I get a lot of compliments on my cakes and cupcakes when I bring them places. And now that our daughter is getting older, she’s also taken to the kitchen. So she’s been creating a variety of cake items for our bi-weekly Bible Study too. And they always get rave results. But one of the first questions I get asked is “Did you make this cake from scratch?” Honestly, I don’t! They always come from a box but I “doctor” it up a bit. And I’ve taught our daughter to do the same.
Make A Great Cake {From A Box!}
So what makes our cakes and cupcakes so special? You may be surprised that it’s just a couple of simple ingredients. I start with a cake mix, I usually use Betty Crocker or Duncan Hines. (If you end up trying this with a store brand mix, let me know how it works. While I do purchase store brands for many items, cake mixes is one I haven’t experimented with yet.)
Then, follow the directions on the back of the box. BUT, when adding the ingredients, also add 1/4 cup mayo and 1 teaspoon vanilla! Then, when it comes time to mixing, I make sure to beat for about 5 minutes to get as much air into the batter as possible.
After baking, to make our cakes extra special, we cut in half. {TIP: Just use a piece of clean thread for a quick way to slice evenly!} After removing the top half of the cake, spread your desired filling. You can use chocolate, lemon, jam, or even just your icing. Just putting that layer in really gives a more impressive presentation.
Frost and top with whatever flavor icing, sprinkles, and toppings of your choice. Cut, serve, and enjoy!
So what do you think? Did you already know about the “secret ingredients” of mayo and vanilla as a simple way to spruce up a cake mix?
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I’m a city girl turned country by my awesome husband and we have three busy boys and two darling daughters. I love spending time with my family, reading Karen Kingsbury novels, and catching up with friends while our kiddos have play dates. I’m blessed beyond measure and can’t wait to see what God has in store.
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This post currently has 21 responses.
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Peggy Nunn
I will be making this the next time the girls visit. Thank you for the recipe.
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Lauryn R
This is exactly what I do! It makes it so much easier to make from a box and gives you more time to focus on the decorations. 🙂 I have never tried using a clean thread to cut it in half before though, thank you so much for sharing!
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Leela
That looks fantastic!
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ellen beck
I really think box cakes are the way to go. The cake mixes have everything you need, no running o the store and the ingredients are all fresh. Making cake form box recipes are quick easy and delicious. Yours sounds great.
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Darcy Koch
I like your way of adding mayo and vanilla to the mix. I am not sure I could cut the cake in 2 layers tho. Always willing to try something new.
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Margaret S Porter
I didnt know about adding mayo. Cutting with a string is awesome too
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Julie Waldron
This looks & sounds delicious! I like the method for cutting it.
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gloria patterson
I never would have thought about mayo in a cake but it is showing up in a lot of stuff today. I usually buy name brand cake mixes because I usually have coupons for them. And adding vanilla to anything makes it better.
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Cheryl
Beautiful cake! I need to ty baking them more often.
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kathy pease
Wow I never heard of the mayo idea but it sounds great! I also love the tip on the thread slicing. When I use a knife it drags and really seem to wreck the cake!
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John Smith
That topping looks insane!–and gorgeous!
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Lesley F
I have used mayo in a cake before and I think it helps make the cake super moist. Thanks for sharing the recipe
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Katie Miller
Looks yummy. I always prefer box cake and brownie mix, I think they have the perfect mixes. Didn’t know about mayo trick will have to try it.
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Alice F
The cake in the photo is beautiful. Thank you for the tips. I especially like the idea of add vanilla and mayo to the mix I can see how the mayo would keep the cake moist and the vanilla would add extra flavor.
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Laura Darden
I have actually tried something similar and everyone loves it. I will have to try this recipe. Thanks for sharing.
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Karen Propes
I will have to try this next time. I usually make cakes from scratch but I like the idea of less work for sure. Thanks for sharing.
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Michelle S
I’ve actually heard of a cake with mayo but never thought to do it every time. I try to bring my eggs up to room temp for more fluffiness. I’m definitely trying the mayo, vanilla, and extra beating for my next cake.
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gala
love it, thanks fir the recipe and ideas
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Mary Gardner
This is such a great idea! You made a box cake look like it came from a bakery. I am not sure mine will look so nice but I certainly will give it a shot.
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Helga
Mayonnaise does really enhance a cake recipe! This cake looks and sounds so scrumptuous.
I will be trying this for our next birthday cake! Sounds so yummy! I love the idea of using the clean thread to slice the cake!