Here you are, wanting to make the most delicious cake for an upcoming special occasion. However, you find you don’t have the time (or the energy) to create one from scratch — been there!
Well, what if we told you that you can make a boring ol’ box cake taste like a delicious homemade cake? With a few tricks up your sleeve, you can make a white cake mix recipe that is drool-worthy.
Ready to have your cake and eat it too? Keep reading to find out how!
Ways to Make White Cake Mix
Your store-bought cake mix doesn’t necessarily have to be baked in the oven. Depending on your preference and the available tools, you can make a white cake mix in other ways, such as in a slow cooker or microwave. Each cooking method will have different results, but all of them will still be delicious!
In the Oven
To make your white cake mix in the oven, first, preheat your oven to 350°F and wait at least 10 minutes before popping in your cake. Once your oven has reached its right temperature, pour and spread the cake batter evenly inside your pan — making sure to fill the corners. Then bake your cake for 40 to 45 minutes or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
In a Slow Cooker
Baking your cake in a slow cooker is great for those who don’t have an oven or for those looking to save a bit of energy. To make your cake in the slow cooker, you’ll want to line and spray the bottom and sides of your pot with parchment paper and cooking spray.
Next, pour your white mix batter into the pot, cover it with a dish towel, then place the lid on top. Cook on high for 45 minutes, rotate the insert 180 degrees, and continue to cook on high for an extra 45-60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.
In the Microwave
The microwave is easily the quickest way to bake a boxed white cake. We recommend using an 8×8-inch square baking dish or a 9-inch round silicone cake pan. Put your batter in the dish and cook it in a 1000-watt microwave for about 5-6 minutes before checking the top of the cake. If it’s still wet, continue cooking for 1-minute increments at a time until fully cooked.
How to Make a White Cake Mix Better
There are so many ways that you can take a boxed white cake mix and transform it into something truly delicious. Here are just some of our favorite hacks:
Add an Extra Egg
Sometimes all you need is an extra egg to add some moisture and fat to your cake. Most boxed mixes call for 3 eggs, but adding an extra one won’t hurt! The extra egg yolk will enrich your cake, making it softer and less likely to overbake or dry out in the oven.
Swap Out the Water
Water has no taste, and that means it won’t contribute to the flavor of your cake. Instead, try using a flavored liquid like milk, coffee, or soda — you name it!
Swap out equal amounts of water for a richer and more flavorful cake. For a white cake mix, you can use whole milk, buttermilk, or your favorite non-dairy milk.
Flavor It Up
A simple way to make your box of cake mix more flavorful is to add in something like vanilla extract, almond extract, or even extracts made from your favorite fruits. Fresh lemon or orange zest can also be added to a white cake mix for an extra citrusy kick.
Use Butter, Not Oil
Most boxed cake mixes call for canola or vegetable oil, but we prefer melted butter! Butter is great for adding moisture and fat to your cake, plus it has that unmistakable buttery flavor that we simply cannot resist. It’ll add that extra special something to your cake mix that will make it stand out from the rest.
Make it Creamy
Simple additions such as sour cream, plain full-fat yogurt, mayonnaise, or instant pudding mix are all great for making your cake creamier and more moist. These ingredients add richness to the cake and also help to elevate its flavor, making it taste even better!
Add Salt
A little salt will balance out the sweetness and enhance the flavor of your cake. The combination of sweet and salty is a classic one that we just can’t get enough of — especially in desserts! So next time you bake up a white cake mix, don’t forget to add a pinch or two of salt.
Use Homemade Frosting
One of the biggest secrets to making your boxed cake taste like a homemade creation is using homemade frosting. Store-bought frostings can be filled with artificial ingredients and preservatives, but when you make your own using fresh ingredients, you’ll be sure to really wow your guests!
Spice It Up
Use the spices you have at home to your advantage. Cinnamon and pumpkin pie spice are great additions to a white cake mix, while clove, ginger, and nutmeg can all be used for more fall-inspired flavors. You can even add cocoa powder or coffee to a white cake mix for a delicious chocolate or coffee cake!
Add Fun Mix-Ins
Take the opportunity to have some fun and get creative with some mix-ins! Chocolate chips, sprinkles, chopped Oreos, or pecans — the possibilities are truly endless.
Just make sure to coat them in a bit of flour before adding them to the batter so that they don’t sink while baking. Your cake will not only be more flavorful but also have a better texture!
Layer with Fillings
Take your box mix to the next level and add fillings between the layers. Think buttercream, fruit preserves, lemon curd, berry filling — or try something like a turtle filling for an extra special treat. This will add an extra layer of flavor and make your cake even more presentable and irresistible.
FAQs
Is there a difference between a white cake mix and a vanilla cake mix?
Although created from the same ingredients, there are some subtle differences between white cake mix and vanilla cake mix. White cake mix typically has slightly more sugar compared to vanilla cake, resulting in a sweeter flavor.
Vanilla cake has a bit of a richer taste due to the higher amount of vanilla extract used, while white cake is generally lighter both in color and flavor.
Do professional cake bakers use cake mix?
Absolutely! Many professional bakers use cake mix as the base for their cakes, then elevate it with creative ingredients and techniques. The key is to be creative in your approach and add mix-ins or fillings that will take your cake from ordinary to extraordinary.
Do boxed cake mixes really need eggs?
Not necessarily. There are plenty of egg substitutes out there that can be used instead of eggs for those who are vegan or have an egg allergy.
Common alternatives include applesauce, mashed banana, and even flaxseed meal! With a few simple swaps like these, you can still enjoy the cake mix without compromising taste or texture.