How can I make my cake less mushy and more firm?

Question

My cakes are a little too moist I think. Am I over mixing since I mix by hand?

BTW I use out of a box and is the gelatin a factor in how soft it is?

Answer 1

I'd think you can replace the water and oil; it would just be more like a poundcake.  The texture would be denser.

Answer 2

I replace the oil with apple sauce (my bestfriend gave me that advice)....IT WORKS!  less fat and you can't even tell a difference except the cake is firm yet so moist at the same time :) YUM!