How to Make a Box Cake Mix Taste Homemade Recipe
Introduction
This enhanced box cake mix transforms a simple devil’s food cake into a moist, rich, and homemade-tasting dessert. By adding just a few ingredients, you can elevate the texture and flavor with minimal effort.

Ingredients
- 1 (15 oz) box devil’s food cake mix
- 1 (3.4 oz) box instant chocolate pudding (dry)
- 3 eggs
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Step 1: Gather all your ingredients. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the cake mix, instant pudding, eggs, melted butter, milk, sour cream, and vanilla. Use an electric mixer on medium speed to blend everything until the batter is well combined and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
- Step 3: Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 35 to 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Step 4: Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before frosting or serving.
Tips & Variations
- For extra moistness, replace half of the butter with vegetable oil.
- Add a handful of chocolate chips or nuts to the batter for added texture.
- Swap sour cream with Greek yogurt for a slightly tangier flavor and added protein.
- Use vanilla or other flavored cake mixes and pudding to create different variations.
- If you don’t have instant pudding mix, use a homemade substitute or omit it for a lighter cake.
Storage
Store the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. For longer storage, wrap tightly and refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for up to 2 months. If frozen, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bring to room temperature before serving. Reheat slices briefly in the microwave for a warm treat.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use regular pudding instead of instant pudding mix?
Regular pudding made from scratch or from a prepared cup won’t work the same because instant pudding mix helps thicken and improve the cake’s texture during baking. It’s best to use the dry instant pudding mix for this recipe.
Can I substitute the sour cream with something else?
Yes, you can use Greek yogurt or buttermilk as alternatives to sour cream. These will maintain the moisture and tender crumb while adding a slight tang, similar to sour cream.
PrintHow to Make a Box Cake Mix Taste Homemade Recipe
This recipe transforms a standard box of devil’s food cake mix into a rich, moist, and homemade-tasting chocolate cake by adding instant chocolate pudding, sour cream, and real butter. The result is a deep chocolate flavor with a tender crumb that’s perfect for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Total Time: 45-50 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 1 15 oz. box devil’s food cake mix
- 1 3.4 oz box instant chocolate pudding (dry)
Wet Ingredients
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan thoroughly to ensure the cake does not stick.
- Mix Ingredients: Combine the devil’s food cake mix, instant chocolate pudding powder, eggs, melted butter, milk, sour cream, and vanilla extract in a large mixing bowl. Use an electric mixer on medium speed to blend everything together for about 3 minutes until the batter is smooth, well combined, and fluffy.
- Bake: Pour the batter evenly into the prepared 9×13 baking pan. Bake for approximately 35 to 40 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, indicating the cake is fully baked.
- Cool: Allow the cake to cool completely in the pan before applying any frosting or serving to ensure the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Using sour cream adds moisture and tenderness to the cake, enhancing its homemade quality.
- Instant pudding mix boosts the chocolate flavor and contributes to a moist crumb.
- Melted butter provides richness and improves the texture compared to oil.
- For best results, ensure all ingredients are at room temperature before mixing.
- You can frost the cake with your favorite frosting once fully cooled, such as chocolate buttercream or cream cheese frosting.
- This cake can be stored at room temperature covered for up to 3 days or refrigerated for up to a week.
Keywords: box cake mix, homemade cake, devil’s food cake, chocolate cake, moist chocolate cake, pudding cake, easy cake recipe

