Cake mix is a kitchen cupboard staple used for birthdays, special occasions and everyday desserts. But, making it from scratch is a lot more fun and satisfying.
When reading ingredient lists on boxed mixes, look for ingredients that don’t belong, like polyglycerol esters of fatty acids or cellulose gum. This can affect the cake’s texture and taste.
It’s convenient
Cake mix allows bakers to create the same recipes as those baked from scratch, but with less effort and time. It also eliminates the need for special equipment and permits experimentation with different ingredients and textures. Many of the mixes are marketed with a variety of decorative frosting designs to appeal to novice and experienced home cooks. While the appearance of a cake is important, it should not trump its taste or texture.
While most boxed cake mixes only require the addition of water and oil, replacing these ingredients with a liquid that has a higher fat content will result in a richer, more flavorful cake. For example, melted butter will enhance the flavor of the cake while creating a moist and tender crumb. You can also try substituting the water called for in the recipe with milk or buttermilk to give your cake an extra tang.
A number of newer cake mix brands have emerged in recent years, taking advantage of the trend towards more natural and whole ingredients. Some of these mixes are even free of preservatives, stabilizers and artificial flavors. These more upscale brands typically cost more than the big-name brands, but they are worth the extra expense for health-conscious consumers. They are also a good option for those with dietary restrictions or sensitivities.
It’s easy
While cake mixes are convenient, they rarely taste as good as a from-scratch cake. Plus, they contain ingredients like polyglycerol esters of fatty acids and partially hydrogenated soybean oil that aren’t exactly healthful. Thankfully, it’s easy to upgrade a boxed mix so that it tastes homemade!
For starters, try swapping the water in the recipe with milk, brewed coffee, or even soda. This will give your cakes a richer flavor and more moist texture. You can also add in some flavored extracts or a bit of cinnamon and nutmeg for some extra oomph!
Another easy hack is adding in a few extra eggs. Eggs add moisture and fluffiness to cakes, so they’ll be lighter and tastier than a cake made from a box mix. You can speed up the process of getting your eggs to room temperature by placing them in a bowl or cup of hot water for a few minutes.
Once you’ve made a big batch of your own homemade cake mix, it can be stored in an airtight container or jar for up to three months. You can label it with the wet ingredients needed, baking instructions, and a date so that you know when to use it! It’s an excellent idea to make multiple batches so that you can have one ready to bake for a birthday party, office potluck, or even just a casual dinner with the family.
It’s delicious
While cake mix is convenient, it can be difficult to get the same texture and flavor as homemade. But, with a few tricks, you can make cake mixes taste more like they’re made from scratch.
While most cake mixes call for water in the ingredients, replacing it with another liquid can give your cakes a richer, more homemade flavor. Try using milk, buttermilk, or even coffee to add a bit of flavor and tang. These substitutions will also add more fat, which is important for a moist cake.
Another way to improve the flavor of your cake is to add a teaspoon of vanilla extract or other extracts. You can also use a fruit puree or juice to enhance the flavors and color of your desserts. The best part is that cake mix is versatile, so you can use it to make cookies, bars, cupcakes, and even flavored whipped cream.
Whether you’re making a birthday cake, baking sale treats for the office, or going-away party for a coworker or pet, having a stash of cake mix in the pantry will ensure that you’ll always have an easy, delicious dessert on hand. You can also use the mix to make a unique gift for someone. Make sure to layer the dry ingredients in a glass jar, write instructions on a tag, and tie it to the lid.
It’s versatile
Cake mix is a combination of dry ingredients that can be used to make various dessert recipes. This convenient mix usually contains flour, sugar, leavening agents, and flavorings like cocoa or vanilla. When combined with liquids like milk, water, and oil or butter, it can produce a variety of baked goods, such as layer cakes, cupcakes, or even cookie dough. While many people consider cake mixes a guilty-pleasure, these convenient products can still be a valuable tool for home cooks. They can help save time and ensure consistent results, while providing creative freedom to novice bakers.
However, some bakers find that cake mix has a flat, bland taste and lacks the sweet, rich flavor nuances of homemade cakes. This has led to a growing trend toward homemade baking mixes, and it is no wonder that sales of boxed mixes have fallen.
The good news is that there are easy ways to upgrade your cake mix to make it taste homemade. You can use whole milk, non-dairy milk, or sour cream to replace the water called for in the recipe. You can also try using a flavored liquid such as brewed coffee or soda.
You can also replace the vegetable oil called for in a cake mix with melted butter to add moisture and a richer flavor. You can even use mayonnaise to give your cake a moist, fluffy texture. If you are looking for a healthier option, you can even try using olive oil instead of vegetable oil.