Boxed Cake Mix: Oh, the Possibilites!

on May 16, 2009 at 8:00 AM

I love being a part of the Cake 101 group. Not only do I get to see the wondrous cake creations of moms who are much more talented bakers than myself, but I also get to read about discussions like this one:

How do you doctor a boxed cake mix to make it more flavorful (must be a member to view post)?

Even serious bakers don't think there's any shame in using a boxed cake mix now and then. Moms had tons of ideas of things you could add to a boxed cake mix to make it taste better:

Pudding mix
Sour cream
Flavorings (like vanilla, almond, etc.)
Chocolate syrup
Mashed strawberries or other fruit
Espresso or coffee
Coconut milk

I've also heard of adding orange juice, flavored liquors, chocolate chips or other chocolate candy, peanut butter, chopped nuts and buttermilk. Good places to find boxed cake mix recipes include online at All Recipes or in the The Cake Mix Doctor Cookbook.

What do you add to boxed cake mixes to make them more exciting?

About the author Kim Conte

has shoes that make people stop her on the street and ask "Where did you get those?" but it doesn't work for taxi cabs as she was hit by one ... and lived to tell the tale. She has more freckles than Lohan but way less attitude. And she's a fierce cook with tons of recipes to share -- and wishes she could share some with Bourdain.

Filed Under: baking, desserts, food, kid-friendly, suggestions

Comments (20)

qtmomof2

on May 16, 2009 at 8:15 AM

i've done a soda cake. Found it in the Crock Pot Moms group. It's a box of cake mix and a can of soda - any flavor. You cook it in the CP for 4 hours on low. It was pretty good.

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Dr.MomPh.D.

on May 16, 2009 at 8:58 AM

I've added pulverized candy cane to chocolate cake mix - great way to use left over Christmas candy.

KareemsMami

on May 16, 2009 at 9:22 AM

Well not to make it taste any different but I usually put in mayo instead of vegetable oil because it keeps the cake nice and moist! Yum. Nothing worse then a dry cake bleck! :]

aurorabunny

on May 16, 2009 at 10:35 AM

Add only 1 egg and a can of pumpkin (make sure it's NOT pumpkin pie filling!) instead of the oil and you'll come out with a yummy, healthier cake that's super low cal. It takes on the flavor of whatever mix you're using, promise you can't taste the pumpkin.

Emmy_Dollface

on May 16, 2009 at 11:04 AM

1 box of chocolate cake mix. Bake according to directions and while still warm poke holes in it and pour over a can of sweetened condensed milk. Let cool. Then top with cool-whip and toffee bits. The. Best. Cake. EVER.

tha-hawt-mommie

on May 16, 2009 at 11:16 AM

i make cookies ... they're really good lol

Twintrapbreak

on May 16, 2009 at 12:15 PM

I take a lemon cake mix and bake it, when its done while cooling I pour over an undiluted can of lemonaid, gives great flavor.

mrsbriggs

on May 16, 2009 at 1:28 PM

i take a strawberry cake mix and just add chopped fresh strawberries it makes it really really moist i also had fresh strawberries to the frosting ...peolpe just love it

MrsFancyPants

on May 16, 2009 at 3:28 PM

I'm going to post my ideas without reading others posts, so Hopefully there isn't repeats !

My favorites to do with a boxed cake mix are

1. Add 1 can of soda to a box cake mix - do not any other ingredients but the soda, and it's 1 full regular size can, cook according to box directions. Let cool and eat. If you use diet soda, it helps reduce the calories by alot and you can end up with a snack cake for 2 or 3 weight watcher points.

2. Instead of adding in oil to a box cake mix you can substitute Real melted butter. This makes the cake mix unbelievable tasty and moist ! Also to help lighten the reciepe up if your watching calories, substitute applesauce for the oil. Turns out great also.

3. One more idea that I like to use is to make a apple crisp using a yellow cake mix as the topping.

Cut apples into slices and layer in a baking dish (9x9)

In a bowl mix together a half box of cake mix , 2 tbls cinnamon, 1 tbls apple pie spice, and 4 tbls of butter. Mix in the butter until the mixture turns into a coarse crumbling mixture. Spread this over the top . Pop in a oven at 350* and cook for 40 mins. Take out and let cool , or eat warm. Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.