Can You Use Milk Instead Of Water In Cake Mix?
Everybody likes a good cake, right?
I know I certainly do!
You can wake me up at 2am for a piece of cake and I would probably still say yes (after getting over the initial shock that is, of course).
The store-bought cake mixes make it so easy to just add water and bake a delicious cake.
But what happens if you want to change things up a bit and use milk instead of water?
Can you use actually milk instead of water in cake mix?
Using milk instead of water in your cake mix will result in a moister, more flavorful cake! So if you’re looking to add a little something extra to your cake mix, milk is definitely the way to go. Just remember that using milk will also add a bit more fat and calories to your cake.
So keep that in mind if you’re watching your waistline.
I personally love to make my box mix cakes taste richer by using milk, and it really does make a difference!
Now, let’s go ahead and take a closer look at how to substitute milk for water in your cake mix.
Why Using Milk In A Cake Mix Works
When you use milk instead of water in your cake mix, you’re essentially adding more fat to the recipe.
This means that your cake will be richer and more moist than if you had used water.
Plus, the milk helps to add flavor to the cake and makes it more delicious overall.
It’s a great way to make a plain box mix taste like it came from a bakery (well, let’s be realistic, almost)!
What Kind Of Milk Should You Use For Cake?
Whole milk is going to give your cake the most flavor and richest texture, but you can also use low-fat or non-fat milk if that’s what you prefer.
I’ve even used plant based milk such as almond milk as well and with great results!
Just keep in mind that using a non-dairy milk will change the flavor of your cake slightly, depending on the type of milk you’re using.
If you want to keep the flavor as close to the original as possible, going with whole milk will be your best bet.
However if you want your cake to have a more tropical taste to it, try using coconut milk.
How Much Milk Should You Use In A Cake Mix?
The amount of milk you’ll need to use in your cake mix will depend on the size of the cake mix you’re using.
Most boxed cake mixes will call for 1 cup of water, so you’ll want to use the same amount of milk in its place.
If you’re using a larger cake mix that calls for 2 cups of water, you’ll need to use 2 cups of milk as well.
What Happens If I Use Too Much Milk In My Cake Mix?
If you use too much milk in your cake mix, you run the risk of making your cake dense and heavy.
You may also find that your cake doesn’t bake up as tall as it should.
So, it’s important to stick to the amount of milk called for in the recipe. To be sure, use a measuring cup to use the correct amount of ingredients.
Can I Use Buttermilk Instead Of Milk In A Cake Mix?
Using buttermilk in place of milk in a cake mix is an option as well.
Buttermilk is actually a great choice for baking cakes because it’s thick and creamy, and it gives the cake a nice and deep flavor.
The amount of buttermilk you’ll need to use is a little bit more than milk since it’s thicker.
For every 1 cup of milk called for in the recipe, use 1 and 1/3 cups of buttermilk.
Now that we know how to substitute (butter)milk for water in a cake mix, let’s go over a few tips to help ensure your cake turns out perfect every time.
Baking Tips For Using Milk In A Cake Mix
Here are a few tips to keep in mind when using milk in your cake mix:
- Whole milk is the best type of milk to use in order to create the richest flavor and moistest texture (however, a plant based milk such as coconut milk tends to give the same effect as well!)
- If you’re watching your calories or want to make a less heavy tasting cake, you can also use low-fat or non-fat milk instead.
- The amount of milk you’ll need to use depends on the size of the cake mix you’re using. Most boxed cake mixes however will call for 1 cup of water, so it is best to use the same amount of milk in its place. If it calls for 2 cups, just replace it with 2 cups of milk.
- Make sure to stick to the amount of liquid called for in the recipe, otherwise your cake may turn out too dense and heavy. When using milk in your cake mix, be sure to add it gradually so you don’t end up with too much liquid.
- Adding a little bit of extra milk to your cake mix can actually help to prevent it from drying out while baking.
- Be sure to bake your cake according to the package directions. Using milk in place of water won’t change the baking time.
- Allow your cake to cool completely before frosting or serving. This will help it to set up and be less crumbly.
Following these tips, you should have no problem making a delicious and moist cake using milk instead of water.
Be sure to try out different types of milk to find the flavor and texture that you like best.
If you ask me, it’s a great excuse for baking more cakes!
How To Take Your Box Cake Mix To The Next Level
Additionally, there are other ingredients that you can add to your cake mix to take it to the next level.
Adding Sour Cream To Cake Batter
Adding sour cream to your cake batter can give it a tangy flavor and a creamy texture.
This is a great ingredient to add if you want to take your cake to the next level.
To add sour cream to your cake batter, simply mix it in with the wet ingredients. You can use a 1:1 ratio of sour cream to milk or water.
For example, if your cake mix calls for 1 cup of water, you can use 1/2 cup of water and 1/2 cup of sour cream.
Adding Flavor to Your Cake
If you want to add extra flavor to your cake, there are many ingredients you can try.
Adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract or almond extract to the wet ingredients can give your cake a delicious flavor. You can also add orange juice or orange zest to give it a citrusy flavor.
Another way to add flavor to your cake is to use flavored cake mixes.
For example, if you want to make a strawberry cake, you can use a strawberry cake mix instead of a plain white cake mix.
Adding Pudding Mix to Your Cake Mix
If you’re looking for an easy way to make a homemade cake without all the fuss, you can try adding a small box of pudding mix to your cake mix.
This will give it a denser texture and a creamy flavor.
To add pudding mix to your cake mix, simply mix it in with the dry ingredients. You can use a 1:1 ratio of pudding mix to cake mix.
For example, if your cake mix calls for 2 cups of mix, you can use 1 cup of cake mix and 1 cup of pudding mix.
Reducing Fat Content in Your Cake
If you’re concerned about the fat content of your cake, there are several ingredients you can use to reduce it.
Using egg substitutes or extra egg whites instead of whole eggs can help reduce the fat content.
You can also use unsalted butter or vegetable oil instead of melted butter to reduce the amount of fat in your cake.
Another way to reduce the fat content of your cake is to use non-fat or low-fat milk instead of whole milk.
You can also use a plant-based milk such as almond milk or soy milk to reduce the fat content.
Adding Moisture to Your Cake
If you want to add some extra moisture to your cake, there are several ways to do it.
Using hot water instead of room temperature water can help your cake bake up moist and fluffy.
You can also try using ginger ale or a can of soda instead of water to give it a unique flavor.
Another way to add moisture to your cake is to use pumpkin puree.
These ingredients can help your cake stay moist and delicious.
In Conclusion
So, by now you surely know that you can absolutely use milk instead of water in cake mix.
Doing so will make your cake turn out much more moist and flavorful.
Just remember to use the same amount of milk as you would water, and you’ll be good to go!
If you decide to use buttermilk, make sure to use a little more buttermilk as it has a thicker consistency.
Now go ahead and give it a try for yourself.
Your taste buds will thank you for using a (plant-based) milk instead of water for your cake!