How to Make Box Red Velvet Cake Better: Guide, Recipe, Tips, Tricks…

Last Updated on March 17, 2023

Today, we’re going to be looking at how to make box red velvet cake better. Have you ever wondered how to jazz up a boxed red velvet cake mix? If you did, keep on reading, and you will find the answer to your question. Before baking using a boxed red velvet cake mix, ensure that all your ingredients are room-temped.

Also, make sure to sift your dry ingredients to remove your flour and cocoa powder lumps. As a result, it will help keep your cake light and soft. Furthermore, it is also advisable to mix your dry ingredients with buttermilk in three additions to avoid overmixing your cake batter.

Moreover, creaming your butter and sugar is suitable for incorporating more air into your cake batter. In addition to that, it will make softer red velvet cakes. Plus, adding a smooth cream cheese frosting to your cake will jazz up your boxed red velvet cake mix.

How to Jazz Up Boxed Red Velvet Cake Mix

For the most part, how do you make boxed red velvet cake better? The key to making your boxed red velvet cake more pleasing is to add your personal touches to it.

In that regard, assemble your decadent layer of red velvet cake with tender love and care. Afterward, use a boxed red velvet from your preferred brand and make your cake taste homemade by giving extra attention to the small details. Here are tips to improve your boxed red velvet cake mix.

Enhance Chocolate Flavor

Boxed cake mix contains preservatives that can hide the flavors of each ingredient. That is why you may find the chocolate from your boxed cake mix to be subtle, so you can add flavors that complement and amplify the chocolate flavor in your boxed cake mix.

Moreover, you can sprinkle one to two teaspoons of espresso powder or instant coffee into your cake pan before spreading your cake batter. You can also use one to one and a half white vinegar or balsamic vinegar.

Improve the Texture

To have a rich flavor, you may substitute equal portions of melted butter for the oil. Then, add an extra egg to add density and replace water with buttermilk.

Also, you can substitute half portion of water and half an amount of sour cream. So, to create a rich consistency, ensure to incorporate the added ingredients evenly into your batter by using an electric mixer.

 

 

How to Make Box Red Velvet Cake Better 

For starters, how do you make a box cake taste like a bakery cake? It is easy to do this as it requires only a few added ingredients. To make your box cake taste like bakery cake, you need to look at the directions indicated on the package.

Next, add an extra egg aside from the recipe for the cake to become rich. Then, use melted butter instead of oil and double the amount. Also, use whole milk instead of water. Finally, mix well and bake for the time instructed or recommended on the package.

Additionally, you can add some add-ins if you desire. You can get innovative by adding crushed cookies, sprinkles, and chocolate. Likewise, you can be creative and add what you want as garnishes.

For the most part, homemade frosting is also essential, and refrain from using store-bought ones. Remember, it is easy to make, and you can make any flavor you want.

Besides, frosting can make a vanilla cake look fancy. Lastly, you can add fillings to your cake. Plus, you can use chocolate ganache, marshmallow fluff, and bavarian cream to make your cake more special.

Tips and Tricks

What can I add to the box cake to make it better? If you ever used a box cake mix, you probably wonder what you can add to make it taste better. In essence, homemade cakes are preferable; however, boxed cake mixes are quick and handy. So, here are a handful of tricks you can use to make your box cake mix taste even better.

Additional Egg

Most boxed cake mixes require three eggs in the recipe, but you can add one more to make your cake taste more decadent and moist.

Dairy Substitution

Essentially, water is an ingredient that cake mixes usually require. In this regard, feel free to replace water with milk or buttermilk to add tanginess; bear in mind that the fat from dairy makes the cake taste homemade.

Duncan Hines Moist Deluxe Cake Mix, Red Velvet 16.5 Oz (Pack of 2)

Replacing Water With Other Liquids

If you are not going to use dairy, you can use water with a different liquid. For that reason, you can use coffee for dark chocolate cakes, or ginger ale for light and yellow cakes.

You can also combine them with dairy to get additional fat, by using 3/4 cup of liquid and 1/4 cup of sour cream or buttermilk.

Mix-Ins

Most of the time, mix-ins make a cake special and taste homemade. Because of that, you can add anything you like and fold it into the batter before baking.

Extracts

For the most part, you can boost extracts like vanilla to add extra flavor. Likewise, almond extract is good to add to a strawberry cake mix.

Pudding Mix

Usually, adding a small pudding mix to your boxed cake can add flavor. In addition to that, it makes moist and denser cakes.

Filling and Homemade Frosting

Typically, filling in between layers can make a boxed cake taste like homemade frosting that is easy to make. Plus, it can take your boxed cake mix to a whole new level.

Making Boxed Cake Mix Taste Homemade

Also, how do you make boxed boxes taste homemade? Boxed cake mixes are convenient, and we cannot argue with that. However, if you like it to taste homemade, you can try these easy upgrades.

More Eggs

For the most part, you can get that extra rich and moist cake by stirring additional egg yolks with the eggs required. To make lighter and airy cakes, use only the egg whites and replace egg yolks with one tablespoon of butter with every egg yolk removed.

No to Water

Feel free to swap the water with dairy such as milk, buttermilk, and flavored liquids.

Extra Fat, Extra Flavor

Please make sure to use the exact amount of melted butter instead of vegetable oil in the recipe. You can also use two tablespoons of mayonnaise for a tangy touch and a decadent cake. Likewise, you can add sour cream and full-fat yogurt.

Boost the Chocolate

In general, you may enhance your boxed chocolate cake by adding hot water instead of tap water; bear in mind that hot water helps the cocoa bloom.

Plus, you can add a strong brewed coffee instead of hot water; always remember that coffee can enhance the chocolate flavor.

Adding Extra Flavors

Essentially, adding vanilla extracts to your cake mix can transcend your cake’s flavor. If you are making a spice cake, you can add a bit of rum, almond, and orange extracts.

You can also add fresh lemon or lime zest with a bit of juice to your white and yellow cakes. Likewise, you may add cookies, brownies, chocolate chips, nuts, and dried fruits to add texture to your cakes to make them unique.

Extra Moisture and Frosting

You can add extra moisture to your cooled cake layers for starters and brush them with a simple syrup, jam, or marmalade. Besides that, you can use liquor for spiced cake layers. Remember that frosting and icing are also essential to elevate your cakes.

Nonetheless, you can layer your cakes with buttercream, lemon curd, and chocolate ganache.

Best Boxed Red Velvet Cake Mix

When it comes to boxed red velvet cake, there are many well-loved favorites you can choose from. However, my personal favorites have always been Betty Crocker and Duncan Hines. The Betty Crocker one is super moist and delicious. To make your Betty Crocker cake taste even better, just follow this simple recipe:

For the cake:

• 1 box of red velvet cake mix
• 1 cup of all-purpose flour
• 1 cup of granulated sugar
• 3/4 cup of sour cream
• 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder
• 1/2 teaspoon of salt
• 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup of vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup of melted butter
• 1 1/2 cups of buttermilk
• 3 eggs
• 1 tablespoon of red food coloring

For the buttercream:

• 6oz of egg whites
• 24oz of sifted confectioners’ sugar
• 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon of salt
• 24oz of butter

Now all you need to do is:

1. Gather all of the ingredients you need for this recipe and preheat your oven to 335F. You’ll also need to grease and line 3 cake pans.
2. Grab a bowl and add all of the cake ingredients. Mix well for a few minutes until you have a smooth batter.
3. Once smooth, add the batter evenly into your cake pans and bake in the center of your preheated oven for around 25-30 minutes. A toothpick in the center of the cakes should come out clean. Leave to cool before frosting.
4. For the buttercream, add both the egg whites and sugar to a bowl. Mix well until the ingredients are combined. Add both the salt and vanilla, and mix well.
5. Gradually add the butter and keep beating. For creamy frosting, mix for around 10 minutes. Frost your cake, as desired.

Adding Buttermilk to Boxed Cake Mix

Adding buttermilk to a boxed cake mix is an easy way to make your cake even more delicious. Usually, boxed mixes require water, instead swap out for the same amount of buttermilk. Then add an extra tablespoon or two.

Use Milk Instead of Water in Cake Mix

Much like swapping out water for buttermilk, you can also swap out water for traditional milk. Both will make your cake creamy, and taste more homemade. When swapping out water for milk, you’ll need the same amount. The ratio is 1:1.

What Filling Goes With Red Velvet Cake?

When it comes to red velvet cake, many fillings pair perfectly with the flavor. Some of my favorites include:

• cream cheese frosting
• chocolate cream cheese frosting
• vanilla buttercream
• raspberry jam/coulis
• raspberry cream
• vanilla ice cream

How to Turn Chocolate Cake Mix Into Red Velvet

Turning a chocolate box mix into a red velvet cake is super easy. To do this, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 1 box of chocolate cake mix
• 1 cup of buttermilk
• 1/2 cup of vegetable oil
• 3 eggs
• 1oz of red food coloring
• 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder

Now all you need to do is:

1. Preheat your oven to 350F, and grease and flour two round cake pans.
2. Grab a bowl and add all of the ingredients. Mix well for a few minutes and then pour the batter into your prepared cake pans.
3. Follow the baking times on the box and then leave to cool before frosting. Slice, serve, and enjoy!

Conclusion

I hope this post has helped you to become more familiar with how to make box red velvet cakes better. There are many ways you can elevate a boxed red velvet cake, and it’s super easy to do. Do you have any tips or tricks on how to make box red velvet cake better? If so, please feel free to let us know in the comments below. Sharing is caring!

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