Ingredients:

  • 1 box cake mix (15.25 oz / 430 g) - yellow or white flavor preferred
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 cup (240 mL) whole milk, at room temperature
  • 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup (50 g) granulated sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon almond extract (optional, for depth of flavor)
  • 1/2 cup (115 g) unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
  • 4 cups (480 g) powdered sugar (for frosting)
  • 1/4 cup (60 mL) heavy cream or whole milk (for frosting)
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (for frosting)
  • Pinch of salt (for frosting)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Prepare cake pans by greasing and lining with parchment paper.
  2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the cake mix and granulated sugar until well combined.
  3. In another bowl, whisk the eggs, whole milk, melted butter, vanilla extract, and almond extract until well combined.
  4. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients. Mix until just combined; avoid over-mixing.
  5. Divide the batter evenly between the prepared cake pans. Use a spatula to smooth the top.
  6. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
  7. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes before transferring to a cooling rack to cool completely.
  8. In a mixing bowl, beat softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, alternating with heavy cream and vanilla extract, until smooth.
  9. Once the cakes have cooled, place one layer on a serving plate. Spread a layer of frosting, then top with the second cake layer and frost the top and sides.
  10. Chill the frosted cake for about 30 minutes to set the frosting before slicing and serving.