How to Make the BEST Cake EVER (From a Cake Mix)
If you follow this foolproof method, you’ll be making the BEST cakes EVER from any flavor cake mix~every single time.
This savvy cake making method is one that I’ve used countless times for over a decade. I call it “cake mix magic” because it truly works every time. You don’t have to be a cook or a baker to make a fabulous cake (easily) using this method.
Once you make a cake or two using the “cake mix magic” method, you’ll be a confident cake maker and will always have an easy dessert option in your arsenal. This cake mix magic method has literally been the reason I can make a cake at the drop of the hat (with no pressure).
Before I share the method, I’ll address commonly asked questions about cake mix magic cakes.
How do you make a box cake mix taste like a bakery cake?
A box cake mix can be “doctored” with certain ingredients that make it moist, delicious, and “from scratch” tasting every time. My method of doctoring is basically the same for every cake mix, with a few tweaks based on the flavor of cake.
What ingredients are in “Cake Mix Magic?”
- 1 box cake mix
- 1 (3.9 oz) box of instant pudding mix
- 1/2 c sugar
- 4 eggs
- 3/4 cup water
- 3/4 cup oil
- 1 c. sour cream
- 1 cup baking chips (optional)
What flavors of cake mix can you doctor to make a bakery tasting cake?
The possibilities are many. One of the most amazing cake mix cakes that I make is the white cake with buttercream frosting (link to recipe below). It is my Easter cake every year; folks rave over it. My favorite bundt cakes are made with devil’s food, strawberry and lemon cake mixes. The cake mix magic method works with any flavor you choose; feel free to experiment.
Do you change any ingredients when you choose different flavors of cake mix?
The two ingredients that I sometimes change if I change cake mix are 1) baking chips and 2) glaze. Here are my fave combos based on cake mix flavors:
- Strawberry or Lemon cake + white chocolate chips + water/lemon juice glaze
- Devil’s Food cake + semisweet chocolate chips + chocolate ganache
- Carrot Cake Mix + chopped pecans (instead of chips) + buttermilk or cream cheese glaze
In the video below, I share some extra tips on using the “cake mix magic” method to turn cake mix into a company worthy dessert.
How do you make a beautiful cake from a cake mix?
The key to making a beautiful cake from a mix is to use lovely bundt pans (and a pretty glaze or ganache). I share my favorite pans below. You can also do a layer cake along with icing and your choice of cake decor.
In the short video below, I share how easy it is to glaze a cake with my fresh lemon juice glaze.
You can link below to blog posts showing how to make different flavors of cake using the “magic cake mix” method.
The Best White Cake With Buttercream Frosting (From a Mix)
Sensational Strawberry Cake with Lemon Glaze
The BEST Chocolate Bundt Cake EVER
Lemon Poppyseed Bundt Cake with Lemon Glaze
Make Ahead: Every cake that I’ve made from cake mix magic freezes beautifully!!! I prepare them (glaze and all) and do a “flash freeze” to get a hard glaze on the exterior. I just stick the cake in the freezer on a plate for about an hour. Then I place it inside a 2 gallon freezer ziplock before returning to the freezer.
Make 2 cakes from one recipe: In the video below, I share how easy it is to make TWO cakes from this recipe. It is so easy to make one to keep~one to give away. No more wasted cake!!!!
What I Use: You can link below to the exact tools and serving pieces that I use for my cake making.
If you make one of these cakes, please tell me about it in the comments, below. I try to reply quickly to everyone who posts.
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As always, thank so much for stopping by. Wishing you a joyful, blessed and savvy day!!!
How to Make the BEST Cake EVER From a Cake Mix
The "Cake Mix Magic" method for making fabulous cakes from a cake mix.
Ingredients
- 1 Box Cake Mix (see notes)
- 1 Box Instant Pudding mix (see notes)
- 1/2 c sugar
- 4 eggs
- 3/4 c oil
- 3/4 c water
- 1 c sour cream
- 1 c baking chips (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 F; place rack in center of oven.
- Liberally spray a bundt pan with floured spray (i.e. Baker's Joy).
- In medium bowl, mix water, eggs & oil until eggs are lightly beaten.
- Add cake mix, pudding mix & sugar; mix for 2 minutes or until well blended.
- Stir in sour cream until well blended.
- Stir in baking chips (if using).
- Pour batter in well sprayed pan; place in oven.
- Bake 35-45 minutes or until cake just "sets" and no longer jiggles when shaken,
- Cool at least 10 minutes in pan before releasing onto parchment paper.
- Glaze if desired (see notes).
Notes
Cake mix should not have pudding mix in it. Duncan Hines is my favorite.
Buy the regular size (3.9 oz) pudding; make sure it is instant.
Confectioner's Glaze is roughly 1 cup powdered sugar to 1-2 TB liquid (adjust to preference).
Nutrition Information
Yield 14 Serving Size 1 sliceAmount Per Serving Calories 356Total Fat 19gSaturated Fat 4gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 14gCholesterol 63mgSodium 348mgCarbohydrates 43gFiber 1gSugar 24gProtein 4g
Hi Angela! Yes! You can make layers and frost them as any other cake!!! I am just too lazy for that lol!!
Can this be done in a cake pan rather than a bundt pan?
They make a big difference! They add a bit of texture as well as melty chocolate inside the cake!
What do the baking chips actually do for this recipe?
Debbie, I’ve only used this method that I share in the blog, and it works like a DREAM!!! Glad you plan to give it a try!!!
I usually use butter for oil and milk for water. Do you think this makes a cake better or not? I am definitely going to try the changes you have. They sound great! Thank you
You certainly may! Just watch them; they won’t need to bake as long.
Can you use this recipe for cupcakes.
Sherry, you have made my day!!!!! How kind!!! Thank you for being such a source of encouragement. You are an angel!!!!