How can you improve a box cake mix?

Question

I have heard that you can put different ingrediants in a box cake mix to docotor it up, but I don't know how much or which ones! I am making a duncan hines strawberry cake that I would like to make as moist as possible! Please help!!

Answer 1

I *love* doctoring up boxed cake mixes. Why bother measuring out flour and stuff when the box has already done the work for you? Here's an idea for a cake that will be nice and moist - I personally don't like to add jello/gelatin to my cake mixes, so this one uses pudding:

1 box strawberry cake mix
1 box vanilla instant pudding
1 cup sour cream
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1/2 cup water or milk
4 eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract

Mix all ingredients in a bowl and bake according to the box directions, depending on what kind of pan you are using. Frost with a white or strawberry flavored store bought frosting and decorate with sliced fresh strawberries on top! Yum!

Answer 2

Here are a couple of things you can do:

-Try substituting milk for the water (2% if you have it)
-Try adding a few teaspoons of some type of extract (to dress up the flavor)
-Add an envelope of pudding mix
-If you make a layer cake, brush the layers (generously!) with some kind of liqueur or kirsch, if you have it.


For presentation, try baking it in two layer cake pans (Or three, if you want to be really fancy.) Use my idea from above about brushing layers with alcohol. Quarter some strawberries and place them between layers. If you'll be serving it right away, you can use whipped cream between the layers and in place of frosting. Just fill in the gaps. Decorate the top with strawberries and a dusting of cocoa powder or some chocolate shavings. Your guests will be wowed!

Answer 3

Peaches go very well with strawberries. Use canned peaches, put about 12 ounces of peaches cut into small pieces into the batter with a couple tablespoons of the juice from the can. When the cake is cooked, use about 3 tablespoons more of the juice and brush it on top of the cake slowly so it soaks in. It will be a very moist and awesome cake.

Answer 4

Triple Strawberry Cake
Submitted by: Holly
Rated: 4 out of 5 by 28 members Prep Time: 30 Minutes
Cook Time: 35 Minutes Ready In: 3 Hours 5 Minutes
Yields: 24 servings

"An incredibly moist and light cake made with cake mix, strawberry gelatin and fresh strawberries. Great for summer picnics and get-togethers. Can be made to be very low fat by using an egg substitute and applesauce instead of oil in the cake mix and using fat free topping."
INGREDIENTS:
1 (18.25 ounce) package
strawberry cake mix
1 (3 ounce) package flavored
gelatin 4 cups water
2 cups frozen whipped topping,
thawed
2 cups strawberries, sliced

DIRECTIONS:
1. Prepare cake according to package directions. Bake as directed for a 9x13 inch pan. Allow to cool.
2. Prepare the strawberry gelatin according to package instructions, using the 4 cups of water. Pour over cooled cake while still in liquid form; the cake will absorb it. Chill in refrigerator for 2 hours, or until gelatin is set.
3. Spread whipped topping over cake and top with sliced strawberries.

Answer 5

I work at a donut shop and we add bavarian cream to some of our donuts and muffins to make them as moist as possible. Never used it on a cake mix, but I assume it would work just as well. I would recommend using about two tablespoons per box to start with.

Answer 6

I asked the same question a few months ago when I got married.
The cook said she puts a box of jello pudding mix in each cake and it adds tremendously to the moistness. Also, she substitutes applesause for cooking oil. I got tons of compliments on my cake! (ps- you couldnt see or taste the applesause, it just adds moistness)
She said they even taught her those tricks in culinary school.
Good luck :)

Answer 7

To improve an box cake, I add to it. I made a great orange chocolate cake, in December!

Answer 8

To make corn muffins I mix in half a box of butter recipe cake, a box of corn muffin mix, and a can of corn, then prepare like cake.

Answer 9

For the water, sub out with Kern's Strawberry Nectar and for the oil, sub out the same amount of strawberry yogurt.......wait till you see what kind of flavor you get........Enjoy!!!

Christopher

Answer 10

If you are only concerned with making the take moist and yummy... and are not concerned about fat or calories... this sounds really gross... but I promise... it's really works... and you won't taste it... add a 1/2 cup of hellman's mayonnaise