Today I am throwing in my spatula into this age-old debate of box cake versus from-scratch cake. Before we begin, I would like to say there is nothing wrong with using a box cake. I know some will debate this to the end of time, but I think it is a matter of preference. Many people use a cake mix for convenience, and some genuinely love the taste. But, the number one reason I believe people like box cake is because it is easy to make. The only problem? How do you make it taste homemade? More specifically, how do you mask the processed taste of a box cake? Today, I am going to share a few tips to box cake taste homemade.

Pros and Cons of Using a Cake Mix vs. a Scratch Cake

When it comes to using a cake mix, there is no secret it is moist.  They are also created to produce the same results every time.  This brings me to a con, the ingredients.  The cake mix contains lots of preservatives.  Of course, some ingredients you might not have seen or heard.  The chemicals used to preserve the cake are responsible for the after taste.  Which is not noticeable to some, especially those who are used to a box mix.

Another con of cake mix is that it is so moist it is not sturdy enough for carving.  With that said, if it is cold, you can handle it better.  But, cake mixes can be doctored up to be sturdy and to taste better.

In my humble opinion, scratch cakes win in taste every time.  When placed side-by-side, you will notice the difference in taste right away.  However, from scratch, cakes do not produce the same results over and over again as the cake mixes do.  The altitude and measurement affect the outcome of a scratch cake.

Another thing that makes scratch cake great is the fact that you know what is inside, and it can be customized to any dietary restrictions.  I once had a request for a soy-free cake, which is quite tricky because soy is in everything.  However, you definitely could not make this from a box. A con of scratch cake and the most complaint is that it is dry.  This is mostly about the butter-based versions, while it tastes great (everything tastes better with butter) can get dry unless simple syrup is added.

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How do you make a box cake taste homemade?

Of course, I couldn’t write on this subject, if I didn’t use a cake mix too.  Take some time to process that… I use plain cake mixes and doctored versions for my cake projects.  I used a doctored mix to make this firecracker cake. The brand that I prefer to use is Duncan Hines.  Around this time of year, the supermarket here usually has them on sale for $.88, that’s when I grab a bunch.

Do not feel that you are less than a baker if you use a cake mix; it is a matter of preference.  Do what makes you happy, if it’s not broken don’t fix it.  If your family or customers like your scratch cake, use them and if they like box cake mix, use them.

There are about five ways to make a box cake taste homemade:

1. Substitute the water with milk
2. Replace some butter with the oil
3. Use real vanilla extract
4. Add espresso powder to the chocolate cake and;
5. Add an extra egg or egg yolk

Substitute water with milk

One of the first things I usually do when making a box cake is to substitute the water with milk. The milk adds structure and helps moisten the cake. I believe it makes the cake taste better.  Typically I use whole milk or buttermilk, but you can use soy.  You can also substitute half of the milk with sour cream once again, keeping the cake moist, adds some creaminess, and gives a fine crumb.

Replace some of the oil with butter

Ok, so one the main reason people like box mix is because of the moistness which you get from using oil. By replacing some of the oil with butter, you maintain the moistness, but you get the delicious flavor from the butter. Plus, nothing is more delicious than butter.

Use real extracts such as vanilla extract

Another way to bump up the flavor in a cake mix is to add real vanilla extract. I know it’s expensive, but vanilla bumps up the flavor. It is a great way to mask the other competing flavors (cough… preservative).

For a lemon cake, use lemon zest and some lemon juice or lemon extract. Use strawberry extract for strawberry cake.

Make chocolate cake taste better

To make a chocolate cake mix better to add espresso powder and of course, vanilla extract.  Warm the milk in the microwave or on a stovetop and mix in the espresso powder.

Add an extra egg or yolk

Adding an extra egg gives the cake more body/structure. While egg yolks will make the cake richer in flavor.  If you are making a white cake, add extra egg whites instead but, be careful here because it might dry out the cake.

Bonus: Additional ways to make Cake Mix taste Homemade:

How to make a carrot cake taste homemade

To make carrot cake better, add 1 1/4 cups cooked carrots, 1/2 cup shredded coconut, 2 ounces crushed pineapple, one teaspoon vanilla, and 1/2 cup chopped walnut.  You may add a teaspoon of cinnamon, but that is optional.

Doctored Cake Mix for Carving

Cake mix on is own is not great for carving cakes.  Carved cakes need to be sturdy with a more pound cake texture.  Therefore, the mix needs some doctoring, use the suggestions above that and add a package of pudding see recipe below.

Recipe Ingredients:

• One box cake mix with no pudding added (I use Duncan Hines)
• One instant package of pudding (any flavor)
• 4 eggs
• 1 cup milk
• 1/2 cup oil (or 1/4 cup melted butter + 1/4 cup oil)

I hope you found this post helpful.  Don’t ever feel less than because you choose to use a box mix, just doctor it up.  What is your favorite box mix or from scratch? Please comment below.

Don’t forget to share the love, as always happy caking.