@@EllieAlexanderAuthor I'm new to the channel as well I was looking for other hack recipe in I run across your thanks for the tip I Live to bake I can just say I Love to cook Period my Family's is Baker in a Cook so I got it's form my Granddaddy in Grandma so it's went to my Aunts in Uncle now it's the Grandkids Raise up in Alabama But sending my Love form Florida can't wait until do some Hack Frosting L.o.l So God bless in and your Family's for Thanksgiving day iof 2021😘❤❤❤🍰🍰🍰🧁🧁☕🍩🍛🍜
I add in 1 extra egg. 1 package of instant pudding mix and 1/3 rd cup Condensed milk. I do use butter instead of oil. The pudding flavor to match your cake..vanilla for yellow/ white. chocolate/choc etc. I also add in a tad of vanilla, the vanilla I use is Molina Mexican Vanilla Blend..because it does not have that alcohol/ bitterness I find in other liquid vanillas. I do also use butter milk when I have it
Hi Ellie....I always use a box cake mix BUT I pretty much swap out and add to it. My recipe for a box cake mix: 1 cup of milk 1 cup melted butter 5 eggs 1 box of instant pudding ( vanilla for all but chocolate.....use chocolate pudding for that ) 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract or any flavor I might be feeling at time of baking. I have used Vanilla Almond Raspberry Strawberry Butter rum Mint and peanutbutter extracts so far and my cakes are so delicious ( if I do say so myself )
Jello pudding mix, sour cream, egg yolks and icing are 4 things I use to when using box cake mix. i like the Jello and egg yolk combo best. Or jellp and sour cream
@@EllieAlexanderAuthor also use Greek- style yogurt instead of buttermilk, sour cream. I often use regular milk but add 1/3 non- fat milk powder with dry ingredients as I don't have full- strength milk in the house. It's part of Mama Love in my Book of Life! Speaking of Mama's tricks- she often made Mocha frostening- so good- tasting but maybe she too was using up left- over ☕ coffee!
Thanks for sharing. I add jello instant pudding to yellow cake. If I make strawberry cake I add strawberry pudding, lemon pudding for lemon cake, etc. It adds nice flower and moistness to your cake. I also use sour cream or cream cheese as well instead of milk. Delicious
Great hacks! I will definitely be trying them out in the future. I'm with you, though...nothing beats cakes made from scratch! Thank you again. You're lovely🙂🧁🙂
So, basically...you just add to the cake mix, however, whatever, you want to taste it like eggs make it puddingish, more real vanilla, buttermilk, etc......Good grief I can't wait to open my kitchen cupboard!!!! There's some cookin' come in on!!!! Ohhhhhh, and one thousand delicious mixtures! ....mmmmmmm
Sha'kira, ...thank you so much can't wait to try every single ingredient in one thousand ways!!! Love you, you're awesome!!!! Now I finally get the hang of it. Yay !!!!!!!
I always make cakes from scratch and have never used cake mixes, but it’s really tricky to find flour in shops at the moment (COVID19 crisis) here in UK, so this video is really useful. Thanks.
Thanks so much for watching! I'm glad you found it helpful. Yes, flour is not super easy to find everywhere here in the U.S. right now either. I just posted another video this week about using a box cake mix to make a Bundt cake, but elevating it with some ingredients that people are more likely to have on hand, for that very reason. Stay safe and healthy. Happy baking!
It’s hard to find yeast, impossible actually in the States. I learned to bake quick bread, but it’s just not the same..I had to order yeast on line. Flour was scarce but now it’s back on the shelves..💕 Stay healthy and safe..
I really loved your ideas of different liquids to add to boxed cake mixes. The only thing I would ever add to make my box cake mix moist was a small box of instant pudding. Now most boxed cake mixes have it in them already, but I still add my own.
I prefer to bake from scratch as well. Sometimes time and/or a lack of ingredients gets in the way, though, and box cake mixes come in handy. It’s always fun to take them up a notch, though. 😊
OK my question is if you’re doing the chocolate cake do you add the beer And the coffee at the same time or one or the other thanks so much for sharing I’m definitely going to try this
I’d recommend using one or the other. In discussing this with someone else here, though, I mentioned that there wasn’t any reason you couldn’t use both. It’s all about personal taste! Just be sure not to exceed the total amount of liquid called for in the instructions or your cake will be too runny. How about using a coffee stout? ☕️🍺😉
Thank you for your informative video. I love using cake mixes as a base for my cakes! I make a banana nut cake with a cooked nut filling. Carrot cake out of spice or yellow cake mix and a family favorite is Betty Crockers Chocolate Lovers Dream cake. It starts with a chocolate fudge or devil’s food cake mix and a bunch of add ins. Cookie bars out of a German chocolate cake mix is fun and easy for get togethers! I will be trying the buttermilk in my next attempt at pound cake.
Wondering if u could make a yellow cake mix a chocolate cake by using hersheys syrup 🤔 in place of _____?? Hopefully you can answer this b4 I try it & waste everything (need soon & don't have ANYTHING ELSE to use😉) 😆🙃
We moved into a new home . Tired few things bought at store yet. Wanted something sweet to go with our sandwiches . 6 0z. Of diet Dr Pepper and a chocolate cake mix.NOTHING ELSE. PUT IN 9 x12 pan . Make a butter frosting . Delish. And fast.
I’ve tried using butter, but my cake seemed to be more moist using oil. I’m not a baker or anything, and I really don’t see what’s so bad about a mix. The hacks I use are 1 extra egg, pudding mix, milk instead of water & a couple tablespoons of mayo. My cakes are so moist. I’ve tried scratch & honestly i think the mix is better. I appreciate you and everyone else who take the time to make these videos!
There's definitely nothing wrong with box mixes. At the end of the day, what works best for you is what's best, right? 😊 Your hacks sound wonderful and all that matters is that you are happy with the results. Thanks so much for watching and happy baking! 🍰
I think you can make boxed cakes better with butter and milk but I am not sure if there are things in there that shouldn't be but I am guilty of using mixes and ok you just said butter too. Lol I do add fruit and other goodies too. Tfs Oh coffee! yum! Thanks. Oh you just said beer ... I wonder if you will say cherry coke? I think it would make it too sweet but I have seen it done.
Cherry coke can actually be a great (and delicious!) addition to the right cake. That is definitely another good hack to elevate a boxed cake mix. Thanks so much for watching. Happy baking! 😊
I tend to always use unsalted butter and then add in salt depending on personal preference, the recipe, etc. I generally try to keep salt usage to a minimum, but I know everyone’s tastes vary. 😊
You might be the person to ask this question- most of the cakes I bake are bundt cakes because they always come out (they rise ) perfect. My sheet cakes or pound cakes? 2 times out of 5 they are successful. I don't know what I am doing wrong. after the 37 or so minutes, the center is jiggly. I keep it in the oven for a few minutes and the center is still jiggly. I set it on the counter to cool off before flipping upside down onto the cake plate, and I can see the center sinking very slowly. I cut into it just to see what it looks like, and the outer part is perfectly cooked but the inner part a thickened cake batter. What might I be doing wrong? My bundts come out 100% perfect.
That is a great question. What kind of a pan are you using? The size of the pan and style can make a difference. Most professional bakers I know use metal sheet pans lined with parchment. That’s been the most successful for me. Are you baking at altitude? I know that can really throw off baking times and temps. But, on the plus side Bundts are my favorite! In fact the next book coming out in the series is titled NOTHING BUNDT TROUBLE. 😍
@@EllieAlexanderAuthor If you place a metal flower nail (with the 'head' on the bottom of the pan) in the center of your cake pan, it will help distribute the heat all the way through to the center of the cake, resulting in a cake that is done all the way through but without the side being over cooked. You can also do this with cakes baked in larger pans, such as a 3 inch deep, 16 inch round for a wedding cake. And if you feel just one flower nail may not be enough, you can always use two of them. Just be sure to remove them before icing/decorating. And if you prefer to first line your pans with parchment paper as I do, just place the flower nail in the bottom of the pan, then poke the nail part up through the parchment, and it prevents the nail from going further up in the cake.
Yes, that should work as long as you use half of each, keeping the proportions the same as what’s called for in the ingredients. You’ll have to let me know how it turns out. Happy baking! 😊
I also use cake mixes and I tweet them sometimes I use buttermilk I mostly use Carnation evaporated milk I like to use Duncan Hines I cannot stand Betty crocker don't get me wrong Betty crocker has good cookbooks I like to use sour cream and I also use a half a stick of Crisco butter flavored shortening and I use a teaspoon of sugar to compensate for the sour cream the extra egg in the shortening. When I use a chocolate mocha cake mix I like to use chocolate milk. When I first started doing this I had an idea about a book but when I went to the library I saw that there was a cookbook called cake mix hacks I was like oh no somebody has beaten me to it😊
Thanks so much for watching. Those are all great tips and ideas. And don’t let the fact that there’s already a book out on this subject deter you from doing your own! There is always room for more great baking tips and hacks out there. Happy baking! 🥰
I have made cakes from scratch and from cake mixes. I use one brand only, Duncan Hines. They never fail, ever and my from-scratch cakes have on occasion. I stick with my preferred brand of mix as I have tried others and the crumb is not as soft or light in texture. Also, some mixes produce overly sweet for my palate cakes or cupcakes. My hack is to use unflavored Kefir instead of water as it is close to buttermilk and I add extra vanilla to white or yellow cake, coffee to chocolate cake. With my cakes I stick with oil because when I used full butter the cake was more dense and I don't like dense cake. I like it to be light and delicate. I do not use canned frosting. Its easy to make frostings of different types and I enjoy the process. The most amazing frosting I ever made was French Buttercream but it is so rich and rather expensive to make due to all the egg yolks. I wish I could make a cake from scratch that never failed. I don't know what I am doing wrong!
That is such a great idea. Absolutely! I’ve used sparking cider, champagne in white mixes. You might try an orange or cherry sparkling water for a chocolate.
@@EllieAlexanderAuthor I've been a cake decorator for 40+ years and I detest, despise, hate canned frosting! Yet my husband prefers it over most other types of frosting, and it drives me crazy which, for me, is a short drive most days. lol So if I'm making a cake specifically for him, I will use that nasty canned frosting (did I mention I hate canned? lol), but I discovered if you first whip it up really well (this increases volume by quite a bit, too), and add some vanilla and a bit of heavy cream, it's sort of almost tolerable.
@Joyce Galloway Parker - This made me 😂 so much! I’m in the same boat. I can’t stand the stuff, but my husband loves it because that’s what he grew up with. I’ll have to try your suggestions, though I’m skeptical it’ll make it any better for me. 😉
Do you box? If so, let me know if you have ways you improve store bought cake mixes when baking! And for more delicious & fun recipes, kitchen tips, and more see my episodes of the Torte Test Kitchen: ruclips.net/video/uTWeL3ceAu0/видео.html
I use the oil called for in the directions of the box cake, but also add 1/2 to a whole stick of melted butter. Since butter solidifies at room temperature, it can make the cake a bit too dense when cooled. But if it's added in addition to the oil, then you get the best of both - the moistness of oil plus the yummy taste of butter!
I did the below hack and the cake was sooo soft. I used 4 eggs, half cup yoghurt, 1 cup milk, 1/4 cup oil, half cup softened butter, vanilla and the chocolate cake box mix. Yoghurt made a lot of difference. I tried the same with mayonnaise but yoghurt is the key addition.
Purist. Don't like the artificial taste of cake mixes, but these tips would probably help that a lot. I like most everything homemade from scratch better. I was making from scratch cakes when I was around 8 yr old.
I hear you. I love baking from scratch any chance I get, but there are times when I need something super quick and these tips have definitely come in handy. Thanks so much for watching and happy baking! 😍
Yes, it sure is! I’m always shocked anytime I head to store looking for it. One tip that might save you a bit if you’re ever in need of some, and this is thanks to my husband, you might try your local homebrew (beer) store if you have one nearby. They usually carry a wide variety of spices for brewing and he’s found vanilla beans at his favorite shop many times for a fraction of the price at a grocery store. Might be worth a try. ☺️
Sometimes I just want to make something quick without alot of measuring. I can make killer chocolate cake easy, but yellow and white just turn out course and dry so I look to the yellow box mix. Will try the beer idea thanks a bunch.
I did the below hack and the cake was sooo soft. I used 4 eggs, half cup yoghurt, 1 cup milk, 1/4 cup oil, half cup softened butter, vanilla and the chocolate cake box mix. Yoghurt made a lot of difference. I tried the same with mayonnaise but yoghurt is the key addition.
I’m from Australia 🇦🇺 We were taught how to cook in Home Economics at high school in the 1970’s so Im wondering why young some young mums nowadays have never ever cooked a cake from scratch.(as you Americans say ) Re home made cakes I’ve always liked to use a quality unbleached flour ... or half wholemeal flour to make it all healthier so that’s a reason I don’t really like the ‘Packet -mix cakes’ (as we call them here) . They look sooo over refined 😕I have done some in the past like the packet mix carrot cake .. they turned out okay 👍 You could add some more healthy ingredients in those ones I suppose
I'm not sure everyone has had the same access to those Home Ec classes that were offered in the 70s and 80s, as education systems and budgets have changed over the years. My son has a wonderful culinary class/program at his high school and has learned a tremendous amount, but I know that's not the same for everyone. I'm with you regarding making things from scratch over using a box mix, but I do use box mixes when the occasion calls for it, so I like sharing tips on how to elevate things a bit when people have/want to use a box mix whatever their reason. Happy baking! 😊
Some sort of standardize HS classes across the USA is impracticable. That's too bad, because there is so much value in a Home Economics class; as well as a Driver's Ed. class, that could be shared around the country. Unfortunately, in the USA there are 50 states, a few Commonwealths, Territories, 3100+ counties, and innumerable cities. Each one has their own version of an educational system, many good ones, and far too many bad ones.
Considering that I have been baking for about 20 years, and have used all the 5 things you have used for box cakes you obviously know what you're talking about! Also, the box calls for 3 eggs, and I either use 3 eggs and 2 egg whites, or 5 eggs. Interesting that you use coffee. I use about a tablespoon of ground coffee. Over the holidays I made a few egg nog cakes, so i used eggnog instead of the buttermilk.
I’m so happy to have that feedback from a seasoned baker like yourself! I’ve never tried ground coffee in a mix. Interesting. Eggnog for the holidays is perfection!
Thanks for the feedback, Jon. I made this video a while back and have included demonstrations in all my videos since. At the time, I thought people might complain about watching me doing the simple steps outlined in the video. And, since you can't really taste/experience the benefits of the tips through the video itself, I simply tried to describe the benefits of each tip instead. It just goes to show that you can't please everyone all the time. Just trying to put some helpful information out there for anyone who wants it. 😊
FINALLY, by accident I have found a TRUE box cake hack. Loved your video!! My greatest goal is to be a good Baker so I'm glad I found your show.🍰
That’s so great! Best of luck with the hack and happy baking!
@@EllieAlexanderAuthor I'm new to the channel as well I was looking for other hack recipe in I run across your thanks for the tip I Live to bake I can just say I Love to cook Period my Family's is Baker in a Cook so I got it's form my Granddaddy in Grandma so it's went to my Aunts in Uncle now it's the Grandkids Raise up in Alabama But sending my Love form Florida can't wait until do some Hack Frosting L.o.l So God bless in and your Family's for Thanksgiving day iof 2021😘❤❤❤🍰🍰🍰🧁🧁☕🍩🍛🍜
excellent video I love it a lot you are fantastic new follower greetings from Mexico City.
I add in 1 extra egg. 1 package of instant pudding mix and 1/3 rd cup Condensed milk. I do use butter instead of oil. The pudding flavor to match your cake..vanilla for yellow/ white. chocolate/choc etc. I also add in a tad of vanilla, the vanilla I use is Molina Mexican Vanilla Blend..because it does not have that alcohol/ bitterness I find in other liquid vanillas. I do also use butter milk when I have it
For chocolate cakes - I also sprinkle dark chocolate chips on the frosting as an extra final touch.
@melissam2683 how much of the liquid coffee did you put into your mix?
Ooooo I’m going to bake a box cake RIGHT NOW!! I enjoyed watching you ..
very ENERGETIC!! Thank you!
Thanks so much for watching! I’m glad you enjoyed it. Happy baking! 😊🍰
Thanks a million for your bright ideas. Blessings
Hi Ellie....I always use a box cake mix BUT I pretty much swap out and add to it.
My recipe for a box cake mix:
1 cup of milk
1 cup melted butter
5 eggs
1 box of instant pudding ( vanilla for all but chocolate.....use chocolate pudding for that )
2 teaspoons of vanilla extract or any flavor I might be feeling at time of baking.
I have used
Vanilla
Almond
Raspberry
Strawberry
Butter rum
Mint and peanutbutter extracts so far and my cakes are so delicious ( if I do say so myself )
Jello pudding mix, sour cream, egg yolks and icing are 4 things I use to when using box cake mix. i like the Jello and egg yolk combo best. Or jellp and sour cream
Jello is a great addition. Thanks for mentioning it! 😊
Can I use buttermilk instead of sour cream
Yes, absolutely. That would make for a delicious substitution. Happy baking! 😊
@@EllieAlexanderAuthor also use Greek- style
yogurt instead of buttermilk, sour cream. I often use regular milk but add 1/3 non- fat milk powder with dry ingredients as I don't have full- strength milk in the house. It's part of Mama Love in my Book of Life! Speaking of Mama's tricks- she often made Mocha frostening- so good- tasting but maybe she too was using up left- over ☕ coffee!
Thanks for sharing. I add jello instant pudding to yellow cake. If I make strawberry cake I add strawberry pudding, lemon pudding for lemon cake, etc. It adds nice flower and moistness to your cake. I also use sour cream or cream cheese as well instead of milk. Delicious
Thank you so much for sharing 😊
You’re very welcome. Happy baking! 😊
I just want to make some cake now! THANK YOU for the tips!
You are very welcome! Thanks so much for watching. Happy baking!
Great hacks! I will definitely be trying them out in the future. I'm with you, though...nothing beats cakes made from scratch! Thank you again. You're lovely🙂🧁🙂
I’m so happy you enjoyed them. You’ll have to let me know if you try them and how it turns out. Happy baking! 👩🏼🍳
Simple1 cup of Buttermilk or plain milk, 2. Sticks of Butter, Vanilla flavor, 1 Box of pudding mix, 5 Eggs.. Thank Me Later
Thanks for watching! ❤️
I find it very annoying when people say after they decide to list they vid instructions, ‘Thank me later ‘ it sounds very conceited .
So, basically...you just add to the cake mix, however, whatever, you want to taste it like eggs make it puddingish, more real vanilla, buttermilk, etc......Good grief I can't wait to open my kitchen cupboard!!!!
There's some cookin' come in on!!!! Ohhhhhh, and one thousand delicious mixtures! ....mmmmmmm
Sha'kira, ...thank you so much can't wait to try every single ingredient in one thousand ways!!! Love you, you're awesome!!!! Now I finally get the hang of it. Yay !!!!!!!
Anna B ikr?? Especially when it’s really unnecessary !! The video isn’t even that long…
sorry for being so critical.. you have a lot to offer.. you possess a lovely, energetic personality. Keep up the good work.. We all still love you!
I always make cakes from scratch and have never used cake mixes, but it’s really tricky to find flour in shops at the moment (COVID19 crisis) here in UK, so this video is really useful. Thanks.
Thanks so much for watching! I'm glad you found it helpful. Yes, flour is not super easy to find everywhere here in the U.S. right now either. I just posted another video this week about using a box cake mix to make a Bundt cake, but elevating it with some ingredients that people are more likely to have on hand, for that very reason. Stay safe and healthy. Happy baking!
It’s hard to find yeast, impossible actually in the States. I learned to bake quick bread, but it’s just not the same..I had to order yeast on line. Flour was scarce but now it’s back on the shelves..💕 Stay healthy and safe..
Thank you so much 🤗
I really loved your ideas of different liquids to add to boxed cake mixes. The only thing I would ever add to make my box cake mix moist was a small box of instant pudding. Now most boxed cake mixes have it in them already, but I still add my own.
Me Too- that's Love Therapy to ME! Saw a good sign at Wal-Mart, it says " If I had to stir IT- it's Homemade!" Amen -Sam Walton- Amen!
I always prefer handmade on everything. I've made homemade cakes, but I think cake mixes are amazing. But always real butter and homemade frosting.
I prefer to bake from scratch as well. Sometimes time and/or a lack of ingredients gets in the way, though, and box cake mixes come in handy. It’s always fun to take them up a notch, though. 😊
Could you swap the water for coffee in a white cake mix or yellow cake mix if you're making a mock version of tiramisu?
OK my question is if you’re doing the chocolate cake do you add the beer And the coffee at the same time or one or the other thanks so much for sharing I’m definitely going to try this
I’d recommend using one or the other. In discussing this with someone else here, though, I mentioned that there wasn’t any reason you couldn’t use both. It’s all about personal taste! Just be sure not to exceed the total amount of liquid called for in the instructions or your cake will be too runny. How about using a coffee stout? ☕️🍺😉
Thank you for your informative video. I love using cake mixes as a base for my cakes! I make a banana nut cake with a cooked nut filling. Carrot cake out of spice or yellow cake mix and a family favorite is Betty Crockers Chocolate Lovers Dream cake. It starts with a chocolate fudge or devil’s food cake mix and a bunch of add ins. Cookie bars out of a German chocolate cake mix is fun and easy for get togethers! I will be trying the buttermilk in my next attempt at pound cake.
You’re welcome! Thanks so much for watching. It sounds like you’ve created some amazing recipes starting with box mixes. I love it! 💕😋
Can't wait to try adding several of those hacks!
I add a mashed overripe banana to box spice cake box mix, milk instead of water butter instead of oil, nice and moist..
The overripe banana would be a wonderful addition. I’ll bet that is a delicious cake. Thanks so much for sharing! 😋🍌
Don’t have buttermilk: make your own. Add a dash of white vinegar to milk. Give it a try. Great for cakes, pancakes.
Excellent tip, thanks for commenting! I'm going to have to try that one out soon for some weekend pancakes. 😋
You can also add lemon to milk to get buttermilk
You can add sour cream to milk for buttermilk too
Do you use the same amount of butter when replacing the oil?
Yes, just an even swap. Happy baking!
Quarantine brought me here, but I learned something new today tho. Thanks for the info stay safe 👍😷
Glad you stopped by. Thanks so much for watching! I hope you stay safe and healthy as well. 😊
Wondering if u could make a yellow cake mix a chocolate cake by using hersheys syrup 🤔 in place of _____?? Hopefully you can answer this b4 I try it & waste everything (need soon & don't have ANYTHING ELSE to use😉) 😆🙃
We moved into a new home . Tired few things bought at store yet.
Wanted something sweet to go with our sandwiches .
6 0z. Of diet Dr Pepper and a chocolate cake mix.NOTHING ELSE.
PUT IN 9 x12 pan . Make a butter frosting .
Delish. And fast.
took a yellow cake mix added: 1 package of instant pudding mix - 4C chopped pecans - 1/2 C oil - 6 eggs - 1 - 1/2 C water - 1T vanilla - added 1. t baking powder - 1.t vinegar - bunt pan - 350 for 40 min - chocolate glaze
Thank you that was very helpful🙂
You’re very welcome! Thanks so much for watching. 🥰
I’ve tried using butter, but my cake seemed to be more moist using oil. I’m not a baker or anything, and I really don’t see what’s so bad about a mix. The hacks I use are 1 extra egg, pudding mix, milk instead of water & a couple tablespoons of mayo. My cakes are so moist. I’ve tried scratch & honestly i think the mix is better. I appreciate you and everyone else who take the time to make these videos!
There's definitely nothing wrong with box mixes. At the end of the day, what works best for you is what's best, right? 😊 Your hacks sound wonderful and all that matters is that you are happy with the results. Thanks so much for watching and happy baking! 🍰
I bet the Mayo does work great for texture and airyness. Mayo biscuits are my favorite biscuits lol the texture and taste is just so good
Use more butter. I put an entire Kerrygold bar in mine. It's awesome.
Can i use plain yogurt with a little water added to make it more like buttermilk?
For sure! That’s a great swap!
@@EllieAlexanderAuthor thanks
Also, you can make buttermilk by adding vinegar or lemon to your milk. Let it stand for a few minutes and viola, you have mock-buttermilk.
Can you use 1/2 cup of buttermilk, 1/2 cup of coffee, 1 stick of melted butter and 1tsp. vanilla? (For a chocolate cake) and add one egg.
I think you can make boxed cakes better with butter and milk but I am not sure if there are things in there that shouldn't be but I am guilty of using mixes and ok you just said butter too. Lol I do add fruit and other goodies too. Tfs
Oh coffee! yum! Thanks.
Oh you just said beer ... I wonder if you will say cherry coke? I think it would make it too sweet but I have seen it done.
Cherry coke can actually be a great (and delicious!) addition to the right cake. That is definitely another good hack to elevate a boxed cake mix. Thanks so much for watching. Happy baking! 😊
Can I use whipping cream in place of buttermilk?
As long as the cream is still in liquid form that should work. You’ll have to let me know how it turns out.
Can u add chocolate to the box mix
How Can I make a yellow Box cake Dense
I am going to give it a try
I hope the tips come in handy for you. 😊
Cheers 🍻
Can we add instant coffee to the buttermilk for the chocolate cake mix?
You can add chocolate chips, any kind of favor like peanut butter chips, or could add dried fruit...
Butter butter Haha 😂, cool thanks
I bake from scratch BUT if a chocolate cake recipe calls for 1 1/3 cup of hot water, I add 1 cup of hot water or milk and 1/3 cup of hot coffee.
I’ve try on corn muffin mix sour cream. It comes out sooo moist I love it .
That’s a wonderful suggestion! I’m going to have to try that myself. Happy baking! 😊
Very nice hacks
Thank you! Glad you enjoyed them and hope you find them useful. Thanks for watching.
Does it matter is you use unsalted butter or salted butter?
I don't think it matters but I would use unsalted
I tend to always use unsalted butter and then add in salt depending on personal preference, the recipe, etc. I generally try to keep salt usage to a minimum, but I know everyone’s tastes vary. 😊
How much vanilla extract would I use in the yellow cake
I would add 1 1/2 to 2 teaspoons. You’ll have to let me know how it turns out!
@@EllieAlexanderAuthor yes ma'am, thank you . And coffee for chocolate cake, would I replace it with oil?
You might be the person to ask this question- most of the cakes I bake are bundt cakes because they always come out (they rise ) perfect. My sheet cakes or pound cakes? 2 times out of 5 they are successful. I don't know what I am doing wrong. after the 37 or so minutes, the center is jiggly. I keep it in the oven for a few minutes and the center is still jiggly. I set it on the counter to cool off before flipping upside down onto the cake plate, and I can see the center sinking very slowly. I cut into it just to see what it looks like, and the outer part is perfectly cooked but the inner part a thickened cake batter. What might I be doing wrong? My bundts come out 100% perfect.
That is a great question. What kind of a pan are you using? The size of the pan and style can make a difference. Most professional bakers I know use metal sheet pans lined with parchment. That’s been the most successful for me. Are you baking at altitude? I know that can really throw off baking times and temps. But, on the plus side Bundts are my favorite! In fact the next book coming out in the series is titled NOTHING BUNDT TROUBLE. 😍
@@EllieAlexanderAuthor Thanks for responding! They're metal sheet pans. I've never lined them with parchment. I'll try that!
@@EllieAlexanderAuthor If you place a metal flower nail (with the 'head' on the bottom of the pan) in the center of your cake pan, it will help distribute the heat all the way through to the center of the cake, resulting in a cake that is done all the way through but without the side being over cooked. You can also do this with cakes baked in larger pans, such as a 3 inch deep, 16 inch round for a wedding cake. And if you feel just one flower nail may not be enough, you can always use two of them. Just be sure to remove them before icing/decorating. And if you prefer to first line your pans with parchment paper as I do, just place the flower nail in the bottom of the pan, then poke the nail part up through the parchment, and it prevents the nail from going further up in the cake.
Interesting! I’m going to have to try this. Thanks so much for watching and providing this great tip. 😊
Try putting the cake in a cold (non preheated) oven to start with so it all heats up at the same time gradually. Look up cold oven pound cake recipe .
I found if u add mayo to your boxed cake it works to make it moist
Can I use mayonnaise and buttermilk in one box cake mix??
Yes, that should work as long as you use half of each, keeping the proportions the same as what’s called for in the ingredients. You’ll have to let me know how it turns out. Happy baking! 😊
🍰☕] Ellie Alexander [☕🍰
" Thanks for sharing your 5 hacks for boxed cake mixes with your viewers ! "
Thanks so much for watching. I'm glad you enjoyed it! 😀
Excellent tips..
I'm so glad you enjoyed them. Thanks for watching! 😊
I also use cake mixes and I tweet them sometimes I use buttermilk I mostly use Carnation evaporated milk I like to use Duncan Hines I cannot stand Betty crocker don't get me wrong Betty crocker has good cookbooks I like to use sour cream and I also use a half a stick of Crisco butter flavored shortening and I use a teaspoon of sugar to compensate for the sour cream the extra egg in the shortening. When I use a chocolate mocha cake mix I like to use chocolate milk. When I first started doing this I had an idea about a book but when I went to the library I saw that there was a cookbook called cake mix hacks I was like oh no somebody has beaten me to it😊
Thanks so much for watching. Those are all great tips and ideas. And don’t let the fact that there’s already a book out on this subject deter you from doing your own! There is always room for more great baking tips and hacks out there. Happy baking! 🥰
I have made cakes from scratch and from cake mixes. I use one brand only, Duncan Hines. They never fail, ever and my from-scratch cakes have on occasion.
I stick with my preferred brand of mix as I have tried others and the crumb is not as soft or light in texture. Also, some mixes produce overly sweet for my palate cakes or cupcakes.
My hack is to use unflavored Kefir instead of water as it is close to buttermilk and I add extra vanilla to white or yellow cake, coffee to chocolate cake. With my cakes I stick with oil because when I used full butter the cake was more dense and I don't like dense cake. I like it to be light and delicate.
I do not use canned frosting. Its easy to make frostings of different types and I enjoy the process. The most amazing frosting I ever made was French Buttercream but it is so rich and rather expensive to make due to all the egg yolks.
I wish I could make a cake from scratch that never failed.
I don't know what I am doing wrong!
Curious if flavored sparking water could be used too like the beer??? I may have to try. Would add a whole bunch more flavor choices.
That is such a great idea. Absolutely! I’ve used sparking cider, champagne in white mixes. You might try an orange or cherry sparkling water for a chocolate.
I think I've seen using Cola or Sprite.
Ah man! You should have made one so we can see!
Do you have a hack to make cake mix less sweet like adding extra flour? If so how much do I add?
Add 1 cup of all-purpose flour or if u prefer to use cake flour it's 1 cup + 2 Tablespoons .
Awesome, very helpful thanks for sharing sooo much have a great awesome blessed day today in our LORD GOD and SAVOR JESUS CHRIST bye
Thanks so much for watching! Glad you enjoyed it and found it helpful. 😊
The Berne Brown of Baking
Okay, that is the nicest compliment EVER! 😍
@@EllieAlexanderAuthor I've been a cake decorator for 40+ years and I detest, despise, hate canned frosting! Yet my husband prefers it over most other types of frosting, and it drives me crazy which, for me, is a short drive most days. lol So if I'm making a cake specifically for him, I will use that nasty canned frosting (did I mention I hate canned? lol), but I discovered if you first whip it up really well (this increases volume by quite a bit, too), and add some vanilla and a bit of heavy cream, it's sort of almost tolerable.
@Joyce Galloway Parker - This made me 😂 so much! I’m in the same boat. I can’t stand the stuff, but my husband loves it because that’s what he grew up with. I’ll have to try your suggestions, though I’m skeptical it’ll make it any better for me. 😉
Do you box? If so, let me know if you have ways you improve store bought cake mixes when baking! And for more delicious & fun recipes, kitchen tips, and more see my episodes of the Torte Test Kitchen: ruclips.net/video/uTWeL3ceAu0/видео.html
I use the oil called for in the directions of the box cake, but also add 1/2 to a whole stick of melted butter. Since butter solidifies at room temperature, it can make the cake a bit too dense when cooled. But if it's added in addition to the oil, then you get the best of both - the moistness of oil plus the yummy taste of butter!
That’s an excellent tip. Thank you! I’ll need to try it out soon. 😊
I did the below hack and the cake was sooo soft. I used 4 eggs, half cup yoghurt, 1 cup milk, 1/4 cup oil, half cup softened butter, vanilla and the chocolate cake box mix. Yoghurt made a lot of difference. I tried the same with mayonnaise but yoghurt is the key addition.
Sometimes I add grated zucchini it make the cake very moist
That’s a great tip. Zucchini is so versatile and would definitely help make a moist cake. Thanks for sharing! 😁
Purist. Don't like the artificial taste of cake mixes, but these tips would probably help that a lot. I like most everything homemade from scratch better. I was making from scratch cakes when I was around 8 yr old.
I hear you. I love baking from scratch any chance I get, but there are times when I need something super quick and these tips have definitely come in handy. Thanks so much for watching and happy baking! 😍
I'm all for Natural Vanilla Bean, ...But, Boy it's expensive!
Yes, it sure is! I’m always shocked anytime I head to store looking for it. One tip that might save you a bit if you’re ever in need of some, and this is thanks to my husband, you might try your local homebrew (beer) store if you have one nearby. They usually carry a wide variety of spices for brewing and he’s found vanilla beans at his favorite shop many times for a fraction of the price at a grocery store. Might be worth a try. ☺️
@@EllieAlexanderAuthor
Thank you Ellie, ...I know I wouldn't have thought of that but now I most certainly make the trip and ask! Have a great day!!!!
What about sour cream
Sometimes I just want to make something quick without alot of measuring. I can make killer chocolate cake easy, but yellow and white just turn out course and dry so I look to the yellow box mix. Will try the beer idea thanks a bunch.
Boxes are a good timesaver for sure. You’ll have to let me know what you think if you try adding beer. Thanks for watching! 😊
Laughing and laughing at "do not get me started on canned frosting". Still laughing...
It’s my husband’s favorite, but I just can’t. 😂
To make cookies yes I do
great
I did the below hack and the cake was sooo soft. I used 4 eggs, half cup yoghurt, 1 cup milk, 1/4 cup oil, half cup softened butter, vanilla and the chocolate cake box mix. Yoghurt made a lot of difference. I tried the same with mayonnaise but yoghurt is the key addition.
That's wonderful! I love experimenting in the kitchen, so it's great to see hacks like that working well. Thanks so much for watching. 😊
Coffe.milk .both?
The butter sgould be melted if you're using it instead of oil.
I’m from Australia 🇦🇺 We were taught how to cook in Home Economics at high school in the 1970’s so Im wondering why young some young mums nowadays have never ever cooked a cake from scratch.(as you Americans say )
Re home made cakes I’ve always liked to use a quality unbleached flour ... or half wholemeal flour to make it all
healthier so that’s a reason I don’t really like the ‘Packet -mix cakes’ (as we call them here) . They look sooo over refined 😕I have done some in the past like the packet mix carrot cake .. they turned out okay 👍 You could add some more healthy ingredients in those ones I suppose
I'm not sure everyone has had the same access to those Home Ec classes that were offered in the 70s and 80s, as education systems and budgets have changed over the years. My son has a wonderful culinary class/program at his high school and has learned a tremendous amount, but I know that's not the same for everyone. I'm with you regarding making things from scratch over using a box mix, but I do use box mixes when the occasion calls for it, so I like sharing tips on how to elevate things a bit when people have/want to use a box mix whatever their reason. Happy baking! 😊
Some sort of standardize HS classes across the USA is impracticable. That's too bad, because there is so much value in a Home Economics class; as well as a Driver's Ed. class, that could be shared around the country. Unfortunately, in the USA there are 50 states, a few Commonwealths, Territories, 3100+ counties, and innumerable cities. Each one has their own version of an educational system, many good ones, and far too many bad ones.
I love the taste of butter but oil def makes cake more moist than butter.
Add both! It`s possible
Considering that I have been baking for about 20 years, and have used all the 5 things you have used for box cakes you obviously know what you're talking about! Also, the box calls for 3 eggs, and I either use 3 eggs and 2 egg whites, or 5 eggs. Interesting that you use coffee. I use about a tablespoon of ground coffee. Over the holidays I made a few egg nog cakes, so i used eggnog instead of the buttermilk.
I’m so happy to have that feedback from a seasoned baker like yourself! I’ve never tried ground coffee in a mix. Interesting. Eggnog for the holidays is perfection!
You can’t buy Duncan Hines in Canada! That’s not a good thing !
Whyyyyy do they say butter? Is it salt or unsalted butter? Please be more specific
u should have demonstrated instead of doing all that talking...
Thanks for the feedback, Jon. I made this video a while back and have included demonstrations in all my videos since. At the time, I thought people might complain about watching me doing the simple steps outlined in the video. And, since you can't really taste/experience the benefits of the tips through the video itself, I simply tried to describe the benefits of each tip instead. It just goes to show that you can't please everyone all the time. Just trying to put some helpful information out there for anyone who wants it. 😊
Rude! Very rude. I appreciated all what she said to her viewers. Thank you for a great video.