Last Updated on December 29, 2022
Are you wondering how to make box cake mix rise higher? Well, we have the ultimate guide for you! And, our amazing tricks are tried and tested!
Today, we will have an in-depth look at exactly what causes cake mixes not to rise. And naturally, we will discuss a few different techniques to fix the problems or avoid them completely!
What Is A Box Cake Mix?
Box cake mix, also known as a baking mix, is a mixed formulation of commonly used baking ingredients for a specific item. But, what makes it unique is that all of the pre-measured ingredients added to the mix are dry. This enables the buyer to simply rehydrate the ingredients to create a batter or dough of some type.
Then, all that is left to do is to shape and bake the batter you have created and decorate.
Your average cake mix will contain some type of flour, leavening agent, sweetener, flavoring or coloring, and stabilizing agents. Each of these naturally has its own function. But, they also need to be activated with a liquid as we have mentioned. This can be anything from oil, butter, milk, eggs, or water.
6 Ways How To Make Box Cake Mix Rise Higher
The biggest reason that cakes don’t rise is that people don’t follow the proper instructions laid out on the packaging. A close second is that the cake is baked at incorrect temperatures. These are only a few common reasons which we will discuss in more depth below.
So, let’s dive into what causes cake not to rise and how to make box cake mix rise higher.
1. Follow the box instructions exactly!
This is the most common cause of cakes not rising or cakes not rising high enough. We know, it sounds so stupid, but it is! The instructions on the box of cake mix are created specifically for the ingredients it contains.
Certain additional ingredients have to be added in a specific way to create a specific batter. If you don’t follow the instructions properly, it could lead to over-mixing, under-mixing, inefficiently adding ingredients, and making some ingredients inactive.
This also includes using the correct-sized cake pan and baking at the correct temperatures and times.
So, always look at every single cake mix box to ensure the instructions stay the same! This is a sure way how to make box cake mix rise higher than ever before!
KitchenAid Classic Mixing Bowls, Set of 3, Empire Red
2. Bake at the correct temperatures
Many cakes come out flat even after you have followed the instructions exactly! The problem probably lies with your oven’s baking temperature. As we have mentioned above, you have to ensure that you bake your cake at the correct temperature.
To accurately test the temperature of your oven, add an oven thermometer inside and see what the reading is after your oven has been preheated. Many people are shocked to find that their oven is out by a lot! To fix this is easy though. Simply adjust the temperature dial accordingly.
Another common temperature problem is that the oven has hot spots. You can have a look at this in-depth article on identifying oven hot spots.
3. Fill your cake pans properly
Many specific mixing methods are used to incorporate a ton of air into the cake batter. This air is what makes cakes rise extra high. So, if you overmix your batter, or if you work too roughly with it, the air pockets will deflate and the cake won’t rise.
This happens most often when people pour their cake batter into the pan. Use a rubber or silicone spatula to gently pour it into the pan. Hold the batter bowl close as well.
Your pan should also ideally be filled two-thirds of the way full or halfway at the very least. Any less and the cake layer won’t be able to rise.
4. Avoid the batter setting
Now, sometimes the instructions on the box aren’t entirely right. Or you maybe didn’t realize your oven bakes too hot or has any hot spots. The problem you will run into is that the edges start baking far too much while the center is still completely runny.
Naturally, you are probably having a heart attack at that moment! But fear not, this is also easily fixable if you caught it soon enough. Simply lower the oven’s temperature by roughly 20 degrees and add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time.
5. Add a leavening agent
So, if you have tried everything perfectly but the cake still doesn’t want to rise high, then our final trick for how to make box cake mix rise higher is to simply add more leavening agents.
The easiest option to use by far is adding baking powder. only add about 1 teaspoon when you initially test this recipe. Then, make notes on the results after the cake has been baked and adjust your quantity for the next time.
Another easy leavening agent you can add is egg whites. If the box cake mix calls for the addition of eggs, only add the egg yolks at first. Then, beat the egg whites to medium-stiff peaks and gently fold them in.
The final leavening agent we would suggest is to add bicarbonate of soda with some cream of tartar (essentially what baking powder is made of). You can combine 1/2 teaspoon of bicarb with 1 teaspoon of cream of tartar.
One final note about adding extra leavening agents – remember that when adding too many learners, your cake will also not rise. In fact, too much can actually cause it to sink in! So, only start by adding a little and make adjustments gradually.
How Do I Make My Cake Not Rise in the Middle?
It is not uncommon for cakes to the dome in the middle. While cakes will often still taste great even when they dome in the middle, it can make it more tricky to decorate. Though you can trim the excess cake off, it can be a bit tricky to make it even.
Fortunately, there are some great tricks to make your cake bake evenly and not rise in the middle. One option is to lower the temperature by 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Lowering the temperature, it will allow your cake to bake more evenly and also lower the chances of burnt edges.
If you do lower the temperature by 50 degrees Fahrenheit, be sure to adjust the baking time as well. You will likely need to bake the cake for a few minutes longer to ensure that is thoroughly baked.
You can also use baking strips on your cake from preventing them from rising too much while baking. Baking strips are specifically designed so that your cake can bake more evenly. To use baking strips, soak them in ice water before wrapping them around your cake pans.
By using baking strips, they prevent the border from baking too quickly. This will then prevent your cake from rising too much in the middle, creating a more even bake.
Another option is to use a baking core. A baking core is placed in the middle of the cake to conduct heat in the middle to ensure an even bake while also ensuring there is no dome in the middle of your cake.
It is also important to make sure that you are using the right size pan for your cake recipe. If you use too small of a cake pan then this can cause your cake to rise too much in the middle as there is nowhere else for it to go.
When Does a Cake Start to Rise?
A cake will begin to rise after it has been in the oven for several minutes. Once it has been in the oven for around 10 to 15 minutes then you will begin to see your cake start to rise.
If you notice that your cake hasn’t risen at all, you may have not added enough leavening agents or may have accidentally left them out altogether. In addition, your leavening agents may have expired or you could have measured your other ingredients wrong such as adding too much flour.
Is it Safe to Eat a Cake That Didn’t Rise?
As long as your cake has cooked all the way through, it is still safe to eat even if it didn’t rise all the way. However, your cake may not taste good if it did not rise all the way while baking. Oftentimes, if a cake didn’t rise it will end up being dense and may not have a pleasant temperature.
To ensure your cake does rise, make sure that your leavening agents have not expired. In addition, make sure you properly measure out all of your ingredients and make sure your oven is hot enough. It is also important to make sure you use the right size pan for your recipe as well.
How To Make Box Cake Mix Rise Higher – Wrapping Up
We hope that this article on how to make box cake mix rise higher was extremely helpful and solved your problem. If there is anything else that you would like for us to cover, feel free to let us know in the comments below! We would love to give you some insightful answers!
Read more about Incredible Recipe: How To Make A Cake Roll With Box Cake Mix
FAQs
What causes a cake not to rise?
The biggest cause of cakes not rising include people not properly following the box instructions. Another common cause is using the wrong baking temperatures or baking in an oven with hotspots. Other potential issues may be incorrect filling of the cake pan, over baking, or simply that the pre-mix doesn't contain enough leavening agents.
How to make a cake rise evenly?
To make a cake rise evenly, first ensure you have an even baking temperature. Then, you can use the thermo-fan setting to ensure the heat is distributed evenly. And finally, your mixing when making the batter should be perfect. If the ingredients aren't distributed evenly, the cake won't rise evenly.
How much does cake rise?
This is almost an impossible question to answer. The exact height varies between cake recipes, types of cakes, and even individual cakes of the same type. It can rise anywhere between 1/8-inch or 3-inches. Again, it depends on the cake you are making.
What ingredient makes a cake rise?
Baking powder is arguably the most common leavening agent. however, other powders like cream of tartar and bicarbonate of soda will also work well. Then, you get unique leaveners like egg whites that have been beaten. And finally, even the mixing method you use can potentially act as a leavener.
Lindy Van Schalkwyk is a culinary specialist with a background in Advanced Cooking, Advanced Pâtisserie, Media Communications and Nutrition. She has gained invaluable experience in the culinary industry having worked in some of the top restaurants in Africa in 2016 and 2017. Her expertise in nutrition has enabled her to develop recipes for special dietary needs. In 2018, Lindy began working in the Food Media industry, focusing on recipe development, recipe writing, food writing and food styling.
