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Betty Crocker batter Brownie Boxed Mix Taste Test
Betty Crocker batter Brownie Boxed Mix Taste Test
There are some simple ways to upgrade cake mix.Sydney Kramer/INSIDER
  • cake mixes are a great low-effort but delicious dessert, and I am a former pastry cook.

  • I would add sprinkles, extra eggs, or extracts to make it taste homemade.

  • Topping the cake with homemade frosting is a great way to take it to the next level.

I believe that pie is superior to cake. boxed mixes are a great way to deliver a cake with minimal effort.

I have learned a number of hacks for making cake mixes taste homemade.

Try using melted butter instead of oil

Butter makes everything better.

If you want to use the oil in the recipe, swap it for the melted butter.

It is an easy way to make a delicious cake.

Adding an extra egg makes a cake super moist

baking spatula eggs glass bowl
baking spatula eggs glass bowl
You can also add an extra egg yolk.Shutterstock

If you want to make an extra-moist cake, add one more egg than the recipe calls for.

The richness of the final product is due to the fat in the eggs.

If you really want to go over the edge, add an additional egg yolk.

Using milk will result in a richer flavor than water

If you have dairy or non dairy milk in the fridge, you should sub the water.

Adding whole milk to your cake will make it more decadent. I love using coconut milk for chocolate cake mixes.

For special occasions, put a little extra effort in by making your own frosting

Chocolate Cake
Even if you make the mix as directed, homemade frosting adds flair to a cake.Kristen Griffin

I love boxed dessert mixes because I am a huge advocate of cutting corners. If you are making a cake for a special occasion, make sure to top it with homemade frosting.

You will trick people into thinking you went all out on your dessert if you only use this one piece of advice.

Mayo is the secret ingredient for richer cakes

mayo in a cake sounds gag-inducing if you are not a Midwesterner who grew up on Portillo's chocolate-cake shakes. Listen me out.

The richness of your cakes can be enhanced with the eggs and oil in mayonnaise. Sub the oil for the same amount of mayonnaise and you will be a convert.

I prefer Duke's mayonnaise, and I recommend skipping the other types for this application.

Brighten up your dessert with citrus

lemon zest
Lemon zest works well in yellow and pound cakes.Regis Lagrange/EyeEm/Getty Images

Adding your favorite fruit to the batter will add a subtle edge to your cake.

I like orange or lime zest with coconut mixes and lemon in yellow or pound cakes.

Don't let the juice go to waste. If you use lemon or lime juice in a recipe, make sure it's stingier than fresh squeezed orange juice.

Added extracts can majorly boost the flavor of a cake

Adding a splash of your favorite extract will give you an extra boost of flavor.

It pairs well with most mixes and is always a crowd pleaser. Almond extract in yellow or vanilla cakes is my favorite for a bakery-style birthday cake.

When in doubt, add sprinkles

sprinkles added to vanilla cake batter in a bowl on a kitchen counter
sprinkles added to vanilla cake batter in a bowl on a kitchen counter
Sprinkles can add a pop of color to vanilla cake.Arina P Habich/Shutterstock

Funfetti cake is a crowd-pleaser because it has a little bit of fun with it.

If you want a cake that will make everyone happy, fold rainbow or chocolate sprinkles into the batter. Make sure to add them in last so the colors don't bleed.

The original article can be found on Insider.

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