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How to Make a Cake Mix Taste Like a Cake from the Bakery

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Just a couple of ingredient swaps is all you will need to make a cake mix taste like a cake from the bakery! Everyone always asks me why my cakes taste so amazing, so today I am sharing my easy hack with you! For more cake inspiration, visit this list of Interesting Cake Recipes.

If you have been around here for a long time, then you know I LOVE making cakes for people. In the past, I have made my hubby a delicious Strawberry Buttercream Cake (and it came from a box!), as well as a decadent Butterfinger Cake.

How to Make a Cake Mix Taste Like a Cake from the Bakery

I have even made wedding cakes and birthday cakes for people. It brings me so much joy to be able to use a gift that God gave me to make cakes for others.

How to Make a Cake Mix Taste Like a Cake from the Bakery

I recently made this fun Paw Patrol Cake for a sweet little boy that steals everyone's heart! Making this cake was an absolute blast.

How to Make a Cake Mix Taste Like a Cake from the Bakery

I don't make a lot of cakes from scratch though. They can be time consuming. But everyone thinks my cakes are from scratch. If you want a from scratch cake, check out my German Chocolate Cake.

My secret is taking a cake mix from a box, adding a few extra ingredients and the end result is that the cake tastes just like it was purchased from a bakery!

How to Make a Cake Mix Taste Like a Cake from the Bakery

So — what's my secret? Here's what you need to do!

How to Make Any Boxed Cake Mix Taste Like the Cake Came from a Bakery

Step One —

Look at the directions on the back of the cake box.

Step two —

Add one more egg than what it calls for. So, for example, if the recipe calls for 3 eggs, add 4.

Step three —

Instead of using oil, use melted butter and double the amount. If the cake mix calls for 1/2 cup of oil, you are going to use 1 cup of butter, which is 2 sticks. Just make sure to melt it before adding to the cake mix.

Step 4 —

In place of water, be sure to use milk.

Then bake the cake as directed on the box!

How to Make a Cake Mix Taste Like a Cake from the Bakery

When your cake comes out, your guests will be wowed with how amazing it tastes. They will swear up and down that you got the cake from the local bakery.

This has freed up so much of my time with cake baking and everyone truly loves my desserts!

Of course, if you are baking cakes, you are going to need some delicious frosting recipes. Strawberry buttercream frosting is my favorite, but everyone loves my homemade cream cheese frosting. If you want to go traditional, here is my Easy buttercream frosting.

My Favorite Cake Baking Supplies

If you love to bake cakes like I do, here are a few of my favorite cake baking supplies.

How to Make a Cake Mix Taste Like a Cake from the Bakery

If you like making cakes for friends and family, then you will not want to miss this post!

Love Cakes? Check Out These Delicious Cake Recipes

Yield: 8 servings

How to Make a Boxed Cake Take Like a Cake from the Bakery

How to Make a Boxed Cake Take Like a Cake from the Bakery

Take a boxed cake from good to great with these tips.

Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes

Ingredients

  • 1 box of cake mix
  • milk to replace water
  • butter to replace oil

Instructions

    Look at the directions on the back of the cake box.
    Add one more egg than what it calls for. So, for example, if the recipe calls for 3 eggs, add 4.
    Instead of using oil, use melted butter and double the amount. If the cake mix calls for 1/2 cup of oil, you are going to use 1 cup of melted butter, which is 2 sticks of butter.
    In place of water, be sure to use milk.
    Then bake the cake as directed on the box!

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

8

Serving Size:

1

Amount Per Serving: Calories: 288Total Fat: 6gSaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 6mgSodium: 504mgCarbohydrates: 55gFiber: 1gSugar: 30gProtein: 3g

Did you make this recipe?

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Minnetta

Friday 18th of April 2025

I’m anxious to try this recipe.

Jennifer Sikora

Sunday 20th of April 2025

Try it. It really is great and tastes like it just came from the bakery.

Heather

Friday 28th of March 2025

I do exactly what you do BUT I use Greek yogurt instead of replacing the water with milk. OMG JACK POT!!

Jennifer Sikora

Friday 28th of March 2025

Oh i will have to try that! thanks for the tip!

Pat

Friday 21st of February 2025

I’m excited to try this today. But my box cake calls for 7 tbsp of butter instead of oil. Do I double that or use the 7 tbsp?

Jennifer Sikora

Monday 3rd of March 2025

Use just the 7 tbsp of butter. Do not double it.

Rebecca

Thursday 23rd of January 2025

What if recipe calls for butter, same amount or double???

Jennifer Sikora

Friday 24th of January 2025

Most cake mix boxes don't call for butter. They call for oil

Stacy

Friday 17th of January 2025

I'm assuming this method would work for a Gluten free mix as well?

Jennifer Sikora

Saturday 18th of January 2025

Yes it would work for gluten free as well.

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