To make a box cake taste more like a homemade cake with a Paula Deen-inspired touch, you can add some extra ingredients and follow these steps:
Ingredients:
- 1 box of your preferred cake mix (any flavor)
- 3 large eggs
- 12 cup (1 stick) of unsalted butter, melted
- 1 cup of whole milk (or buttermilk for a richer flavor)
- 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract
- 14 teaspoon of salt (if using unsalted butter)
- Optional additions (e.g., chocolate chips, nuts, or fruit) based on your cake flavor
Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
- Preheat your oven according to the temperature recommended on the cake mix box.
2. Prepare the Cake Batter:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, eggs, melted butter, whole milk (or buttermilk), vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt if you’re using unsalted butter.
- Mix the ingredients together using a hand mixer or a whisk until well combined. This should create a thick, smooth cake batter.
3. Add Optional Mix-Ins:
- If you want to enhance the flavor and texture of your cake, consider adding optional mix-ins. For example, if you’re making a chocolate cake, you can fold in chocolate chips. If it’s a yellow cake, you might add chopped nuts or dried fruit. Adjust the quantity based on your preference.
4. Grease and Flour Your Cake Pans:
- Prepare your cake pans by greasing them with butter or non-stick cooking spray and lightly dusting them with flour. This will prevent the cake from sticking to the pans.
5. Pour the Batter into the Pans:
- Divide the cake batter evenly between the prepared cake pans.
6. Bake According to Package Instructions:
- Place the cake pans in the preheated oven and bake according to the time and temperature specified on the cake mix box. Keep a close eye on the cakes during the last few minutes of baking to ensure they don’t overcook.
7. Test for Doneness:
- To check if the cakes are done, insert a toothpick or cake tester into the center of each cake layer. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs (not wet batter), the cakes are done. If not, continue baking for a few more minutes and test again.
8. Cool and Frost:
- Allow the cakes to cool in their pans for a few minutes, then remove them from the pans and place them on a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once the cakes are completely cool, frost them with your favorite homemade frosting, or you can also use store-bought frosting if you’re looking for a quick and easy option.
By following these steps and adding some extra ingredients, your box cake will have a richer and more homemade taste. Paula Deen’s style often emphasizes the use of real butter and milk, which contribute to a more decadent and homemade flavor. Enjoy your delicious homemade-style cake!
