Cake mixes cost less and might come together slightly faster than a homemade cake, but their flavor and texture can leave something to be desired. By making a few ingredient changes, you can manipulate a cake mix so it tastes homemade.
A light, fluffy texture comes from the addition of egg whites, as well as the use of a light hand during mixing. Adding real vanilla or almond extract to the batter disguises any "cake mix" taste.
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Things You'll Need
Stand mixer or hand mixer
Eggs
Butter
Vanilla or almond extract
Cake pans
Step 1: Pre-Heat
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, or to the temperature indicated on the box, for at least 15 to 20 minutes before you put the cake in the oven.
The cake begins rising immediately in a properly heated oven, which encourages a light, fluffy cake.
Read more: How to Dense Up a Cake Mix
Step 2: Separate Your Eggs
Separate five eggs, reserving three of the yolks. Place five egg whites in a clean metal bowl. Use a stand mixer or hand mixer to beat the egg whites into stiff peaks.
Step 3: Combine Cake Mix, Oil, Water, Extract and Yolks
Combine the cake mix with butter and water as directed on the package, plus a teaspoon of vanilla extract and three egg yolks. Using butter instead of oil will give your cake a much richer flavor.
Mix the ingredients on low for 30 seconds or until just combined. Beat the batter for an additional one to two minutes on medium; be careful not to over mix it or the cake will be tough.
Read more: How to Flavor Cakes
Tip
If you want a light, fluffy cake, stick with a traditional cake mix. Cake mixes that have pudding in the mix are almost always denser and moister.
Step 4: Add Your Egg Whites
Fold the whipped egg whites gently into the cake batter, until just combined. If you beat or stir the cake batter too vigorously, the egg whites deflate. Pour the batter carefully into greased and floured pans.
Read more: How to Improve a Box Cake Mix for Cupcakes
Step 5: Bake and Enjoy!
Set the timer for five minutes before you think the cake will be done. Insert a toothpick in the center of the cake. It's done when moist crumbs appear on the toothpick.