How can I spruce up a chocolate cake?

Question

My daughter's birthday is coming up (she will be 3) and I do not have the time/money/energy to bake one from scratch (which I would normally do) nor do I want to do a store bought one (they always taste funny to me.)

I have a box mix and I would like to know any ideas for things that I can add to it for some extra flavor and extra 'yummy-ness'!

And it will also have chocolate frosting with sprinkles.

Any ideas will be appreciated, better if it is something you have actually tried and liked before.

Thanks!

Answer 1

You can add 3 ounce brick or half of 9 ounce brick of cream cheese to the mix when you start. Soften it 45 seconds in microwave.

You can add a cup of sour cream or yogurt or mayonnaise to the mix.

You can add some spices like a teaspoon cinnamon, cloves, allspice, or cardamom.

You can use cold coffee instead of water.

wow!! I could write a whole cookbook on what I do to boxed mixes to keep them from being "Plain Jaine" everyone else has one just like it. And yes, I have done all that and more to boxed mixes. I have even combined some of the additions or alterations. My family would want to send me to the ER if I ever made one according to the box!!!

Answer 2

If Your daughter likes orange-flavor, add a shot of Grand Marnier to the mix... the alcohol bakes off, and it leaves a yummy flavor.  I also put Mandarin Orange segments on top of the frosting.

Answer 3

if the sprinkles you are using with the frosting are colorful, you could throw them in the mix as well, once they melt they'll be a nice suprise inside. (unless the cake mix is a chocolate cake... then you would'nt be able to see it...)

Answer 4

Look in the cake aisle and you will find sugar animals and  some characters. Something else would be to add small candies along with your sprinkles and use short crinkle ribbon curled in the middle. Be careful with the candles.

Answer 5

i used white choclate chips and different color cake frostiing in a plastic bag with the tip cut out,and my imagination. u will be surprise what u can come up with. have fun! it  can also be used as a stress buster!

Answer 6

salt..

put it on the chocolate icing it will make the chocolate taste more creamy and thicker. i used it on my cakes before and they were so good.