As a home baker, you may have come across a white cake mix and wondered what creative ways you can use it. Fortunately, there are numerous desserts you can bake using a white cake mix, some of which are easy and quick to prepare.
White Cake Mix vs. Regular Cake Mix
Before we dive into the recipes, let’s clarify the difference between a white cake mix and a regular cake mix. A white cake mix contains only the dry ingredients necessary to make a white cake, such as flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. On the other hand, a regular cake mix includes these ingredients as well as oil, eggs, and flavorings.
When using a white cake mix, you will need to add these wet ingredients yourself. This gives you the freedom to customize the flavor of the cake to your liking.
Recipe 1: Classic White Cake
Let’s start with a classic white cake recipe. To make this cake, you will need:
- 1 box of white cake mix
- 1 cup of water
- 1/3 cup of vegetable oil
- 3 egg whites
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the white cake mix, water, vegetable oil, and egg whites.
- Beat the mixture on medium speed for two minutes, until it becomes smooth and creamy.
- Pour the batter into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool completely before frosting.
Recipe 2: Vanilla Cupcakes
If you’re in the mood for something smaller, you can try making vanilla cupcakes with your white cake mix. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 box of white cake mix
- 1 cup of water
- 1/3 cup of vegetable oil
- 3 eggs
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
- Line a cupcake pan with cupcake liners.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the white cake mix, water, vegetable oil, eggs, and vanilla extract.
- Beat the mixture on medium speed for two minutes, until it becomes smooth and creamy.
- Pour the batter into the cupcake liners, filling each about 2/3 of the way.
- Bake for 18-22 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean.
- Allow the cupcakes to cool before frosting.
Recipe 3: Lemon Bars
Lemon bars are a tangy and sweet treat that are perfect for any occasion. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the crust:
- 1 box of white cake mix
- 1/2 cup of butter, softened
- 1 egg
For the filling:
- 4 eggs
- 1 1/2 cups of granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour
- 2/3 cup of lemon juice
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the white cake mix, softened butter, and egg. Mix until a dough forms.
- Press the dough into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Bake the crust for 15-20 minutes or until it’s lightly golden brown.
- In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, granulated sugar, all-purpose flour, and lemon juice until smooth.
- Pour the filling over the baked crust.
- Bake the lemon bars for an additional 20-25 minutes or until the filling is set.
- Allow the bars to cool completely before slicing into squares and serving.
Recipe 4: Coconut Macaroons
Coconut macaroons are a delicious and easy treat that require only a few ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 box of white cake mix
- 2 2/3 cups of shredded coconut
- 2/3 cup of sweetened condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the white cake mix, shredded coconut, sweetened condensed milk, and vanilla extract.
- Mix until well combined.
- Drop tablespoon-sized balls of the mixture onto a greased baking sheet.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the macaroons are lightly golden brown.
- Allow the macaroons to cool before serving.
Recipe 5: Rainbow Cake
A rainbow cake is a colorful and fun dessert that’s perfect for parties or special occasions. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 box of white cake mix
- Food coloring in red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and purple
- Vanilla frosting
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
- Prepare the white cake mix according to the instructions on the box.
- Divide the batter evenly into six separate bowls.
- Add a few drops of food coloring to each bowl and mix until the batter is evenly colored.
- Pour each colored batter into a greased 9-inch cake pan.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
- Allow the cakes to cool completely before frosting.
- To assemble the rainbow cake, stack the cakes in the order of the rainbow, starting with purple on the bottom and ending with red on the top.
- Frost the cake with vanilla frosting and decorate as desired.
Recipe 6: Strawberry Shortcake
Strawberry shortcake is a classic dessert that’s perfect for summertime. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 box of white cake mix
- 1 cup of water
- 1/3 cup of vegetable oil
- 3 eggs
- 2 cups of sliced fresh strawberries
- Whipped cream
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
- Prepare the white cake mix according to the instructions on the box.
- Pour the batter into a gre ased 9×13 inch baking dish.
4. Bake the cake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool completely before slicing into squares.
- Top each square with a generous helping of sliced strawberries and whipped cream.
- Serve and enjoy!
FAQs
While these recipes specifically call for a white cake mix, you could certainly experiment with other flavors if you prefer.
While some recipes may be able to be made with applesauce instead of oil, it’s best to follow the instructions on the box of cake mix for best results.
Depending on the recipe, these treats can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for a few days or in the refrigerator for longer storage.
Yes, many of these treats can be frozen for longer storage. Just be sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place them in an airtight container or freezer bag.
You could try substituting some of the ingredients with healthier alternatives, such as using unsweetened applesauce instead of oil or reducing the amount of sugar used. However, keep in mind that these substitutions may affect the texture and taste of the final product.
Conclusion
A white cake mix is a versatile and easy-to-use ingredient that can be used to make a wide variety of delicious baked treats.
Whether you’re in the mood for something sweet and fruity or rich and chocolatey, there’s a recipe out there that’s sure to satisfy your cravings. So why not pick up a box of white cake mix on your next grocery run and try out one of these tasty recipes for yourself?
