7 ways to make boxed cake mix better
Store-bought cake mix, we love you. You’re fast and easy, and with an extra pinch of this or smidgen of that, we consider you homemade.
Photo: Roberto Caruso
7 ways to make boxed cake mix
Crack an extra egg
Most box mixes call for two eggs. What happens when you add a third? Cake with a thicker, richer crumb.
Make it zesty
Perk up vanilla cake mix with finely grated lemon or orange zest.
Swap the water
Use the same amount of milk or a bit more buttermilk (since it’s thicker) for a creamier taste.
Use an avocado
When we tested it, using mashed avocado instead of oil, gave our chocolate cake a deeper, can’t-put-your-finger-on-it richness. Plus: healthy fats!
Cut the fat
Did you know applesauce is a convincing stand-in for oil? Swap in an equal amount of applesauce, and your cake will be super moist and low in fat, with a mild apple flavour (works best for vanilla cake).
Mix in mayo
It sounds strange, but trust us when we say that 1 or 2 tbsp of mayonnaise disappears into the batter and makes for a richer cake.
Better it with butter
Substitute the same amount of melted unsalted butter for the oil to make your cake more flavourful.
A version of this article appeared in our April 2016 issue with the headline "Take your mix to the max", p. 59.
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Read more: 10 super-easy cake decorating ideas 23 easy DIY cake toppers Easy buttercream recipe
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