg\/v4-460px-Make-Box-Cake-Taste-Like-Bakery-Cake-Step-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/25\/Make-Box-Cake-Taste-Like-Bakery-Cake-Step-5.jpg\/v4-728px-Make-Box-Cake-Taste-Like-Bakery-Cake-Step-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Use these caffeinated substitutions in a chocolate cake to bring out the richness of the cocoa-y flavors. For an extra kick, try Kahlua instead for a boozy combo of espresso and chocolate. [5]
    2. Advertisement
6

Add ¼ cup (35g) of flour.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/69\/Make-Box-Cake-Taste-Like-Bakery-Cake-Step-6.jpg\/v4-460px-Make-Box-Cake-Taste-Like-Bakery-Cake-Step-6.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/69\/Make-Box-Cake-Taste-Like-Bakery-Cake-Step-6.jpg\/v4-728px-Make-Box-Cake-Taste-Like-Bakery-Cake-Step-6.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    A denser and tighter structure is ideal for something like a Bundt cake pan , where you’re trying to achieve a specific shape. Combine this tip by swapping out water for milk or adding an egg to maintain fluffiness and moisture. [6]
7

Add sour cream, yogurt, or mayonnaise.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/22\/Make-Box-Cake-Taste-Like-Bakery-Cake-Step-7.jpg\/v4-460px-Make-Box-Cake-Taste-Like-Bakery-Cake-Step-7.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/22\/Make-Box-Cake-Taste-Like-Bakery-Cake-Step-7.jpg\/v4-728px-Make-Box-Cake-Taste-Like-Bakery-Cake-Step-7.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    The extra dairy adds creaminess without adjusting the rest of the recipe. Professional baker Lisa Britten sometimes adds “flavored yogurts…to give an offset to the sweetness [and] allow it to have some extra moisture.”
    2. Advertisement
8

Add a small box of dry instant pudding.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/61\/Make-Box-Cake-Taste-Like-Bakery-Cake-Step-8.jpg\/v4-460px-Make-Box-Cake-Taste-Like-Bakery-Cake-Step-8.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/61\/Make-Box-Cake-Taste-Like-Bakery-Cake-Step-8.jpg\/v4-728px-Make-Box-Cake-Taste-Like-Bakery-Cake-Step-8.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Add dry pudding mix to any boxed cake for a texture boost. Use it in a chocolate cake with fudge frosting to increase the fudge factor. [7]
9

Add 1 cup (120g) of flavorful mix-ins.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/a\/a6\/Make-Box-Cake-Taste-Like-Bakery-Cake-Step-9.jpg\/v4-460px-Make-Box-Cake-Taste-Like-Bakery-Cake-Step-9.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/a6\/Make-Box-Cake-Taste-Like-Bakery-Cake-Step-9.jpg\/v4-728px-Make-Box-Cake-Taste-Like-Bakery-Cake-Step-9.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Stir in anything that suits your desired flavor and look; sprinkles, candy bar pieces, berries, candied cherries, butterscotch chips, coconut flakes, nuts, chocolate chips, dried fruit, or white chocolate chips. Add the same mix-ins to your frosting, or sprinkle them on the cake for decoration. [8]
    2. Advertisement
10

Add 1 teaspoon (15g) of spice, zest, or extract.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/b\/bc\/Make-Box-Cake-Taste-Like-Bakery-Cake-Step-10.jpg\/v4-460px-Make-Box-Cake-Taste-Like-Bakery-Cake-Step-10.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/bc\/Make-Box-Cake-Taste-Like-Bakery-Cake-Step-10.jpg\/v4-728px-Make-Box-Cake-Taste-Like-Bakery-Cake-Step-10.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Add in a splash of your favorite flavor extract , like vanilla, almond, orange, maple, peppermint, or red velvet emulsion . Alternatively, add in cinnamon, nutmeg, or lemon zest. Vanilla, almond, and citrus zest pair well with white or yellow cake, while coffee extract and warm spices do wonders for a chocolate mix. [9]
11

Mix your batter until no dry streaks remain.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/34\/Make-Box-Cake-Taste-Like-Bakery-Cake-Step-11.jpg\/v4-460px-Make-Box-Cake-Taste-Like-Bakery-Cake-Step-11.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/34\/Make-Box-Cake-Taste-Like-Bakery-Cake-Step-11.jpg\/v4-728px-Make-Box-Cake-Taste-Like-Bakery-Cake-Step-11.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If you’re going for a light and fluffy texture, expert baker Lisa Britten advises to mix “just until the liquid is absorbed into the flour and then…stop mixing.” Your finished batter should be satiny and slightly glossy. [10]
    2. Advertisement
12

Use room temperature ingredients.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/42\/Make-Box-Cake-Taste-Like-Bakery-Cake-Step-12.jpg\/v4-460px-Make-Box-Cake-Taste-Like-Bakery-Cake-Step-12.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/42\/Make-Box-Cake-Taste-Like-Bakery-Cake-Step-12.jpg\/v4-728px-Make-Box-Cake-Taste-Like-Bakery-Cake-Step-12.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Using “super room temperature ingredients,” as recommended by baker Lisa Britten, allows ingredients to bond together easily. Cold butter, eggs, and milk won’t mix well, leaving you with a lumpy batter. [11]
13

Make your frosting from scratch.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/3f\/Make-Box-Cake-Taste-Like-Bakery-Cake-Step-13.jpg\/v4-460px-Make-Box-Cake-Taste-Like-Bakery-Cake-Step-13.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/3f\/Make-Box-Cake-Taste-Like-Bakery-Cake-Step-13.jpg\/v4-728px-Make-Box-Cake-Taste-Like-Bakery-Cake-Step-13.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    For a simple vanilla buttercream, use 1 cup (225g) of butter, 3 cups (360g) of powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon (4.9 mL) of vanilla extract, and 2 tablespoons (30 mL) of heavy cream. Mix these ingredients together until combined and fluffy. Customize your buttercream flavor by adding melted chocolate, maple syrup, or fresh fruit. [12]
    2. Advertisement
14

Use simple decorations that hint at your flavor.

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/b\/bb\/Make-Box-Cake-Taste-Like-Bakery-Cake-Step-14.jpg\/v4-460px-Make-Box-Cake-Taste-Like-Bakery-Cake-Step-14.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/bb\/Make-Box-Cake-Taste-Like-Bakery-Cake-Step-14.jpg\/v4-728px-Make-Box-Cake-Taste-Like-Bakery-Cake-Step-14.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Add a drizzle of melted chocolate to a chocolate cake, or thinly-sliced strawberries for a yellow or strawberry cake mix. Baking expert Lisa Britten gives the example of a lime cake: "You could do some crushed butter graham crackers on top and lime zest. Anything just to match that flavor to identify the flavor of [cake] from the topping.”

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      • Use a professional cake pan for a more even bake and more ease removing your cake from the pan. [13]
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
      • Cover a frosted cake in plastic wrap or airtight container and keep it in the fridge for up to five days. An unfrosted cake can typically stay at room temperature for up to three days. [14]
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
      • To freeze your cake, place it in the freezer for one hour or until the frosting solidifies, then cover it tightly in plastic wrap and freeze it for up to two months.
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Name
      Please provide your name and last initial
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
      Advertisement

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Bake a Simple, Plain Cake from Scratch
      Beginner-Friendly Cake Recipes to Make From Scratch
      How to
      Cut a Round Cake
      How to
      Bake Nigerian Cake
      How to
      Make Cake Without an Oven
      How to
      Bake Cakes in Springform Pans
      How to
      Make a Cake Pop Holder
      2 Easy Ways to Bake Cake in the Microwave
      How to
      Replace All Purpose Flour with Cake Flour
      How to
      Make Cake in a Mug
      How to
      Ice a Cake
      15 Easy Ways to Fix an Eggy Cake
      How to
      Make a Cake Using a Pressure Cooker
      How to
      Bake a Two Layer Cake: A Step-by-Step Guide
      Advertisement

      Expert Interview

      Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about baking, check out our in-depth interview with Lisa Britten .

      References

      1. ↑ https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/packages/baking-guide/crowd-pleasing-cakes/how-to-make-box-cake-better
      2. ↑ https://www.bonappetit.com/story/make-box-cake-better
      3. ↑ https://www.delish.com/cooking/g19834379/upgrade-boxed-cake-mix-ideas/
      4. ↑ https://www.simplyrecipes.com/how-to-upgrade-boxed-cake-mix-6543626
      5. ↑ https://www.bonappetit.com/story/make-box-cake-better
      6. ↑ https://www.bonappetit.com/story/make-box-cake-better
      7. ↑ https://www.delish.com/cooking/g19834379/upgrade-boxed-cake-mix-ideas/
      8. ↑ https://www.foodandwine.com/ideas-to-level-up-your-boxed-cake-mix-6821968
      9. ↑ https://www.simplyrecipes.com/how-to-upgrade-boxed-cake-mix-6543626
      1. ↑ https://www.epicurious.com/expert-advice/why-does-overmixing-matter-in-baking
      2. ↑ https://sallysbakingaddiction.com/baking-basics-room-temperature-ingredients/
      3. ↑ https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/quick-vanilla-buttercream-frosting-recipe-1942194
      4. ↑ https://www.seriouseats.com/guide-to-best-cake-pans
      5. ↑ https://www.bettycrocker.co.uk/how-to/how-long-do-birthday-cakes-last/

      About This Article

      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 2,801 times.
      If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission .

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement