All Purpose Cake Mix

 Let's make this quick and easy. We all get surprised by that last minute "I need a cake now!" moment. A quick dash to the pantry may reveal nothing that can be used. With this recipe, you can throw a multitude of cakes together with minor additions like chocolate chips and flavors. I highly recommend keeping flavors handy beyond vanilla extract, such as Torani flavored syrups.

Yellow or White Cake

5 cups all-purpose cake mix

1-1/4 cups milk

1 tsp vanilla extract (or any other flavored extract or syrup you want)

3 eggs (or for white cake, whites only)

Preheat oven to 350F (175C)

Generously grease and lightly flour two 8-or 9-inch round cake pans or one 13x9 baking pan. 

In a large bowl, combine cake mix, milk and vanilla. Beat with electric mixer on high speed for one minute. Scrape batter from side of bowl with a rubber spatula. Beat on high one minute longer. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition until the batter is creamy. Pour batter into pan(s). 

Bake 30-35 minutes (or 35-40 minutes for the 13x9) until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool on a rack for 10 minutes. Invert onto rack and remove the pan, if desired. Cool completely, then frost as appropriate. 

Original Flavored Syrups – Torani Syrups

Don't forget alcohol can also be a flavor. Amaretto, Bailey's, Bourbon, and Rum just for starter ideas. 

Don't forget fruit is a flavor. So is Koolaid powder (Go easy! It's strong). Is your mind racing?