Growing up baking I always followed the cake box directions because I didn't have a lot of creativity to mix things up but I got tired of the same ol box cake and I wanted to experiment. Unfortunately I had this fear that baking is such a precise method which it is and unlike cooking you have to be careful to measure everything precisely. But.....with these cake boxes you can have your "cake and eat it too"! I was watching Semi-homemade Cooking with Sandra Lee on Food Network and saw her many times mix things up using box cake and I was skeptical but decided to try. And at Publix, the cake boxes and frosting go on sale a lot, so when they offered a buy 1 get 1 free I was able to stock up. This meant I could experiment and if I ruined it, it was no big deal. But to my amazement, it worked! Hubby has a BIG sweet tooth and so for this week of Valentine's Day, I'll feature his favorite sweet dishes with you! Now...what did I do to make the cake not be the same old cake?
Well first, let's look at what I buy. Normally, I look for Betty Crocker SuperMoist but I have used other brands like Duncan Hines.
And I buy their frosting but any chocolate frosting will work.
Box Ingredients:
1 box of Betty Crocker Chocolate Cake Mix
3 large eggs
1/3 c. veggie oil
1-1/3 c. water
Kim's Variation:
These are the normal box instructions. But instead of using water, I substituted it for apple juice and it makes the cake so flavorful. Also, I put in more oil (1/4 cup). I thought it might mess it up, but it didn't. Also I add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. I also added a bit chocolate syrup. I wanted to make this a truly chocolately cake! And that does the trick. I use organic brown or white eggs, I just like them better. Blend well and then pour into two 8-inch cake pans. Have your oven preheated to 350 degrees and bake for about 25 to 30 minutes depending on your oven. Mine took about 30 - 32 minutes. Do the cake test with a toothpick to be sure they're done. Then let them rest for about 45 minutes before you ice them.
Icing the Cake:
I like to buy whipped cream and mix about half the tub with the frosting. I fold it over but I don't blend too vigorously and then I also add a little more chocolate syrup to it. It makes it so rich and then I ice the cake with it. Afterwards, I may add some strawberry slices or even raspberries for presentation and color! It makes a beautiful cake and boy is it rich so I wouldn't recommend more than one slice every other day! Hubby could probably tear it up in a day if I didn't caution him!
Anyway, I enjoy not always following instructions because I love to create in the kitchen. Now some recipes I know you have to follow precisely or it doesn't turn out right, but if I can deviate from the original recipe and incorporate what I like, it makes feel more personable and special to me!
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Kim McDougal,
Owner of ORMG