How to Turn a Boxed Cake Mix into a Pound Cake

If you're looking for an easy way to turn a simple box of cake mix into a thick, delicious pound cake, this is the post for you! In this post you'll get all of the tips you need to create delicious pound cakes from an ordinary box of cake mix.

What is Pound Cake?

Pound cake is a classic dessert known for its dense, buttery texture and rich flavor. Traditionally, it’s made with just four ingredients: a pound each of butter, sugar, eggs, and flour.

I've got an amazing homemade (from scratch) pound cake that my sister-in-law passed my way a couple years ago. She got it from her grandmother, lovingly known as "Moggie." Moggie's pound cake has a place in our hearts and on this blog. I'm so proud to share it.

But sometimes? Well, sometimes you're in a hurry and you want to make that cake with what you have on hand. And since this site is all about doctoring cake mixes, that's a mighty good place to start!

Pound cakes are loved by folks of all ages. And I can see why! This indulgent treat is often served with fresh fruit, whipped cream, or a dusting of powdered sugar. (I'll take all of the above, please!)

If you whip out a pound cake, your guests will swoon, especially if you add all of those luscious topping.

Pound Cake. . .From a Boxed Mix?

In today’s busy world, I often turn to doctored cake mixes for a shortcut to that classic pound cake texture and flavor. As we have established in several hundred recipes on this blog, boxed cake mixes are incredibly versatile and can serve as a fantastic base for creating customized desserts. It's what I love to do here at Out of the Box Baking.

With a few simple additions, you can elevate a standard boxed mix into something truly special. Using a doctored cake mix is not only convenient but also allows you to experiment with flavors and textures while still achieving consistent results. It’s my go-to method for combining convenience with creativity in the kitchen.

Turn an Ordinary Cake into a Pound Cake

If you want to turn a boxed cake mix into a pound cake, the key is to adjust the ingredients to create a thicker, richer batter. Start by reducing the liquid slightly and adding ingredients that will enhance the density and flavor of the cake. If the mix calls for a cup of water, start with ⅔ cup milk. Or heavy cream. (I prefer cream, as it adds more fat to the mix.)

Not sure how that would work? Here's an example: Want to make a lemon pound cake but you've only got a box of white cake mix? No problem! Instead of following the box instructions, try incorporating four eggs, one cup of room-temperature butter, ¼ cup of lemon juice, and the zest and juice of a large lemon into a white cake mix.

I did this recently and the outcome was divine, especially when paired with my Luscious Lemon Curd (which I make from scratch).

Replacing the water with lemon juice and lemon zest will add richness and a slight tangy flavor, perfect for a lemon pound cake.

Other Ways to Doctor Up a Box Cake Mix

I've got a full post of ideas for doctoring cake mixes, but for the sake of this post we'll stick to pound cake ideas. One fun idea is to swirl in a few tablespoons of jam for a fruity twist. (You can add the jam directly to the batter or spoon it into the batter at the halfway point in the bundt pan.) A

Another idea: Use a chocolate cake mix as a base for a decadent chocolate pound cake. My chocolate pound cake with sour cream, which included a small box of instant chocolate pudding, is a great example of how a boxed mix can be transformed into a bakery-style dessert.

Here are a few specific ideas to inspire you:

• Lemon Pound Cake: Add 4 eggs, 1 cup room-temperature butter, ¼ cup lemon juice, and a teaspoon of lemon zest to a white or yellow cake mix.
• Berry Swirl Pound Cake: Mix 4 eggs, ½ cup sour cream, ¼ cup heavy cream, and a few tablespoons of your favorite berry jam into a white cake mix, along with some fresh berries. (Yum!)
• Chocolate Pound Cake: Use a chocolate cake mix and add 4 eggs, ½ cup sour cream, a small box of instant chocolate pudding, and ½ cup melted butter.
• Vanilla Almond Pound Cake: Combine 4 eggs, 1 cup softened butter, ¼ cup milk or heavy cream, 1 teaspoon almond extract, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract into a yellow cake mix.
• German Chocolate Pound Cake: If you love a terrific German Chocolate cake but the idea of making one from scratch sounds overwhelming, do I have the perfect recipe for you!
• Coconut Pecan Pound Cake: If you’re a fan of pound cake, rich with coconut and pecans, but you don’t have the time to bake one from scratch, you’ve come to the right place. This bundt cake recipe will blow you away and it starts with a box of white cake mix. 
• Sweet Potato Pound Cake: Adding sweet potatoes or pumpkin is an easy way to turn a simple cake into pound cake. Yum!
• Orange Raspberry: I can't begin to tell you how delicious this one is, folks. You'll have to try it for yourself!
• Hawaiian Pound Cake? Yes, please! A few tropical ingredients turn a simple box of cake mix into a Hawaiian delight!

The beauty of starting with a boxed mix approach is its flexibility. You can experiment with flavors, add-ins, and toppings to create a pound cake that suits your taste and occasion. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply craving a sweet treat, these ideas will help you turn an ordinary cake mix into an extraordinary dessert.

Questions People are Asking about Pound Cake

What is the texture of a pound cake?
Pound cake has a dense, moist, and tender crumb. Unlike lighter cakes, it’s substantial and holds its shape well when sliced.

How do I make a boxed cake mix taste homemade?
You can enhance a boxed cake mix by adding ingredients such as extra eggs, butter instead of oil, sour cream, pudding mix, or flavor extracts. These additions mimic the taste and texture of homemade cakes.

Why is my pound cake dry?
A pound cake can turn out dry if it’s overbaked or if there isn’t enough fat in the batter. To avoid this, check your cake regularly while baking and ensure you’re using ingredients like butter and sour cream to keep it moist.

What’s the best pan for baking pound cake?
A loaf pan or bundt pan is ideal for pound cake, as both allow for even baking and create a beautiful presentation. Make sure to grease and flour your pan to prevent sticking.

Can I freeze pound cake?
Yes, pound cake freezes well. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in an airtight container or freezer bag. It can be stored for up to three months.

What toppings go well with pound cake?
Pound cake pairs beautifully with whipped cream, fresh berries, fruit compotes, chocolate ganache, or a simple glaze made from powdered sugar and milk.

That’s it for this post, friends! I hope you enjoyed this delicious recipe. 

If you make this recipe and love it, don’t forget to leave a review and a comment below. And while you're at it, go ahead and pin some photos to your Pinterest boards!

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About the Author

Janice Thompson is an author, baker, and all-around mischief maker! She has overcome a host of baking catastrophes, including a toppled wedding cake, to learn more about the baking process. Janice has published over 165 books for the Christian market but particularly enjoys writing recipes and baking devotions. To learn more about Janice or to drop her a note, visit her About the Author page.