22 WAYS TO MAKE A CAKE MIX TASTE LIKE HOMEMADE: I realize that not everyone has the time to whip up a cake from scratch or has a supply of flour and sugar on hand. But everyone can have a few cake mixes in their pantry. They have a long shelf life and are inexpensive. Here are some great ways to improve your cake mix. I added some links to recipes I’ve created using some of the ingredients listed.
A cake that is dripping with tropical flavors. Like mango, pineapple, coconut and macadamia nuts. The crust is made from the cake mix, butter, coconut and macadamia nuts. It has a cookie texture. The filling is cream cheese, butter and pineapple. What better way to celebrate spring/summer than with a tropical dessert!
The perfect semi homemade cupcake bursting with orange, pineapple, lime, coconut and cherries. Transform your favorite party cocktail into party cupcakes.
These semi homemade lemon cupcakes are everything you would expect and more. Made with simple ingredients like a white cake mix, instant lemon pudding and lemon lime soda. They are the perfect summer dessert.
Idea #8 Orange juice instead of water (for an orange cake
Idea #9 Chocolate Milk instead of water (for a chocolate cake)
Idea # 10 Dark Soda (coke, Pepsi, Dr. Pepper, Root Beer) instead of water for chocolate or white cake
When all your favorite fall flavors come together to create the perfect cupcake! If you’re as crazy about maple bars as I am, or you know someone who is…. then you have got to try these Apple Cider Maple Spice Cupcakes pronto!
These easy to make cake might be mini but are packed with flavor. From the cake mix, lime jello, coconut extract and lime zest these delicious cake have it all.
Idea #19 ¼cup Mayonnaise, for a super moist cake
Idea #20 Flavored Chips (peanut butter, cherry, mint etc.)
I am looking to make a birthday cake for our little girl who turns 10 today. We can’t afford a bakery cake as we would like so I am using a boxed cake mix. Thank you for being considerate of others and sharing your wealth of knowledge of cooking. I am sure your ideas will make her cake extra special for her special birthday. Thank you so much and may God bless you.
You have such a great website with great tips and ideas. Thank u for that! I’m gonna try yr chocolate recipe by adding the buttermilk and vanilla. Will the buttermilk make it taste different?
Hi thanks for sharing these great ideas. My question is: how many of these tips can you use at once? For example if I use butter and coffee in a chocolate cake could I also use the mayo?
Thanks for this list! We are celebrating my husband’s birthday today and I was planning to do the “too much chocolate” bundt cake (cake mix, oil, sour cream, pudding mix and chocolate chips) but I didn’t realize I was short on sour cream and chocolate pudding mix until I was ready to bake and had no time to run to the store. I substituted milk for water and added mayo and chocolate chips and baked it in a bundt pan. After it cooled a bit, I used a canned frosting and warmed it up for 25 seconds in the microwave and then did a poured over glaze. It was wonderful and much easier (and lower fat!) than my original plan.
I use a lot of substitutes to make a cake mix to have as close to home made taste.
I have a sweet tooth and so does the rest of the family. I was thinking of adding sugar in my milk substitute. Do you agree or have a better suggestion.
Icing is not the answer I want the cake texture sweet. I am trying this today and will let you know but await any of your suggestions.
Hi! I bought a yellow cake mix for my birthday, and I was wondering if adding hazelnut coffee in place of the water is a good idea? Any suggestions? My birthday is 2 weeks away. 🙂
My granddaughter is wanting yellowcake cupcakes with chocolate frosting. What do you suggest adding to the boxed cake mix to make it more like bakery style? Thank you!
Hi Arlene, There are several ways to vamp up a cake mix. Sour cream, buttermilk, vanilla, yogurt and real butter to name a few. I think I would add a scraped vanilla bean or a teaspoon of vanilla extract and real unsalted butter.
My daughter is turning 46 this week. She is a chocolate lover and I always bake her a Chocolate cake with chocolate icing with a box mix and canned frosting. I wanted to “vamp it up” this year. You have so many great ideas. I can’t wait to try some of them. Thanks so much!
Thanks for the fun suggestions! I have two questions. Does melted margarine work the same as melted butter? My son is allergic to milk, so butter is out. Also, I’m looking to enhance a vanilla flavored cake. Do you think cream soda could work instead of water? I didn’t see it listed among the soda suggestions. Thank you!!
Great suggestions, thanks. I enjoy your web site, can’t wait to see what you you post everyday. Thanks again!
Thanks for the 22 ways to make a cake mix taste homemade.
I always make homemade but a lady I know does lots of cakes and thought she might like the info. Thanks!
I am looking to make a birthday cake for our little girl who turns 10 today. We can’t afford a bakery cake as we would like so I am using a boxed cake mix. Thank you for being considerate of others and sharing your wealth of knowledge of cooking. I am sure your ideas will make her cake extra special for her special birthday. Thank you so much and may God bless you.
Thanks for the kind words and tell your daughter Happy Birthday for me! 🙂
THANKS FOR THESE. I HAVE MADE NOTES OF ALL OF THEM.
You’re welcome Peggy. I myself use boxed cake mixes more then making it from scratch. Very rarely do I make it with out adding my own touch. 🙂
Thank you so much for sharing your information, not only are the cakes good, they stay fresh longer.
How much chocolate chips can I add to cake mix & does it change bake time?
Hi Peggy, I wouldn’t add more than 1 cup and no, it doesn’t change the baking time.
Have you ever heard of adding Kool aid to enhance the taste
I’m sure you could Linda. I like using jello.
Great ideas.
Can you use whole eggs in white cake mix?
Sure you can Jan. The reason for only using egg whites is to keep the cake batter white.
You have such a great website with great tips and ideas. Thank u for that! I’m gonna try yr chocolate recipe by adding the buttermilk and vanilla. Will the buttermilk make it taste different?
You’re welcome Carlisia, It’s what I love to do. 🙂
Hi thanks for sharing these great ideas. My question is: how many of these tips can you use at once? For example if I use butter and coffee in a chocolate cake could I also use the mayo?
Hi Karin, Unless you’re going to split the two (butter and mayo) to equal one serving of fat. That would be too much for your cake.
If I use the oil as directed on the box, can I then use the mayo?
Hi Britt, I would use the mayo as a substitute for the oil.
Thanks for this list! We are celebrating my husband’s birthday today and I was planning to do the “too much chocolate” bundt cake (cake mix, oil, sour cream, pudding mix and chocolate chips) but I didn’t realize I was short on sour cream and chocolate pudding mix until I was ready to bake and had no time to run to the store. I substituted milk for water and added mayo and chocolate chips and baked it in a bundt pan. After it cooled a bit, I used a canned frosting and warmed it up for 25 seconds in the microwave and then did a poured over glaze. It was wonderful and much easier (and lower fat!) than my original plan.
I use a lot of substitutes to make a cake mix to have as close to home made taste.
I have a sweet tooth and so does the rest of the family. I was thinking of adding sugar in my milk substitute. Do you agree or have a better suggestion.
Icing is not the answer I want the cake texture sweet. I am trying this today and will let you know but await any of your suggestions.
Can’t wait to hear how it comes out Linda! I’ve never added sugar to the milk before. 🙂
Can you use eggnog? If so how much in a cake mix?
Sure Shannon and YUM! 🙂 I would try replacing the oil with the eggnog.
Hi! I bought a yellow cake mix for my birthday, and I was wondering if adding hazelnut coffee in place of the water is a good idea? Any suggestions? My birthday is 2 weeks away. 🙂
Hi Tabitha, I think that sounds delicious! 🙂
Can I try adding melted ice-cream to water substitute for box cakes and homemade cakes for a wow effect?
Yes, Margie….I think that’s a great idea.
Thanks For The Tips. I love Your Website. Keep up the Good Work.
Aww..you’re so sweet Evelyn. Thanks for the encouragement. 🙂
My granddaughter is wanting yellowcake cupcakes with chocolate frosting. What do you suggest adding to the boxed cake mix to make it more like bakery style? Thank you!
Hi Arlene, There are several ways to vamp up a cake mix. Sour cream, buttermilk, vanilla, yogurt and real butter to name a few. I think I would add a scraped vanilla bean or a teaspoon of vanilla extract and real unsalted butter.
My daughter is turning 46 this week. She is a chocolate lover and I always bake her a Chocolate cake with chocolate icing with a box mix and canned frosting. I wanted to “vamp it up” this year. You have so many great ideas. I can’t wait to try some of them. Thanks so much!
That’s awesome Debbie! 🙂
Thank you for your info it is very helpful, how can I make frosting taste home made chocolate by the way?looking forward to your answer thank you.
Hi Doris, I’m sorry but I don’t think there’s anything you can do to help store bought frosting.
Actually, I have mixed Cool Whip or marshmallow fluff with canned frosting with great success.
Awesome tip Grace! Thanks!
Thanks for the fun suggestions! I have two questions. Does melted margarine work the same as melted butter? My son is allergic to milk, so butter is out. Also, I’m looking to enhance a vanilla flavored cake. Do you think cream soda could work instead of water? I didn’t see it listed among the soda suggestions. Thank you!!
Hi Jenn, Yes on both questions…..If you use soda you don’t have to use anything else. No dairy. 🙂
You always amaze me and can’t wait to bake cake. Thank you!
Awww….You’re Welcome! 🙂