Base Cake Mix
Creating a base cake mix is like having a secret weapon in your kitchen. It saves time, reduces stress, and opens up a world of baking possibilities. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, having a ready-to-go mix can make all the difference.
Why Use a Base Cake Mix?
- Convenience: With a base mix, you can whip up a cake in no time. No more last-minute trips to the store or measuring out ingredients. Everything you need is already prepared.
- Consistency: Using a base mix ensures that your cakes turn out the same every time. This is especially helpful if you’re baking for an event or trying to impress guests.
- Versatility: A base mix is like a blank canvas. You can add different flavors, fillings, or toppings to create something unique. The possibilities are endless!
- Cost-Effective: Buying ingredients in bulk for your mix can save money in the long run. Plus, it reduces waste since you’re only using what you need.
Tips for Using a Base Cake Mix
- Storage: Keep your mix in an airtight container to maintain freshness. Store it in a cool, dry place to extend its shelf life.
- Labeling: Always label your mix with the date it was made. This helps you keep track of its freshness and ensures you’re using the oldest mix first.
- Customization: Don’t be afraid to experiment. Add spices, extracts, or even a splash of coffee to your mix for a different twist.
A base cake mix is a game-changer for anyone who loves to bake. It simplifies the process, ensures quality, and allows for endless creativity. So, next time you’re planning to bake, consider starting with a base mix. You’ll be amazed at how much easier and enjoyable baking can be!
Base Cake Mix
Ingredients
- 13 cups sifted all purpose flour
- 1/3 cups double-acting baking powder
- 1 1/2 Tablespoon salt
- 8 cups sugar 3 1/2 lbs
- 3 cups shortening 1 1/4 lbs
Instructions
- Stir flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar to blend. Sift three times. Cut in the shortening with a pastry blender or electric mixer, or work it in with the finger tips until quite uniformly blended.
- A quick method for blending is to put ingredients into a large bowl and use an electric mixer, blending the mixture at low speed until the desired consistency is reached (1 1/2 to 3 min.)
- Store in an airtight canister at room temperature. To measure mix, pile it lightly into a cup and level off with a spatula. This recipe makes about 23 cups of Mix. This Mix will keep three months without refrigeration.
General directions for making a cake from the Master Mix:
- Have ingredients at room temperature. Use a large mixing bowl and a low speed (2-3) or vigorous hand beating. While using mixer, continually scrape the batter from the sides of the bowl into the beaters with a rubber scraper.
- Cakes using Master Mix recipe:
Yellow Cake
- 3 1/3 cups Master Mix
- 3/4 cups milk
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- Add ½ cup of milk to the Mix; beat 2 min. Add remaining milk, eggs, and vanilla; beat 2 min. Pour into two 8" layer pans lined with waxed paper. Bake in moderate oven 375 °F or 20 min.
- To Bake 13×9 pan 35-40 mins. To bake cupcakes- 12-15 mins. To bake Tube or Bundt Pan 45-50 mins
Chocolate Cake
- 2 egg whites
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 3 cups Master Mix
- 1/3 cup cocoa
- 1 cup milk
- 2 egg yolks
- Make meringue by beating the egg whites until nearly stiff and beating in the sugar. Beat until it is very stiff. Stir cocoa into the Mix. Add 1/2 cup milk; beat 2 min. Add remaining milk and egg yolks; beat 2 min. Thoroughly blend the meringue into the batter by cutting and folding with the mixer beaters or with a spatula. Pour into two 8" layer pans lined with waxed paper. Bake in a moderate oven 375 °F about 20 minutes
- To Bake 13×9 pan 35-40 mins. To bake cupcakes- 12-15 mins. To bake Tube or Bundt Pan 45-50 mins
White Cake
- 3 1/3 cups Master Mix
- 3/4 cup milk
- 3 egg whites
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- Add 1/2 cup milk to Mix; beat 2 min. Add remaining milk, egg whites & vanilla; beat 2 min. Pour into two 8" layer pans lined with waxed paper. Bake in moderate oven 375 °F about 20 min.
- To Bake 13×9 pan 35-40 mins. To bake cupcakes- 12-15 mins. To bake Tube or Bundt Pan 45-50 mins
Spice Cake
- 3 1/3 cups Master Mix
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon allspice
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon cloves
- 3/4 cup milk
- 2 eggs
- Stir spices into the Mix. Add 3/4 cup milk to Mix; beat 2 min. Add remaining milk & eggs; beat 2 min. Pour into two 8" layer pans lined with waxed paper. Bake in moderate oven 375 °F about 20 min.
- To Bake 13×9 pan 35-40 mins. To bake cupcakes- 12-15 mins. To bake Tube or Bundt Pan 45-50 mins
Notes
If 9″ layer cake pans are used instead of 8″ layer pans, recipes need to be increased to 1 1/2. This would be 5 cups of Master Mix 3 eggs; 1 cup plus 2 Tablespoons milk & 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla for yellow cake. These cakes require about 25 min. baking at 375 degrees.