Cupcake Chronicles: 25 Ways to Doctor Store-Bought Cake mix

Anyone who knows me knows that I'm a little, umm, domestically challenged. My mom did my laundry for most of my life, I'm not real big on housework, and have only explored cooking within the last year. Sad, I know.

Luckily, one of my few matronly characteristics is that I love baking! And, yes, this is a direct result of my love for cake — Especially cupcakes! Obviously I'm never gonna win any awards baking with boxed cake mix, but it's so easy and convenient, and calls for less ingredient shopping, that I do it often.

But, there are so many interesting ways to use store-bought cake mix to improve the flavor and texture, and give your cakes and cupcakes that homemade (and original) flair! So I sat down and made a list of my favorite ideas — Ones that I've picked up these ideas everywhere, from cook books, to tips from family and friends, to the Internet. I hope you find one that helps you bake better cakes and cupcakes!

1. Substitute butter for oil; Melt and measure to match it to the amount of oil called for by the mix, or just go with one stick like I do; It adds moisture to the cake and that rich buttery flavor!

2. Substitute apple sauce for oil; It's a healthy alternative that also helps to make the cake moist, and doesn't alter the look or flavor; Plain applesauce works just about every time, but cinnamon-flavored applesauce could work with the right flavor cake too!

3. Add flavor and texture to the batter with dried fruit; Just be sure to cut them into uniform-sized pieces

4. Fresh fruit works too; You can chop, dice, or puree!

5. Substitute milk (buttermilk works best, whole milk is a good second) for water for a moister, richer cake; 2% and skim milk are less fatty alternatives

6. Add two extra egg yolks, in addition to the eggs that are called for by the mix; They give a moist, spongy texture

7. One of the easiest fixes is just to add food coloring! The best canvas is white cake

8. Add a flavor extract, about 1/2 to 2 teaspoons should do it; My favorite is vanilla, and I've heard mint and almond are also great!

9. Substitute mayonnaise for oil; It doesn't sound appetizing, but it works!

10. Instead of water and oil, use prepared a pie filling; Pumpkin and apple are delish with spice cake!

11. Rather than adding water, try a flavored drink like coffee, root beer, or fruit juice!

12. Try adding a pint of melted ice cream instead of water and oil; I've actually never tried this trick before, but I definitely will, it sounds divine!

13. Add some spice! Cinnamon and nutmeg are classic choices, but don't be afraid to get creative with spices like anise, ginger or cloves

14. Feeling fruity? Instead of water and oil, dump in a can of fruit cocktail, fruit juice and all!

15. Add chopped nuts to the mix; Walnuts and pecans work well with lots of different cake flavors; Stay away from anything too salty or with added flavor

16. Add liquer for grown up flavor; Amaretto is my favorite, and Kahlua also works well

17. Adults would also enjoy alcohol instead of water; Dark rum and Bailey's both work well

18. Add chocolate chips to the batter; Or try peanut butter, butterscotch, or mint chips!

19. Substitute yogurt for oil; You'll yield a healthier, yet still very moist, cake!

20. You can also substitute sour cream for oil; Though I've never tried it myself

21. Rather than water, try adding sweetened condensed milk!

22. Another fix I've never tried is substituting coffee creamer for water; I bet french vanilla would be amazing!

23. Add citrus zest; About 1 tablespoon will add just the right hint of flavor!

24. Create a crust with snack cookies/crumbs; Graham crackers and Oreos are popular, and Nilla wafers work well too!

25. Want to add an original twist? Line the bottom of the pan/dish with mini marshmallows; They add a really interesting flavor and texture, and also happen to be my favorite choice!

I wanna know, have you ever tried any of these ideas? What's your favorite way to jazz up boxed cake mix?

Xoxo,
Tiera

Imagery via We Heart It

PS: Since baking is one of my favorite things to do, and I'm absolutely obsessed with cupcakes, I'm starting a new featured series here on the bloggy called "Cupcake Chronicles" and this is the first post! More to come soon :)