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A close-up view of a multi-layer chocolate cake slice on a marble stand, with a golden spoon lifting a bite. Decadent chocolate glaze drips onto the main slice, which has chocolate pieces on top. In the background is a box of Thipe Betkes cake mix and a glass jug of milk, demonstrating a way to make chocolate box cake better.

how to make chocolate box cake better

Transform a simple store-bought mix into a dense, fudgy, bakery-style masterpiece using simple dairy and flavor upgrades.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 12
Course: Dessert
Calories: 310
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 box Chocolate Cake Mix (15.25 oz)
  • 1 cup Whole Milk
  • 0.5 cup Unsalted Butter, melted
  • 4 large Eggs, room temperature
  • 1 tablespoon pure vanilla bean paste
  • 1 teaspoon Espresso Powder
  • 2 tablespoons premium baking cocoa

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour two 8-inch round cake pans.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the dry cake mix, espresso powder, and premium baking cocoa.
  3. Add the whole milk, melted butter, eggs, and pure vanilla bean paste to the dry ingredients.
  4. Beat on medium speed with an electric mixer for exactly 2 minutes until smooth.
  5. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans. Bake for 28-32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
  6. Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire racks to cool completely before frosting.