Boxed cake mixes can be a quick and easy way to bake a cake, but sometimes the results are denser or drier than desired. The secret to light, fluffy box cake is all in the ingredients and techniques used. With a few simple tweaks to the directions on the box, it’s possible to bake a moist, fluffy cake every time. In this article, we’ll walk through tips on how to get perfect texture, what ingredients to have on hand, and step-by-step instructions for baking and frosting. After reading, you’ll be ready to whip up bakery-quality cakes from a box!
What Makes Box Cake Dense?
Box cake mixes are designed to be quick-binding and sturdy enough to ship, which means they contain less butter or oil compared to recipes developed from scratch. Less fat in the batter leads to a tighter crumb and denser texture. Gluten development from overmixing can also cause a tough, rubbery cake.
Additionally, simple cakes made with just water lack moisture and fat needed for fluffiness. Eggs give lift and structure to cakes, so skimping on eggs makes for a flatter batter. The good news is with a few easy ingredient swaps and mixing techniques, it’s simple to transform box mix results.
Upgrade Your Ingredients
While the base ingredients in a box cake mix do most of the work, adding a few extras can vastly improve texture. Here are some easy ingredient “hacks” for making box cake extra moist and fluffy:
Use Oil Instead of Butter
Replacing the butter or margarine called for on the box with vegetable or canola oil will introduce more moisture into the batter for a springier crumb. Melted butter can lead to denseness.
Increase Eggs
Adding extra eggs, usually one more than the box directs, gives more structure and lift. The proteins in eggs help cakes rise.
Swap Water for Milk
Milk has more fat than water, resulting in richer, moister cake layers. Whole milk or buttermilk are ideal options.
Sour Cream for Tenderness
Sour cream may seem unusual in cake batter, but its tanginess and moisture creates supreme tenderness. Replace water with an equal amount of sour cream.
Extra Vanilla and Sugar
An extra teaspoon of vanilla extract enhances flavor, while a tablespoon more of granulated sugar sweetens, moistens, and browns the cake.
Equipment Needed
Having the right tools makes baking cakes from mixes practically foolproof. Here are the key equipment pieces needed:
Stand Mixer
A stand mixer quickly combines ingredients without overworking the batter. Overbeating is a common cause of dense box cakes.
Cake Pans
Opt for shiny, lightweight aluminum cake pans over dark or nonstick varieties, which can cause bottoms to brown too fast. Parchment paper liners also prevent sticking.
Wire Rack
Cooling cakes completely on a wire rack allows air to circulate underneath, preventing soggy bottoms.
Oven Thermometer
Check that oven temperature is accurate for best rising and even baking. Place thermometer inside oven and test.
Toothpicks
These handy tools let you test for doneness. Insert a toothpick into the center of the cake, and if it comes out clean, it’s finished baking.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps for baking the perfect fluffy cake with a box mix every time:
1. Prep Pan
Grease cake pans well with shortening or butter and line the bottoms with parchment paper. Parchment prevents sticking and helps cakes release easily from the pan.
2. Whisk Dry Ingredients
In a medium bowl, whisk together the cake mix, flour, baking powder, salt, and any other dry ingredients called for on the package until well blended.
3. Mix Wet Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine eggs, oil or melted butter, milk, water, vanilla, and any other wet ingredients. Beat with a mixer until fully incorporated.
4. Add Dry to Wet
Pour the dry ingredients over the wet ingredients. Mix on low speed until just combined, about 30 seconds. Do not overbeat.
5. Pour Batter and Bake
Evenly divide batter between prepared pans. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until a toothpick tests clean. Check at minimum time to avoid overbaking.
6. Cool and Frost
Allow cakes to cool completely on a wire rack. Once cool, frost as desired. Enjoy your soft, fluffy cake!
Tips for Fluffy Frosting
The right frosting finishes off a tender cake perfectly. Here are tips for making bakery-style frosting:
Whip Room Temperature Butter
Allow butter to soften for easier creaming. Beat air into softened butter before adding confectioners’ sugar and liquids for white frostings.
Sift Confectioners’ Sugar
Sift powdered sugar before adding to remove lumps. Add slowly while mixing to prevent puffs of sugar dust.
Splash of Cream or Milk
A tablespoon or two makes frosting smoother and easier to spread. For chocolate frosting, use coffee.
A Pinch of Salt
A small amount of salt balances sweetness and enhances flavor.
Flavor Extracts
Almond, vanilla, or peppermint extract adds extra dimension to basic buttercream.
Whip Thoroughly
Whip frosting on high speed for 3-5 minutes to achieve a light, creamy texture that won’t tear delicate cake crumb.
Most Common Cake Mix Brands
For best results, look for name brand cake mix products like:
| Betty Crocker | Duncan Hines |
| Pillsbury | King Arthur |
| Bob’s Red Mill | Ghiradelli |
These tried-and-true brands have premium ingredients designed for optimal baking performance. Steer clear of generic or dollar store mixes which can have more soybean oil, artificial flavors, and undesirable texture.
Simple Scratch Cake Recipes
Once comfortable baking with mixes, try your hand at easy homemade cakes. From chocolate to carrot cake, these recipes give bakery-worthy results:
Fluffy Vanilla Cake
This is the classic white cake perfect for birthdays. Get the recipe here.
Ultimate Chocolate Cake
Rich, moist chocolate layers make this crowd-pleasing cake. Get the recipe.
Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Loaded with carrots, pineapple, pecans, cinnamon – this is a spice cake favorite. Find the recipe.
Funfetti Cake
A beloved birthday classic with rainbow sprinkles added. Get the Funfetti recipe.
Expert Tips for Common Cake Problems
Even experienced bakers sometimes run into trouble. Here are expert solutions to common cake catastrophes:
Cake is Dry
- Use oil instead of butter
- Add extra egg to the batter
- Substitute milk or sour cream for water
- Avoid overmixing batter
- Check oven temperature
Cake Falls or Sinks
- Don’t open oven while baking
- Make sure pans are properly greased
- Allow baked cakes to cool completely before removing from pan
- Be gentle when assembling cake layers
Cake Has Large Air Pockets
- Avoid overmixing the batter
- Slowly add dry ingredients to wet
- Gently fold in added ingredients like chocolate chips
- Tap pan several times after pouring batter to release air bubbles
Cake Has Uneven Browning
- Rotate cake pans halfway during baking
- Make sure oven racks are level
- Verify oven temperature with thermometer
- Avoid dark pans which absorb heat
Cake Sticks to Pan
- Grease pans thoroughly with butter and line with parchment
- Allow cakes to fully cool before removing from pan
- Loosen edges with a knife or spatula
- Invert pan and tap gently to release cake
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common cake baking questions:
Should cake mixes be sifted?
Sifting is not required for cake mixes since they do not tend to have lumps. However, if your mix seems to have some clumps, sift it into the bowl before adding wet ingredients.
Can I use self-rising flour in cake mixes?
Yes, you can substitute self-rising flour in place of all-purpose flour called for in the cake mix directions. The leavening agents make it ideal for cakes. Reduce any additional baking powder.
Why is my box cake dense and heavy?
Overmixing, inadequate fat, too little leavening, and incorrect oven temperature are common causes of dense cake. Be sure to cream butter well and avoid overbeating once flour is added.
Can I substitute oil for butter in cake mixes?
Absolutely! Replacing butter with vegetable oil is recommended for a softer, more moist cake crumb. Use canola or vegetable oil.
What milk is best for cake mix?
Whole milk or buttermilk give the best texture and flavor. Light cream also works wonderfully. Avoid non-dairy or skim milk options.
Conclusion
With the proper ingredients and techniques, box cake mixes can be transformed into bakery-worthy masterpieces. Little touches like extra eggs, oil instead of butter, milk over water, and proper mixing create supreme moistness. Perfect pans, proper oven temperature, and cooling also contribute to cake success. Follow the tips outlined for whipping up flawless cakes at home from mixes. Soon you’ll gain the confidence to whip up impressive cakes from scratch too. So break out that boxed mix and get baking superbly fluffy cakes!