Ingredients:

  • 1 Box of yellow or vanilla cake mix (15.25 oz / 432 g)
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk or buttermilk
  • ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled
  • 1 teaspoon (5 ml) vanilla extract or almond extract
  • 1 cup (230 g) unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
  • 4 cups (480 g) powdered sugar (for frosting)
  • ¼ cup (60 ml) heavy cream (for frosting)
  • 1 teaspoon (5 ml) vanilla extract (for frosting)
  • A pinch of salt (for frosting)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Grease the baking pan(s) and optionally line them with parchment paper for easy removal.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the boxed cake mix, eggs, milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract.
  4. Use an electric mixer on low speed to blend, then increase to medium speed for 2 minutes until smooth.
  5. The batter should be thick and pourable. Scrape down the sides as necessary.
  6. Pour the batter into the prepared pan(s) and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  7. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.
  8. In a mixing bowl, combine softened butter, powdered sugar, heavy cream, vanilla extract, and salt for the frosting. Beat until creamy and smooth.
  9. Once the cake is completely cooled, apply a generous layer of frosting using an offset spatula.