Boxed Cake Mix Hack
When it comes to baking, a delicious cake deserves a great companion. Imagine serving a slice of your signature boxed cake mix creation alongside fresh whipped cream, decadent fruit preserves, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Equipment
- Oven
- Bowl
Ingredients
- 1 box of cake mix your choice: vanilla, chocolate, red velvet, etc.
- 1 box instant pudding mix vanilla or chocolate work wonderfully
- 1/4 cup full-fat sour cream for moisture
- 1-2 teaspoons natural extracts like vanilla or almond
- 1/4 cup finely chopped toasted nuts experiment with pecans or walnuts
- 1/2 cup chocolate chips or chocolate chunks because chocolate makes everything better
- 1 cup mix-ins dried fruit, chocolate chips, or nuts
- 1 extra-large egg
- Melted butter to replace the oil, enhancing the flavor
- 1/2 cup filling think delicious fruit preserves or Nutella
- Milk to replace water for added creaminess
- Flavored beverage coffee, juice, or tea for added depth
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon optional for a warm undertone
Instructions
Step 1: Gather Your Supplies
- First things first, you’ll want to gather all your ingredients. Preheat your oven to the temperature indicated on the cake mix box. Grease and flour your cake pans. If you’re using a bundt pan, make sure to get into all the crevices.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the boxed cake mix with the instant pudding mix. Whisk them together until you see no lumps. This step ensures a more consistent texture in your finished cake.
Step 3: Add the Wet Ingredients
- Next up, add the melted butter, sour cream, and egg into the dry mix. If you’re using milk, pour that in as well. It’s time to add your choice of extract—try not to get too heavy-handed here! Mix these ingredients until well combined.
Step 4: Incorporate Mix-ins
- Now comes the fun part. Gently fold in the chocolate chips, chopped nuts, and any additional mix-ins you've chosen. You want to distribute those goodies evenly throughout the batter.
Step 5: Add Filling
- Grease your pans and pour half of the batter into each pan. For a delightful surprise, add a layer of your filling of choice right in the middle. It'll create a deliciously gooey center when the cake is baked.
Step 6: Fill the Pans
- Finally, pour the remaining batter over the filling. Smooth it out gently, ensuring it’s even.
Step 7: Baking Time
- Place your pans in the preheated oven. Bake according to the time recommended on the box, but be vigilant and start checking a few minutes early. You don’t want overbaked cake.
Step 8: Cooling Time
- Once baked, let your cake cool in the pans for about 10-15 minutes. This is important for the cake to maintain its shape and prevent sticking. Then, flip it onto a cooling rack to cool completely.
Notes
- Experiment with Flavors: Use different flavored extracts and fillings. A lemon extract with raspberry filling provides a delightful burst of flavor.
- Use Quality Ingredients: High-quality butter, eggs, and other ingredients can make a noticeable difference in the final taste.
- Dress It Up: Consider frostings or glazes infused with citrus or spices to enhance the cake further.
- Check for Doneness: Use a toothpick to test; it should come out clean or with only a few moist crumbs.
- Let It Rest: Allow the cake to sit for an hour after baking for a better slice. It helps to keep the moisture in.
Nutrition
Calories: 270kcalCarbohydrates: 38gProtein: 4gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 6gCholesterol: 45mgSodium: 230mgFiber: 1gSugar: 20g
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!