Ultimate Vanilla Cake Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What can I add to vanilla cake mix to make it better? ›

Add a Few Fun Mix-Ins

Just like they do with a pint of ice cream, mix-ins make almost any cake even better. A general rule of thumb: Stick with 1 cup (at most) of mix-ins. For vanilla or yellow cake mixes, try adding diced crystallized ginger, dried fruit, or fresh berries.

Mayonnaise: The Hidden Gem in Cake Recipes

Made up of eggs and oil, mayonnaise acts as an emulsifier, adding creaminess and moisture to your cake. This unexpected addition can take your cake recipes to a whole new level. To incorporate mayonnaise into your cake batter, simply add a couple of tablespoons to the mix.

Add vanilla extract to the batter.

Mixes will often contain natural vanilla flavor instead, she explained, which is tasty but not quite as powerful as an extract. To amp up your cake with enhanced flavor, start by adding just a teaspoon of vanilla extract into your boxed cake mix.

Add one to two teaspoons of a pure extract to make it taste like a from-scratch cake. Pure vanilla extract and pure almond extract are great options, but you could also try lemon extract or orange extract paired with fresh citrus zest.

Add vanilla extract or other flavorings: A simple way to add more flavor to a white cake is to add a teaspoon or two of pure vanilla extract to the batter. You can also try other flavorings like almond extract, lemon zest, or orange zest to enhance the taste.

One common ingredient swap that is known to help make cakes remarkably moist is using milk instead of water. Try switching out any water in your recipe for full-fat milk or buttermilk for a moist, decadent texture. Another ingredient that can enhance the moisture of your cake is mayonnaise.

In cakes, sugar assists with the aeration and stabilising of batters. Sugars improve the crust colour of baked products, improve flavour and help to retain moisture, keeping products softer for longer and so reducing staling. Examples of sugar forms are granulated sugar, castor sugar and icing sugar.

Flour is perhaps the most important ingredient in a cake mix, as it creates the basic structure of the entire cake. A major component of flour is gluten, which is a protein that provides a way for the cake to bind to itself.

Martina says, “Late in the mixing stage, eggs will incorporate better if you lightly beat them before adding to the batter.

Does adding an extra egg make cake more moist? ›

Boxed cake mixes tend to be lighter in consistency, but if you're craving that thicker, moister, denser cake, then all you have to do is add an extra egg to your mix. The additional fat in the egg yolk helps create a more tender and moist cake that is full of flavor.

Put some pudding in the mix: Add a small box of pudding mix in with the cake mix. (Don't make the pudding.) The mix adds additional flavor, moistness, and a denser texture.

Applesauce: Unsweetened applesauce is a popular oil substitute in baking. It can add moisture to your cakes and cupcakes while reducing the fat content. Use a 1:1 ratio, replacing the oil with applesauce. Greek Yogurt: Greek yogurt is another great option for moisture and creaminess.

Yes, you can eat cookie or cake batter that has more vanilla extract in it than what is called for in the recipe. That weird aftertastes is normal. If this happens in the future, try adding a little salt to balance out the flavor.

Lemon: The zesty brightness of lemon complements the creaminess of vanilla cake. Lemon zest or a light lemon glaze can awaken the taste buds and add a refreshing dimension to the dessert.

Yes, sour cream can be added to cake mix as an ingredient to add moisture and flavor to the cake. It is often used as a substitute for buttermilk or yogurt in cake recipes.

Most box cake recipes will tell you to add water to the mix. Instead, try adding milk using the same proportions. This will make the cake richer and creamier because it ups the fat content. You can even use buttermilk here for a pleasant tang.