Add One Fresh Ingredient To Boxed Cake Mix For An Instant Flavor Boost

Say what you want about boxed cake mix, but it gets the job done. Sorry, not sorry, to the baking purists — there are those of us who enjoy a good boxed cake every now and again. That said, there are times when you're looking for a simple addition that will make your boxed cake mix taste homemade. To get fancy, you can add a bit of citrus zest to your cake mix to transform it into something original. It's a simple trick that instantly brightens the flavor and makes your cake feel fresher and more vibrant.

We're talking about zests of all kinds! There's lemon, lime, orange, and even grapefruit zest, and just a lil bit is enough to pack a considerable punch. The zest contains concentrated citrus oils that deliver bold flavor without adding any extra moisture, so your cake stays fluffy and light. Let's get into some of the best pairings and how the zest works its magic.

You definitely want to get to all of the citrusy goodness on the outer layer of the peel. This is exactly where the flavor and lovely aroma are. The zest allows you to give your cake a nice tangy bite that can make you seem like the Martha Stewart of the family — making it a boxed cake mix hack you'll wish you knew sooner. Zest will also cut through the cake's sweetness, which can be monotonous at times, and will add a brightness that makes the flavor feel more complex and less artificial.

When it comes to zest, you're not relegated to specific cake varieties — it can be aptly defined by its versatility. For example, orange zest pairs beautifully with vanilla or chocolate cakes, while lemon and lime zest add a refreshing zing to lemon, yellow, or white cakes. As if that wasn't enough, even spice cake mix can benefit from the subtle acidity of grapefruit zest. By incorporating just a teaspoon or two of zest, you're taking your cake from store-bought to bakery-quality with almost no extra effort.

Zest can also be a fun way to customize your cake in a myriad of ways. To achieve a summer vibe, try lemon zest with a touch of vanilla extract. Or, if you're feeling particularly festive, try orange zest and a dash of cinnamon and put it in a decadent chocolate cake. The possibilities are endless, and the results are always impressive.

Incorporating citrus zest to your box cake mix is a stress free addition. You'll want to make sure that you wash your citrus fruit thoroughly to remove any wax or residue. Then, use a fine grater or a microplane to remove the colored part of the peel. Make sure to flip it over before using — you've been zesting citrus wrong your whole life if you're not heeding to this trick. It's super important not to include the bitter white pith underneath.

Once you've zested your fruit, mix it directly into the dry cake mix before adding the wet ingredients. You really want to make sure that the zest is evenly distributed throughout the batter because you don't want a cake that doesn't have that consistent burst of citrus flavor in every bite. For an extra boost, you can also add a small amount of freshly squeezed juice to the batter — just reduce the water or milk slightly to keep the consistency right. And don't forget about the frosting! Add some zest to your buttercream or glaze ... it works wonders. A little lemon zest in a cream cheese frosting or orange zest in a simple powdered sugar glaze can tie the flavors of your cake together seamlessly.

To all of the boxed cake mix lovers, we too can have a place at the table knowing that our cakes can taste similar, if not just as good, as those made from scratch. So, the next time you're whipping up a cake, grab a citrus fruit and zest your way to greatness.