Easy Store Bought Box Cake Mix Hacks 🍰 5 Things Friday

Рет қаралды 158,765

Күн бұрын

To box, or not to box, that is the question. Do you use cake mix from a box? If so, this episode of 5 Things Friday is for you!
Most of the time, I like to bake from scratch, especially while testing recipes for my cozy mystery series. There are times, though, when things are just so busy in my writer's life that I need to turn to a box to put something together quickly. There's no shame in using cake mix from a box, but I have some easy tips to improve your store-bought cake mix and take it up a notch. Each of these five simple hacks will upgrade the taste and texture of your cakes and have people asking you for your recipe secrets in no time! 🍰😋
Happy baking,
Ellie
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If you are new to my channel, here's a little bit about me: A voracious storyteller and a lover of words and all things bookish. I believe that stories have the ability to transport and transform us. With over thirty-five published novels and counting, my goal is to tell stories that provide points of connection, escape, and understanding.
I love inhabiting someone else’s skin through the pages of a book and am passionate about helping writers find their unique storytelling lens. As a writing teacher and coach, I guide writers in crafting the story they’ve always wanted to tell while navigating the path to publication that’s right for them.
Come on a storyventure with me!
Ellie
#StoreBoughtCakeMix #CozyMystery #CakeMixHacks

Пікірлер: 166

@ileanafigueroa8685 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks a million for your bright ideas. Blessings

@sherylsens3561 5 жыл бұрын

I add in 1 extra egg. 1 package of instant pudding mix and 1/3 rd cup Condensed milk. I do use butter instead of oil. The pudding flavor to match your cake..vanilla for yellow/ white. chocolate/choc etc. I also add in a tad of vanilla, the vanilla I use is Molina Mexican Vanilla Blend..because it does not have that alcohol/ bitterness I find in other liquid vanillas. I do also use butter milk when I have it

@JohnJames_Wpg Жыл бұрын

For chocolate cakes - I also sprinkle dark chocolate chips on the frosting as an extra final touch.

@sr629686 Жыл бұрын

@melissam2683 how much of the liquid coffee did you put into your mix?

@corineusa1454 4 жыл бұрын

FINALLY, by accident I have found a TRUE box cake hack. Loved your video!! My greatest goal is to be a good Baker so I'm glad I found your show.🍰

@EllieAlexanderAuthor 4 жыл бұрын

That’s so great! Best of luck with the hack and happy baking!

@bobbiejohnson1673 2 жыл бұрын

@@EllieAlexanderAuthor I'm new to the channel as well I was looking for other hack recipe in I run across your thanks for the tip I Live to bake I can just say I Love to cook Period my Family's is Baker in a Cook so I got it's form my Granddaddy in Grandma so it's went to my Aunts in Uncle now it's the Grandkids Raise up in Alabama But sending my Love form Florida can't wait until do some Hack Frosting L.o.l So God bless in and your Family's for Thanksgiving day iof 2021😘❤❤❤🍰🍰🍰🧁🧁☕🍩🍛🍜

@lindabeisner8692 4 жыл бұрын

Great hacks! I will definitely be trying them out in the future. I'm with you, though...nothing beats cakes made from scratch! Thank you again. You're lovely🙂🧁🙂

@EllieAlexanderAuthor 4 жыл бұрын

I’m so happy you enjoyed them. You’ll have to let me know if you try them and how it turns out. Happy baking! 👩🏼‍🍳

@marymontgomery17 4 жыл бұрын

Ooooo I’m going to bake a box cake RIGHT NOW!! I enjoyed watching you .. very ENERGETIC!! Thank you!

@EllieAlexanderAuthor 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much for watching! I’m glad you enjoyed it. Happy baking! 😊🍰

@kudabear4898 Жыл бұрын

Hi Ellie....I always use a box cake mix BUT I pretty much swap out and add to it. My recipe for a box cake mix: 1 cup of milk 1 cup melted butter 5 eggs 1 box of instant pudding ( vanilla for all but chocolate.....use chocolate pudding for that ) 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract or any flavor I might be feeling at time of baking. I have used Vanilla Almond Raspberry Strawberry Butter rum Mint and peanutbutter extracts so far and my cakes are so delicious ( if I do say so myself )

@EllieAlexanderAuthor 5 жыл бұрын

Do you box? If so, let me know if you have ways you improve store bought cake mixes when baking! And for more delicious & fun recipes, kitchen tips, and more see my episodes of the Torte Test Kitchen: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/q7qHmK9kyMulpWQ.html

@joycegallowayparker9652 4 жыл бұрын

I use the oil called for in the directions of the box cake, but also add 1/2 to a whole stick of melted butter. Since butter solidifies at room temperature, it can make the cake a bit too dense when cooled. But if it's added in addition to the oil, then you get the best of both - the moistness of oil plus the yummy taste of butter!

@EllieAlexanderAuthor 4 жыл бұрын

That’s an excellent tip. Thank you! I’ll need to try it out soon. 😊

@suriyamohd 4 жыл бұрын

I did the below hack and the cake was sooo soft. I used 4 eggs, half cup yoghurt, 1 cup milk, 1/4 cup oil, half cup softened butter, vanilla and the chocolate cake box mix. Yoghurt made a lot of difference. I tried the same with mayonnaise but yoghurt is the key addition.

@roseacresfarmily 4 жыл бұрын

I just want to make some cake now! THANK YOU for the tips!

@EllieAlexanderAuthor 4 жыл бұрын

You are very welcome! Thanks so much for watching. Happy baking!

@michellejones7230 Жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing. I add jello instant pudding to yellow cake. If I make strawberry cake I add strawberry pudding, lemon pudding for lemon cake, etc. It adds nice flower and moistness to your cake. I also use sour cream or cream cheese as well instead of milk. Delicious

@olgatorres4210 3 жыл бұрын

I really loved your ideas of different liquids to add to boxed cake mixes. The only thing I would ever add to make my box cake mix moist was a small box of instant pudding. Now most boxed cake mixes have it in them already, but I still add my own.

@hairballjones8451 Жыл бұрын

Me Too- that's Love Therapy to ME! Saw a good sign at Wal-Mart, it says " If I had to stir IT- it's Homemade!" Amen -Sam Walton- Amen!

@jonhcontreras 4 жыл бұрын

sorry for being so critical.. you have a lot to offer.. you possess a lovely, energetic personality. Keep up the good work.. We all still love you!

@colleenheitmann6686 5 жыл бұрын

Can't wait to try adding several of those hacks!

@genevamcpherson1260 3 жыл бұрын

Thank you so much for sharing 😊

@EllieAlexanderAuthor 3 жыл бұрын

You’re very welcome. Happy baking! 😊

@eolas55 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you for your informative video. I love using cake mixes as a base for my cakes! I make a banana nut cake with a cooked nut filling. Carrot cake out of spice or yellow cake mix and a family favorite is Betty Crockers Chocolate Lovers Dream cake. It starts with a chocolate fudge or devil’s food cake mix and a bunch of add ins. Cookie bars out of a German chocolate cake mix is fun and easy for get togethers! I will be trying the buttermilk in my next attempt at pound cake.

@EllieAlexanderAuthor 4 жыл бұрын

You’re welcome! Thanks so much for watching. It sounds like you’ve created some amazing recipes starting with box mixes. I love it! 💕😋

@candiceyoung8244 Жыл бұрын

Thank you so much 🤗

@MamaMystic911 4 жыл бұрын

Jello pudding mix, sour cream, egg yolks and icing are 4 things I use to when using box cake mix. i like the Jello and egg yolk combo best. Or jellp and sour cream

@EllieAlexanderAuthor 4 жыл бұрын

Jello is a great addition. Thanks for mentioning it! 😊

@noopursharma3981 4 жыл бұрын

Can I use buttermilk instead of sour cream

@EllieAlexanderAuthor 4 жыл бұрын

Yes, absolutely. That would make for a delicious substitution. Happy baking! 😊

@hairballjones8451 Жыл бұрын

@@EllieAlexanderAuthor also use Greek- style yogurt instead of buttermilk, sour cream. I often use regular milk but add 1/3 non- fat milk powder with dry ingredients as I don't have full- strength milk in the house. It's part of Mama Love in my Book of Life! Speaking of Mama's tricks- she often made Mocha frostening- so good- tasting but maybe she too was using up left- over ☕ coffee!

@kerriraymond5125 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you that was very helpful🙂

@EllieAlexanderAuthor 4 жыл бұрын

You’re very welcome! Thanks so much for watching. 🥰

@deelkasjones8250 4 жыл бұрын

Simple1 cup of Buttermilk or plain milk, 2. Sticks of Butter, Vanilla flavor, 1 Box of pudding mix, 5 Eggs.. Thank Me Later

@EllieAlexanderAuthor 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks for watching! ❤️

@annab5961 4 жыл бұрын

I find it very annoying when people say after they decide to list they vid instructions, ‘Thank me later ‘ it sounds very conceited .

@romainejayne1811 4 жыл бұрын

So, basically...you just add to the cake mix, however, whatever, you want to taste it like eggs make it puddingish, more real vanilla, buttermilk, etc......Good grief I can't wait to open my kitchen cupboard!!!! There's some cookin' come in on!!!! Ohhhhhh, and one thousand delicious mixtures! ....mmmmmmm

@romainejayne1811 4 жыл бұрын

Sha'kira, ...thank you so much can't wait to try every single ingredient in one thousand ways!!! Love you, you're awesome!!!! Now I finally get the hang of it. Yay !!!!!!!

@MarMar-ut6vn 4 жыл бұрын

Anna B ikr?? Especially when it’s really unnecessary !! The video isn’t even that long…

@jelenabartels1811 4 жыл бұрын

Don’t have buttermilk: make your own. Add a dash of white vinegar to milk. Give it a try. Great for cakes, pancakes.

@EllieAlexanderAuthor 4 жыл бұрын

Excellent tip, thanks for commenting! I'm going to have to try that one out soon for some weekend pancakes. 😋

@galilali4 4 жыл бұрын

You can also add lemon to milk to get buttermilk

@deborahlavelle6110 4 жыл бұрын

You can add sour cream to milk for buttermilk too

@kathhollandful 4 жыл бұрын

I always make cakes from scratch and have never used cake mixes, but it’s really tricky to find flour in shops at the moment (COVID19 crisis) here in UK, so this video is really useful. Thanks.

@EllieAlexanderAuthor 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much for watching! I'm glad you found it helpful. Yes, flour is not super easy to find everywhere here in the U.S. right now either. I just posted another video this week about using a box cake mix to make a Bundt cake, but elevating it with some ingredients that people are more likely to have on hand, for that very reason. Stay safe and healthy. Happy baking!

@mariemaroney7891 4 жыл бұрын

It’s hard to find yeast, impossible actually in the States. I learned to bake quick bread, but it’s just not the same..I had to order yeast on line. Flour was scarce but now it’s back on the shelves..💕 Stay healthy and safe..

@roseacresfarmily 4 жыл бұрын

I always prefer handmade on everything. I've made homemade cakes, but I think cake mixes are amazing. But always real butter and homemade frosting.

@EllieAlexanderAuthor 4 жыл бұрын

I prefer to bake from scratch as well. Sometimes time and/or a lack of ingredients gets in the way, though, and box cake mixes come in handy. It’s always fun to take them up a notch, though. 😊

@bajantreasure4052 4 жыл бұрын

Butter butter Haha 😂, cool thanks

@murrayent1able 4 жыл бұрын

Quarantine brought me here, but I learned something new today tho. Thanks for the info stay safe 👍😷

@EllieAlexanderAuthor 4 жыл бұрын

Glad you stopped by. Thanks so much for watching! I hope you stay safe and healthy as well. 😊

@carriepastrano9850 4 жыл бұрын

I am going to give it a try

@EllieAlexanderAuthor 4 жыл бұрын

I hope the tips come in handy for you. 😊

@melanieroberts6666 3 жыл бұрын

Cheers 🍻

@WowDaniX 4 жыл бұрын

Excellent tips..

@EllieAlexanderAuthor 4 жыл бұрын

I'm so glad you enjoyed them. Thanks for watching! 😊

@judithfernandez5735 3 жыл бұрын

I’ve try on corn muffin mix sour cream. It comes out sooo moist I love it .

@EllieAlexanderAuthor 3 жыл бұрын

That’s a wonderful suggestion! I’m going to have to try that myself. Happy baking! 😊

@robsemail 5 ай бұрын

I like to use coffee in a chocolate mix cake too. And I like to alternate, not just with buttermilk but sometimes instead I will use Borden’s Dutch Chocolate Milk. The brand name is important because no other brand comes anywhere close to it in rich chocolate flavor. I usually have some on hand in winter because I like to nuke it for the best-ever hot chocolate. Forget that little Alpine girl and her instant mix, you can’t get any more instant than great chocolate milk and a microwave oven.

@mariemaroney7891 4 жыл бұрын

I add a mashed overripe banana to box spice cake box mix, milk instead of water butter instead of oil, nice and moist..

@EllieAlexanderAuthor 4 жыл бұрын

The overripe banana would be a wonderful addition. I’ll bet that is a delicious cake. Thanks so much for sharing! 😋🍌

@barbarakennedy7956 2 жыл бұрын

We moved into a new home . Tired few things bought at store yet. Wanted something sweet to go with our sandwiches . 6 0z. Of diet Dr Pepper and a chocolate cake mix.NOTHING ELSE. PUT IN 9 x12 pan . Make a butter frosting . Delish. And fast.

@mpuett10049 4 жыл бұрын

OK my question is if you’re doing the chocolate cake do you add the beer And the coffee at the same time or one or the other thanks so much for sharing I’m definitely going to try this

@EllieAlexanderAuthor 4 жыл бұрын

I’d recommend using one or the other. In discussing this with someone else here, though, I mentioned that there wasn’t any reason you couldn’t use both. It’s all about personal taste! Just be sure not to exceed the total amount of liquid called for in the instructions or your cake will be too runny. How about using a coffee stout? ☕️🍺😉

@abrokenandacontriteheart1308 4 жыл бұрын

I think you can make boxed cakes better with butter and milk but I am not sure if there are things in there that shouldn't be but I am guilty of using mixes and ok you just said butter too. Lol I do add fruit and other goodies too. Tfs Oh coffee! yum! Thanks. Oh you just said beer ... I wonder if you will say cherry coke? I think it would make it too sweet but I have seen it done.

@EllieAlexanderAuthor 4 жыл бұрын

Cherry coke can actually be a great (and delicious!) addition to the right cake. That is definitely another good hack to elevate a boxed cake mix. Thanks so much for watching. Happy baking! 😊

@brentanoschool 3 жыл бұрын

took a yellow cake mix added: 1 package of instant pudding mix - 4C chopped pecans - 1/2 C oil - 6 eggs - 1 - 1/2 C water - 1T vanilla - added 1. t baking powder - 1.t vinegar - bunt pan - 350 for 40 min - chocolate glaze

@michellewade3163 5 ай бұрын

Could you swap the water for coffee in a white cake mix or yellow cake mix if you're making a mock version of tiramisu?

@griceldaleon2001 2 жыл бұрын

Can we add instant coffee to the buttermilk for the chocolate cake mix?

@yvonnecline295 4 жыл бұрын

Very nice hacks

@EllieAlexanderAuthor 4 жыл бұрын

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed them and hope you find them useful. Thanks for watching.

@mariaconsuelothomen Жыл бұрын

Can you use 1/2 cup of buttermilk, 1/2 cup of coffee, 1 stick of melted butter and 1tsp. vanilla? (For a chocolate cake) and add one egg.

@robicarm 4 жыл бұрын

Sometimes I just want to make something quick without alot of measuring. I can make killer chocolate cake easy, but yellow and white just turn out course and dry so I look to the yellow box mix. Will try the beer idea thanks a bunch.

@EllieAlexanderAuthor 4 жыл бұрын

Boxes are a good timesaver for sure. You’ll have to let me know what you think if you try adding beer. Thanks for watching! 😊

@LilleypodH 4 жыл бұрын

I’ve tried using butter, but my cake seemed to be more moist using oil. I’m not a baker or anything, and I really don’t see what’s so bad about a mix. The hacks I use are 1 extra egg, pudding mix, milk instead of water & a couple tablespoons of mayo. My cakes are so moist. I’ve tried scratch & honestly i think the mix is better. I appreciate you and everyone else who take the time to make these videos!

@EllieAlexanderAuthor 4 жыл бұрын

There's definitely nothing wrong with box mixes. At the end of the day, what works best for you is what's best, right? 😊 Your hacks sound wonderful and all that matters is that you are happy with the results. Thanks so much for watching and happy baking! 🍰

@timechangeseverybody3608 4 жыл бұрын

I bet the Mayo does work great for texture and airyness. Mayo biscuits are my favorite biscuits lol the texture and taste is just so good

@dreamingtree6093 Жыл бұрын

Use more butter. I put an entire Kerrygold bar in mine. It's awesome.

@purpleshammrock 4 жыл бұрын

Do you have a hack to make cake mix less sweet like adding extra flour? If so how much do I add?

@Lakelandcowboy69 Жыл бұрын

Add 1 cup of all-purpose flour or if u prefer to use cake flour it's 1 cup + 2 Tablespoons .

@jarmom4033 Жыл бұрын

Wondering if u could make a yellow cake mix a chocolate cake by using hersheys syrup 🤔 in place of _____?? Hopefully you can answer this b4 I try it & waste everything (need soon & don't have ANYTHING ELSE to use😉) 😆🙃

@deenalaux5182 4 жыл бұрын

Do you use the same amount of butter when replacing the oil?

@EllieAlexanderAuthor 4 жыл бұрын

Yes, just an even swap. Happy baking!

@jilllopate4029 4 жыл бұрын

I have made cakes from scratch and from cake mixes. I use one brand only, Duncan Hines. They never fail, ever and my from-scratch cakes have on occasion. I stick with my preferred brand of mix as I have tried others and the crumb is not as soft or light in texture. Also, some mixes produce overly sweet for my palate cakes or cupcakes. My hack is to use unflavored Kefir instead of water as it is close to buttermilk and I add extra vanilla to white or yellow cake, coffee to chocolate cake. With my cakes I stick with oil because when I used full butter the cake was more dense and I don't like dense cake. I like it to be light and delicate. I do not use canned frosting. Its easy to make frostings of different types and I enjoy the process. The most amazing frosting I ever made was French Buttercream but it is so rich and rather expensive to make due to all the egg yolks. I wish I could make a cake from scratch that never failed. I don't know what I am doing wrong!

@chiamakamomegha1518 3 жыл бұрын

Can u add chocolate to the box mix

@donamaekutska3634 5 жыл бұрын

To make cookies yes I do

@gilbertehret2681 4 жыл бұрын

How Can I make a yellow Box cake Dense

@pauletteomayemi3954 4 жыл бұрын

Can I use whipping cream in place of buttermilk?

@EllieAlexanderAuthor 4 жыл бұрын

As long as the cream is still in liquid form that should work. You’ll have to let me know how it turns out.

@maem9246 4 жыл бұрын

🍰☕] Ellie Alexander [☕🍰 " Thanks for sharing your 5 hacks for boxed cake mixes with your viewers ! "

@EllieAlexanderAuthor 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much for watching. I'm glad you enjoyed it! 😀

@jzratk 4 жыл бұрын

Curious if flavored sparking water could be used too like the beer??? I may have to try. Would add a whole bunch more flavor choices.

@EllieAlexanderAuthor 4 жыл бұрын

That is such a great idea. Absolutely! I’ve used sparking cider, champagne in white mixes. You might try an orange or cherry sparkling water for a chocolate.

@joycegreer9391 4 жыл бұрын

I think I've seen using Cola or Sprite.

@jess49497 Жыл бұрын

excellent video I love it a lot you are fantastic new follower greetings from Mexico City.

@jadewebster2005 4 жыл бұрын

great

@magdalenaavila4115 4 жыл бұрын

Can i use plain yogurt with a little water added to make it more like buttermilk?

@EllieAlexanderAuthor 4 жыл бұрын

For sure! That’s a great swap!

@magdalenaavila4115 4 жыл бұрын

@@EllieAlexanderAuthor thanks

@denagustafson6070 4 жыл бұрын

Also, you can make buttermilk by adding vinegar or lemon to your milk. Let it stand for a few minutes and viola, you have mock-buttermilk.

@Daij62 4 жыл бұрын

You might be the person to ask this question- most of the cakes I bake are bundt cakes because they always come out (they rise ) perfect. My sheet cakes or pound cakes? 2 times out of 5 they are successful. I don't know what I am doing wrong. after the 37 or so minutes, the center is jiggly. I keep it in the oven for a few minutes and the center is still jiggly. I set it on the counter to cool off before flipping upside down onto the cake plate, and I can see the center sinking very slowly. I cut into it just to see what it looks like, and the outer part is perfectly cooked but the inner part a thickened cake batter. What might I be doing wrong? My bundts come out 100% perfect.

@EllieAlexanderAuthor 4 жыл бұрын

That is a great question. What kind of a pan are you using? The size of the pan and style can make a difference. Most professional bakers I know use metal sheet pans lined with parchment. That’s been the most successful for me. Are you baking at altitude? I know that can really throw off baking times and temps. But, on the plus side Bundts are my favorite! In fact the next book coming out in the series is titled NOTHING BUNDT TROUBLE. 😍

@Daij62 4 жыл бұрын

@@EllieAlexanderAuthor Thanks for responding! They're metal sheet pans. I've never lined them with parchment. I'll try that!

@joycegallowayparker9652 4 жыл бұрын

@@EllieAlexanderAuthor If you place a metal flower nail (with the 'head' on the bottom of the pan) in the center of your cake pan, it will help distribute the heat all the way through to the center of the cake, resulting in a cake that is done all the way through but without the side being over cooked. You can also do this with cakes baked in larger pans, such as a 3 inch deep, 16 inch round for a wedding cake. And if you feel just one flower nail may not be enough, you can always use two of them. Just be sure to remove them before icing/decorating. And if you prefer to first line your pans with parchment paper as I do, just place the flower nail in the bottom of the pan, then poke the nail part up through the parchment, and it prevents the nail from going further up in the cake.

@EllieAlexanderAuthor 4 жыл бұрын

Interesting! I’m going to have to try this. Thanks so much for watching and providing this great tip. 😊

@Lakelandcowboy69 Жыл бұрын

Try putting the cake in a cold (non preheated) oven to start with so it all heats up at the same time gradually. Look up cold oven pound cake recipe .

@pauletteomayemi3954 4 жыл бұрын

Can I use mayonnaise and buttermilk in one box cake mix??

@EllieAlexanderAuthor 4 жыл бұрын

Yes, that should work as long as you use half of each, keeping the proportions the same as what’s called for in the ingredients. You’ll have to let me know how it turns out. Happy baking! 😊

@anitathompson3564 3 жыл бұрын

Awesome, very helpful thanks for sharing sooo much have a great awesome blessed day today in our LORD GOD and SAVOR JESUS CHRIST bye

@EllieAlexanderAuthor 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much for watching! Glad you enjoyed it and found it helpful. 😊

@62192j 3 жыл бұрын

Does it matter is you use unsalted butter or salted butter?

@johnsonameenah 3 жыл бұрын

I don't think it matters but I would use unsalted

@EllieAlexanderAuthor 3 жыл бұрын

I tend to always use unsalted butter and then add in salt depending on personal preference, the recipe, etc. I generally try to keep salt usage to a minimum, but I know everyone’s tastes vary. 😊

@sissybolinger9358 Жыл бұрын

You can add chocolate chips, any kind of favor like peanut butter chips, or could add dried fruit...

@MLG88726 2 жыл бұрын

Ah man! You should have made one so we can see!

@serependity100 4 жыл бұрын

Laughing and laughing at "do not get me started on canned frosting". Still laughing...

@EllieAlexanderAuthor 4 жыл бұрын

It’s my husband’s favorite, but I just can’t. 😂

@marcelladouglas5516 2 жыл бұрын

I also use cake mixes and I tweet them sometimes I use buttermilk I mostly use Carnation evaporated milk I like to use Duncan Hines I cannot stand Betty crocker don't get me wrong Betty crocker has good cookbooks I like to use sour cream and I also use a half a stick of Crisco butter flavored shortening and I use a teaspoon of sugar to compensate for the sour cream the extra egg in the shortening. When I use a chocolate mocha cake mix I like to use chocolate milk. When I first started doing this I had an idea about a book but when I went to the library I saw that there was a cookbook called cake mix hacks I was like oh no somebody has beaten me to it😊

@EllieAlexanderAuthor 2 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much for watching. Those are all great tips and ideas. And don’t let the fact that there’s already a book out on this subject deter you from doing your own! There is always room for more great baking tips and hacks out there. Happy baking! 🥰

@gailstukas9712 4 жыл бұрын

Sometimes I add grated zucchini it make the cake very moist

@EllieAlexanderAuthor 4 жыл бұрын

That’s a great tip. Zucchini is so versatile and would definitely help make a moist cake. Thanks for sharing! 😁

@melodyalexander6422 4 жыл бұрын

How much vanilla extract would I use in the yellow cake

@EllieAlexanderAuthor 4 жыл бұрын

I would add 1 1/2 to 2 teaspoons. You’ll have to let me know how it turns out!

@melodyalexander6422 4 жыл бұрын

@@EllieAlexanderAuthor yes ma'am, thank you . And coffee for chocolate cake, would I replace it with oil?

@mariaconsuelothomen Жыл бұрын

I bake from scratch BUT if a chocolate cake recipe calls for 1 1/3 cup of hot water, I add 1 cup of hot water or milk and 1/3 cup of hot coffee.

@suriyamohd 4 жыл бұрын

@EllieAlexanderAuthor 4 жыл бұрын

That's wonderful! I love experimenting in the kitchen, so it's great to see hacks like that working well. Thanks so much for watching. 😊

@denisecurry7472 2 жыл бұрын

I found if u add mayo to your boxed cake it works to make it moist

@tubailey2459 4 жыл бұрын

The Berne Brown of Baking

@EllieAlexanderAuthor 4 жыл бұрын

Okay, that is the nicest compliment EVER! 😍

@joycegallowayparker9652 4 жыл бұрын

@@EllieAlexanderAuthor I've been a cake decorator for 40+ years and I detest, despise, hate canned frosting! Yet my husband prefers it over most other types of frosting, and it drives me crazy which, for me, is a short drive most days. lol So if I'm making a cake specifically for him, I will use that nasty canned frosting (did I mention I hate canned? lol), but I discovered if you first whip it up really well (this increases volume by quite a bit, too), and add some vanilla and a bit of heavy cream, it's sort of almost tolerable.

@EllieAlexanderAuthor 4 жыл бұрын

@Joyce Galloway Parker - This made me 😂 so much! I’m in the same boat. I can’t stand the stuff, but my husband loves it because that’s what he grew up with. I’ll have to try your suggestions, though I’m skeptical it’ll make it any better for me. 😉

@romainejayne1811 4 жыл бұрын

I'm all for Natural Vanilla Bean, ...But, Boy it's expensive!

@EllieAlexanderAuthor 4 жыл бұрын

Yes, it sure is! I’m always shocked anytime I head to store looking for it. One tip that might save you a bit if you’re ever in need of some, and this is thanks to my husband, you might try your local homebrew (beer) store if you have one nearby. They usually carry a wide variety of spices for brewing and he’s found vanilla beans at his favorite shop many times for a fraction of the price at a grocery store. Might be worth a try. ☺️

@romainejayne1811 4 жыл бұрын

@@EllieAlexanderAuthor Thank you Ellie, ...I know I wouldn't have thought of that but now I most certainly make the trip and ask! Have a great day!!!!

@joycegreer9391 4 жыл бұрын

Purist. Don't like the artificial taste of cake mixes, but these tips would probably help that a lot. I like most everything homemade from scratch better. I was making from scratch cakes when I was around 8 yr old.

@EllieAlexanderAuthor 4 жыл бұрын

I hear you. I love baking from scratch any chance I get, but there are times when I need something super quick and these tips have definitely come in handy. Thanks so much for watching and happy baking! 😍

@RC-gf8cs 3 жыл бұрын

Coffe.milk .both?

@annab5961 4 жыл бұрын

I’m from Australia 🇦🇺 We were taught how to cook in Home Economics at high school in the 1970’s so Im wondering why young some young mums nowadays have never ever cooked a cake from scratch.(as you Americans say ) Re home made cakes I’ve always liked to use a quality unbleached flour ... or half wholemeal flour to make it all healthier so that’s a reason I don’t really like the ‘Packet -mix cakes’ (as we call them here) . They look sooo over refined 😕I have done some in the past like the packet mix carrot cake .. they turned out okay 👍 You could add some more healthy ingredients in those ones I suppose

@EllieAlexanderAuthor 4 жыл бұрын

I'm not sure everyone has had the same access to those Home Ec classes that were offered in the 70s and 80s, as education systems and budgets have changed over the years. My son has a wonderful culinary class/program at his high school and has learned a tremendous amount, but I know that's not the same for everyone. I'm with you regarding making things from scratch over using a box mix, but I do use box mixes when the occasion calls for it, so I like sharing tips on how to elevate things a bit when people have/want to use a box mix whatever their reason. Happy baking! 😊

@tardis9905 3 жыл бұрын

Some sort of standardize HS classes across the USA is impracticable. That's too bad, because there is so much value in a Home Economics class; as well as a Driver's Ed. class, that could be shared around the country. Unfortunately, in the USA there are 50 states, a few Commonwealths, Territories, 3100+ counties, and innumerable cities. Each one has their own version of an educational system, many good ones, and far too many bad ones.

@nancymello204 4 ай бұрын

What about sour cream

@mariaconsuelothomen Жыл бұрын

The butter sgould be melted if you're using it instead of oil.

@Daij62 4 жыл бұрын

Considering that I have been baking for about 20 years, and have used all the 5 things you have used for box cakes you obviously know what you're talking about! Also, the box calls for 3 eggs, and I either use 3 eggs and 2 egg whites, or 5 eggs. Interesting that you use coffee. I use about a tablespoon of ground coffee. Over the holidays I made a few egg nog cakes, so i used eggnog instead of the buttermilk.

@EllieAlexanderAuthor 4 жыл бұрын

I’m so happy to have that feedback from a seasoned baker like yourself! I’ve never tried ground coffee in a mix. Interesting. Eggnog for the holidays is perfection!

@Kay-jk2gi 3 жыл бұрын

I love the taste of butter but oil def makes cake more moist than butter.

@juliasabena5469 2 жыл бұрын

Add both! It`s possible

@brendajollymore4229 11 ай бұрын

You can’t buy Duncan Hines in Canada! That’s not a good thing !

@angelicamartinengo3912 2 жыл бұрын

Whyyyyy do they say butter? Is it salt or unsalted butter? Please be more specific

@jonhcontreras 4 жыл бұрын

u should have demonstrated instead of doing all that talking...

@EllieAlexanderAuthor 4 жыл бұрын

Thanks for the feedback, Jon. I made this video a while back and have included demonstrations in all my videos since. At the time, I thought people might complain about watching me doing the simple steps outlined in the video. And, since you can't really taste/experience the benefits of the tips through the video itself, I simply tried to describe the benefits of each tip instead. It just goes to show that you can't please everyone all the time. Just trying to put some helpful information out there for anyone who wants it. 😊

@sbean2987 4 жыл бұрын

Rude! Very rude. I appreciated all what she said to her viewers. Thank you for a great video.