Imagine transforming a simple box cake mix into a mouthwatering dessert that'll have everyone asking, "Did you make this from scratch?" Get ready to discover the ultimate kitchen hack that turns ordinary cake mixes into extraordinary treats! With just a few simple ingredients and our pro tips, you'll elevate your baking game and create a show-stopping dessert that looks and tastes like it came straight from a professional bakery.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 12 servings
Ingredients
- 1 box cake mix
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Make sure the oven rack is in the center position for even baking.
- Gather all your ingredients: 1 box of cake mix, 3 large eggs, 1 cup of water, 1/2 cup of vegetable oil, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. It's helpful to have everything measured and ready to go before you start mixing.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the box cake mix with the 3 large eggs. Use a whisk or an electric mixer on medium speed to blend the eggs into the dry mix until they are well incorporated.
- Next, add 1 cup of water and 1/2 cup of vegetable oil to the bowl. Pour in 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract for added flavor. Continue mixing the batter on medium speed until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps, which should take about 2 minutes.
- Once the batter is well mixed, scrape down the sides of the bowl with a spatula to ensure all ingredients are fully combined. If desired, you can add in extras like chocolate chips, nuts, or fruit at this stage for added texture and flavor.
- Prepare your baking pan by greasing it lightly with cooking spray or butter, and then dusting it with flour to prevent sticking. Alternatively, you can line the pan with parchment paper for easier removal.
- Pour the cake batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Tap the pan gently on the counter to release any air bubbles that may have formed.
- Place the baking pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Keep an eye on the cake towards the end of the baking time to avoid overbaking.
- Once the cake is done, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes. After cooling, carefully transfer the cake to a wire rack to cool completely.
- Once the cake is completely cooled, you can frost it with your favorite icing or serve it plain. Enjoy your delicious cake, which yields about 12 servings!
Tips
- • Always use room temperature eggs for smoother batter and more even mixing • Don't overmix the batter - mix just until ingredients are combined to keep the cake tender • For extra moisture, consider replacing water with milk or buttermilk • Add a teaspoon of instant pudding mix to make the cake extra rich and moist • Customize your cake by adding mix-ins like chocolate chips, nuts, or fruit • Use a toothpick test to ensure perfect doneness - it should come out clean with just a few crumbs • Let the cake cool completely before frosting to prevent melting and sliding • Store your cake in an airtight container to maintain freshness for up to 3-4 days
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
