Ingredients:

  • 1 box of cake mix (any flavor, e.g., vanilla, chocolate) (15.25 oz / 432 g)
  • 1 cup whole milk (instead of water)
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar (optional, for added sweetness)
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (for frosting)
  • 3-4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
  • 2-3 tablespoons heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Grease and flour your baking pans or line them with parchment paper.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cake mix and granulated sugar (if using).
  4. In another bowl, whisk together the whole milk, melted butter, eggs, and vanilla extract.
  5. Gradually add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, mixing until just combined (avoid over-mixing).
  6. Pour the batter evenly into the prepared pans and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
  7. Let the cakes cool in the pans for 10 minutes, then transfer to a cooling rack to cool completely.
  8. In a mixing bowl, beat softened butter until creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar and heavy cream, mixing until fluffy. Stir in vanilla and salt.
  9. Once cooled, frost the cake generously with the prepared frosting.