How to go from Boxed to Bakery
Use these simple swaps to improve your boxed cake mix.
Boxed cake mixes are amazing. I try to keep at least one in my pantry for a quick dessert or special treat. But there is always room for improvement. Don't get me wrong most boxed cake brands are great when you use the package instructions but with a few simple adjustments they can be made BETTER!
I will give you 3 swap outs that will make your cake taste better than homemade. Plus 3 more tips that will help improve your baking skills and confidence.
Let's be honest, baking can be intimidating for some but it doesn't have to be. Granted not all cakes will look like they came straight from the bakery (see photo below) but they will still taste delicious.
The first 3 tips have to do with ingredients. There are 3 simple swaps you can do to take your boxed mix to the next level.
Not every cake will be picture perfect. But that's okay. It's the taste that matters most.
1. Swap water for milk.
Most boxed cake mixes call for 1 cup of water. But
by swapping out the water for milk you will get a richer tasting cake.
2. Swap out the oil for butter.
If you use butter instead of oil it will also add to the richness of the cake but will also add to the flavor and texture.
3. Add in an extra egg
By adding an extra egg the cake will be moister, denser and richer. Trust me - this is a must do.
If you make these simple swaps I guarantee you will have a denser, richer, moister cake with a beautiful crumb. It will be so much like a bakery cake that you will fool even a cake connoisseur.
So that takes care of the ingredients. The next 3 tips will improve your baking confidence. Just like anything else baking takes practice. But there are few simple things you can do to make it even easier to master.
Baking Confidence Builders
These simple steps will go a long way to making sure you have good results.
1. Preheat your oven.
Most baked goods are baked at 350 degrees. But always check the recipe to make sure. Boxed cake mixes are baked at 350 but something like coffee cake or bread may have a different temp.
2. Use the right size pan (and grease them)
On the back of the cake mix box there will be a chart on how long to bake different size pans. Be sure to use the right size pan for your purpose. Do you want a layer cake? Or a sheet pan style cake? Or maybe you want cupcakes. Greasing the pans will insure the cake comes out of the pan cleanly.
3. Set a timer
One of the worst things you can do when you bake anything is to overbake it! Look at the back of the box and set the timer for the least amount of time for the pan you are using. Check for doneness by inserting a wooden skewer or a toothpick. If it come out clean then it's done.
If you follow these simple tips and swaps you will create a cake masterpiece. Ok...maybe not a masterpiece but it will be a delicious and decadent treat that you will be proud of.
I hope these tips and swaps are helpful to you in your baking journey. But before you go I have a few more BONUS tips to share with you...
*****BONUS****
Whether you use a hand mixer or a stand mixer remember the longer you mix the more air you incorporate into the batter. The more air the fluffier the cake will be.
Cake pans come in a variety of different materials from silicone and glass to metal and even cast iron. Be sure you are using the correct temperature and bake time for the pan material.
Experiment with different types of pan materials to see what you like best. The ones pictured above look a mess but the cake actually turned well. The cake itself was dense and moist even though the tops aren't the prettiest. Which brings me to the next tip.
Frosting or icing the cake. I recommend taking your time when you're ready to frost the cake. Be sure it is COMPLETELY cool before you frost it. Whether you use homemade or canned frosting it is very important that the cake be cool. Also make sure (if you are baking layers) that the layers are flat. Take the time to use a serrated knife and even off the top of the cake. Believe me it will make it so much easier to frost. And one last minor tip: If you plan on doing a lot of cake baking - invest in an offset spatula.
They can be found on Amazon. If you use the link below I do get a small commission
They are inexpensive but are worth their weight in gold when you want to frost a layer cake with ease.
I hope that these simple tips and tricks answer all your baking dilemmas. If you have a baking tip, trick or even a favorite product to share let me know in the comments.
HAPPY BAKING!
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