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How to bulk up a cake mix?

Published in Cake Baking Tips 4 mins read

To bulk up a standard cake mix effectively, you can supplement it with an additional 3 ounces (or 6 tablespoons) of dry mix from a second box, increasing the overall volume and potential yield of your cake.

Understanding Cake Mix Bulking

Bulking up a cake mix means increasing its volume, density, or overall yield beyond what a single standard box typically provides. This technique is particularly useful for achieving a taller cake, filling larger baking pans that a single mix might not adequately fill, or simply making more servings for an event. While various modifications can be made to a cake mix, adding extra dry mix is a direct way to increase the batter's volume.

The Exact Method for Bulking Up Your Cake Mix

To precisely and effectively bulk up your cake mix, follow this method based on supplementing your primary mix with a specific amount from a second box.

  1. Purchase Two Cake Mixes: Begin by acquiring two standard 15.25-ounce boxes of your desired cake mix flavor.
  2. Prepare the Base Mix: Open one of the 15.25-ounce cake mixes and empty its entire contents into a large mixing bowl. This will serve as your primary cake base.
  3. Measure Additional Dry Mix: From the second 15.25-ounce cake mix, carefully measure out 3 ounces of the dry mix. For convenience, 3 ounces of dry cake mix is equivalent to 6 tablespoons.
  4. Combine Ingredients: Add these measured 3 ounces (6 tablespoons) from the second mix directly into the bowl with the first full cake mix. Your total dry cake mix content will now be 15.25 ounces + 3 ounces = 18.25 ounces.
  5. Proceed with Recipe: Incorporate the additional dry mix thoroughly with the first mix. Then, continue to follow the remaining instructions on the original (first) cake mix box, adding the specified wet ingredients (such as eggs, oil, and water or milk). The resulting batter will be slightly more substantial due to the increased dry ingredients.

For a clear overview of the quantities:

Item Quantity Notes
First Cake Mix 15.25 oz The base, entire box.
Second Cake Mix 15.25 oz Used as a source for additional mix.
Additional Dry Mix 3 oz (Equivalent to 6 tablespoons) from the second box.
Total Dry Mix Used 18.25 oz The total amount of dry mix for your bulked-up cake.

Why Bulk Up Your Cake Mix?

There are several compelling reasons to use this method for your baking needs:

  • Larger Pans: A bulked-up mix is ideal for adequately filling bigger baking pans, such as a 9x13 inch rectangular pan or larger Bundt pans, which a single mix might leave looking sparse.
  • More Servings: When you need to serve more people, bulking up the mix naturally yields a larger cake, providing more slices for parties, family gatherings, or events.
  • Denser Texture: Adding extra dry mix can contribute to a slightly denser, richer, and more substantial crumb, enhancing the cake's overall eating experience.
  • Increased Height: In standard 8-inch or 9-inch round cake pans, a bulked-up mix will often result in a noticeably taller cake, creating a more impressive presentation.

Tips for Success When Bulking Up

To ensure the best results with your bulked-up cake mix:

  • Adjust Baking Time: With more batter in the pan, your cake will likely require a slightly longer baking time than the box specifies. Begin checking for doneness 5-10 minutes beyond the suggested maximum time.
  • Pan Size: Always ensure your chosen baking pan can accommodate the increased volume of batter to prevent overflow. A 9x13 inch pan is often an excellent choice for a bulked-up mix.
  • Cooling: Allow the cake ample time to cool in the pan on a wire rack before attempting to invert or remove it, especially since larger, denser cakes can be more fragile when warm.