We may receive a commission on purchases made from links. We're going to let you in on a secret: Even the most accomplished home bakers probably have a box of cake mix tucked away in their pantry.

I love a good boxed cake mix. It’s quick, easy, and almost foolproof—but if we’re honest, it doesn’t always taste like it came from scratch. For years, I’ve tried little tweaks to make it better: ...

There are many easy ways to improve boxed cake mix and make it taste homemade. Replacing the water with milk adds fat, richness, and flavor. Mix-ins, flavor extracts, and spices can take the texture ...

Goldman recommends adding some fruit and spice to your boxed cake mix to take it to the next level. “Toss in some chopped up apples and some cinnamon, and do an apple cinnamon cake—or swirl in some ...