Trader Joe's Vanilla Cake Mix Hack - 6 Easy Steps for an Elevated Recipe
Let's take a look at a Trader Joe's vanilla cake mix hack. This Trader Joe's vanilla cake mix recipe is easy to make. While we still use the suggested add-ins, we've made adjustments to elevate the cake. This version of the boxed cake mix is much fluffier, more tender, and has a much more authentic vanilla flavor. You can use it for any occasion and it's easy to work with too!
Servings: 8
Equipment
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mixing bowls
- Cake pan of your choice
- Non-stick baking paper
- Non-stick cooking spray
- Knife
- Medium saucepan
- Rubber or silicone spatula
- Cooling Rack
Ingredients
- 1 cup whole-milk
- 1 vanilla bean
- 3 egg yolks, room temperature
- 2 egg whites, beaten to medium-stiff peaks
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 box Trader Joe's Yellow Cake And Baking Mix
- 1 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- Vanilla Frosting recipe
- Garnishes of your choice, or that fits your theme
Instructions
- Make the vanilla milkPreheat your oven to 320ºF (160ºC). Then, line the cake pan of your choice with non-stick baking paper. Also, spray it with some cooking spray for added protection. Set it aside.To start, split your vanilla bean lengthwise. Then, scrape out the vanilla paste. Combine the paste and milk into a medium saucepan. Give them a good whisk.Add the vanilla shells and heat the milk over medium heat. Once it starts steaming, remove it from the heat and allow it to cool completely.1 vanilla bean, 1 cup whole-milk
- Prepare your ingredientsWhile your milk is cooling, prepare your other ingredients.Beat your egg whites to medium-stiff peaks. You can also melt your butter and leave it to cool slightly.2 egg whites, beaten to medium-stiff peaks
- Make your cake batterAdd the cake mix and baking powder to a large mixing bowl. Set it aside.Next, whisk together the vanilla milk (remove the beans), egg yolks, and melted cooled butter.Gently pour the wet ingredients into the dry cake mix. Stir to combine all of the ingredients well.3 egg yolks, room temperature, 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted, 1 box Trader Joe's Yellow Cake And Baking Mix, 1 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- Fold in the egg whitesOnce your batter is completely smooth and uniform, gently fold in the beaten egg whites in three additions.Keep folding until the batter is completely uniform. But, don't overmix the ingredients. It will deflate the beaten eggs.
- Bake the cakeGently pour the vanilla cake batter into the lined cake pan/s. Then, bake it for about 25-30 minutes. Check the doneness of your cake before removing it from the oven.Once baked, allow it to cool for 10 minutes inside the cake pan. Then, remove it and cool it completely on a wire rack.
- Decorate your cakeFinally, frost and garnish your vanilla cake as you'd like. Make sure to use leveled cakes and that you crumb-coat them first.Vanilla Frosting recipe, Garnishes of your choice, or that fits your theme
Notes
To speed up the cooling process of the vanilla milk, transfer it to a cold container and place it in the freezer. Leave it for about 10 minutes to cool. Then, bring it back to room temperature.
For this recipe, you can use the following cake pans: One 13x9 sheet pan, two 8 or 9-inch round cake pans, a 10-inch Bundt cake pan, or two 8-inch square cake pans.
If you cannot find vanilla beans or it's not within your budget, your next best option is vanilla extract or vanilla concentrate. Use about 1 1/2 teaspoons for this recipe. You can also use vanilla essence, but it's not nearly as strong. You will need to add significantly more to get the same effect, about a tablespoon, if not more.
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