Better Than Box Cake Mix (Bakery-Style Cake From Scratch)

This Better Than Box Cake Mix recipe creates a soft, moist, and flavorful cake completely from scratch. If you’ve ever wanted that classic boxed cake taste but elevated to a richer, bakery-style dessert, this recipe is exactly what you need.

Made with simple pantry ingredients, this cake delivers a tender crumb, balanced sweetness, and a homemade flavor that’s far better than anything from a box.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes

Servings: 12-15 slices

Ingredients:
Dry Cake Mix Ingredients:
• 3 cups Cake Flour
• 3 tbsp Vanilla Pudding Mix
• 2 cups Granulated Sugar
• 1 tbsp Baking Powder
• ½ tsp Baking Soda
• ¾ tsp Fine Salt

Directions:
1. Add all your ingredients to a large mixing bowl and whisk very well.
2. Store in an airtight container for 6–8 months.

Wet Ingredients for Cake:
• ¾ cup unsalted Butter, room temp or Oil
• 1¼ cups Milk (whole or buttermilk preferred)
• 3 large Eggs, room temp
• 2 tsp Vanilla Extract
• ½ cup Sour Cream or full-fat Greek Yogurt

DIRECTIONS:
1. Preheat your oven to 325°F.
2. Add dry mix + butter to mixer, mix on low until it looks like damp sand.
3. Add milk + vanilla, mix until just combined, turn off you mixer and scrap the bowl.
4. Add eggs one at a time, mix in between.
5. Fold in sour cream last, mix only until smooth (don’t overmix).
6. Bake in oven, times will vary depending on pan size.
7. Enjoy!

Times:
• 13x9: 35-45 minutes
• 8": 25-32 minutes
• Cupcakes: 17-22 minutes

💡 Notes:
• Do not overmix the batter for best texture
• Use room temperature ingredients for a smoother batter
• This recipe gives you a richer flavor than boxed mixes

🧊 Storage:
• Store covered at room temperature for up to 3 days
• Refrigerate for up to 5 days
• Freeze for up to 2 months

🎥 Watch the full video below and bake along with me!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PB_E5g0ZmVg&t=47s