How to make a dense cake from box mix?

On their own, boxed cake mixes have a structure that's loose and airy. But if you add ¼ cup flour or half a box of instant pudding mix, the texture of the cake becomes denser and tighter, ideal for a pound-cake-like consistency that will hold the shape of a Bundt pan.

What makes a cake dense and heavy?

A cake that is overly dense typically has too much liquid, too much sugar or too little leavening (not excess flour, as is commonly thought).

What does adding an extra egg to a box cake mix do?

Add an Extra Egg

Most cake mixes call for two to three eggs. Just one more egg will add extra moisture, fat, and a little protein, which means the cake will be softer and less likely to overbake and dry out in the oven.

How to make a box cake mix better?

How to make a fluffier box cake?

Swap out each cup of water called for with milk. Buttermilk: Instead of water, use the same amount of buttermilk. The acid in the buttermilk interacts with the leavening agents in the mix for a better rise. "Swapping out the water for buttermilk creates a fluffier cake and a moister one, too," says Waterson.

How to Make your BOX CAKE Taste HOMEMADE • JonnyCakes

Can you make a box cake more dense?

On their own, boxed cake mixes have a structure that's loose and airy. But if you add ¼ cup flour or half a box of instant pudding mix, the texture of the cake becomes denser and tighter, ideal for a pound-cake-like consistency that will hold the shape of a Bundt pan.

What makes a cake dense instead of fluffy?

There are a few reasons why a cake might turn out too dense. One common reason is overmixing the batter, which can develop too much gluten and result in a dense texture. Using old or expired leavening agents like baking powder or baking soda can also cause a cake to be dense.

How do you make store bought cake mix taste like bakery?

Step 1: Look at the directions on the cake mix. Step 2: Add one more egg (or add 2 if you want it to be very rich). Step 3: Use melted butter instead of oil and double the amount. Step 4: Instead of water, use whole milk.

Is it better to use water or milk in a box cake mix?

Use milk instead of water

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.

Can I use butter instead of oil in box cake mix?

Most cake mixes call for oil, but butter will bring in amazing flavor. To substitute butter for oil in baking just melt the butter, measure it, let it cool, and add it as you would the oil. Compared to oil, butter will create a cake with a firmer, cakeier texture.

Should you beat eggs before adding to cake mix?

For chemically-leavened cakes — that is, cakes calling for baking powder or baking soda — it's OK if you don't remember to add the eggs until the end. Martina says, “Late in the mixing stage, eggs will incorporate better if you lightly beat them before adding to the batter.

Does too much egg make a cake dense?

However, if you add too many eggs to your cake batter, then your end result could be spongy, rubbery, or dense. Like flour, eggs build structure in a cake, so they make a cake batter more bonded and dense.

How to make a boxed cake taste homemade?

What ingredient makes cake dense?

Oftentimes, an overly dense cake can be the result of using too much sugar, liquids, or baking powder — and even baking your cake at too low a temperature.

What makes a cake moist and dense?

Making a moist cake starts with the cake mix. If a recipe calls for all-purpose flour, opt for cake flour instead to create a more moist, tender crumb. Additions like sour cream, buttermilk, or applesauce can also infuse moisture and prevent a dry cake.

What makes my cake dense?

If the oven temperature is too low, it will take longer for your cake to set which may cause the centre to collapse as it cools, leading to a dense final product.

Is it better to use oil or butter in cakes?

The spongy texture and moist flavor that oil creates can be a boon to certain recipes. Not to mention oil is cheaper and easier to work with. Butter will always provide superior flavor and that melt-in-your-mouth texture. In many recipes, combining the two gives the best of both worlds.

What does adding pudding mix to cake mix do?

Sprinkling the instant pudding powder in with the rest of your dry ingredients will level up the flavor, texture, and moistness of your boxed cake. Thanks to the added fat in boxed pudding powder, your cake can be just about as decadent as if you'd made the thing from scratch — but without the extra time and hassle!

Can you substitute sour cream for water in a cake mix?

How to use sour cream with boxed cake mix. The best way to use sour cream with a boxed cake mix is to use it to replace the other liquids in the recipe, like milk or water. You can add up to a cup, or essentially the same amount of liquid you were originally meant to add, per the manufacturer's instructions.

How can I upgrade my store bought cake mix?

Why add sour cream to boxed cake mix?

Sour cream is one of the fattiest dairy products; the extra fat content (for example, adding sour cream to a cake instead of milk) will make the cake moister and richer, says Wilk. "Fat, in any form (butter, lard, cream, etc.) shortens gluten strands, which essentially leads to the most tender baked goods," she adds.

Why do bakery cakes taste different?

As for the taste, fresh eggs, butter, and high-quality ingredients produce a tastier cake than the artificial flavor and texture you get from store-bought or packaged cakes. That's what gives homemade cakes a homey and delicious taste that is incomparable.

How do you make a box cake rise higher?

How can I make my cakes light and fluffy?

How much sour cream should you add to a box cake mix?

According to food-science blog Food Crumbles, sour cream can help thicken a cake and make it moister. And, since sour cream contains fat, your cake will also be richer. Per baking blog Liv for Cake, you may want to start by adding about 1 cup of sour cream.

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