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The Cake Mix Doctor
The Cake Mix Doctor is in!
And the prescription is simple: By doctoring up packaged cake mix with just the right extras--a touch of sweet butter here, cocoa powder there, or poppy seeds, vanilla yogurt, sherry, eggs, and grated lemon zest for the Charleston Poppy Seed Cake--even the least experienced baker can turn out luscious signature desserts, time after time. The proof is in the taste, and the taste never stops--from Toasted Coconut Sour Cream Cake to Devilishly Good Chocolate Cake; from a to-die-for Caramel Cake and a Holiday Yule Log to cheesecakes, coffee cakes, sheet cakes, pound cakes, bars, brownies, and those all-important frostings, here are 175 fast, foolproof recipes that will transform the art of home baking in America.
Who could believe these cakes came out of a box? Moist, tender, rich, deep, and complexly flavored, without a hint of artificiality, each cake stand up and delivers. But without any of the fuss of baking from scratch. Anne Byrn, an award-wining food writer and self-described purist, creates recipes that employ a cake mix's strengths---convenience, ease-of-use, dependability, and almost imperviousness to overbeating, underbeating, overbaking, and underbaking.
In addition to the recipes are the Cake Mix Doctor's Q&A's, extensive "Doctor Says" tips, lists--15 Beautiful Birthday Cakes, 15 Cakes That Will Cash in at a Bake Sale--and more, all illustrated in a full-color photographic insert.
And the prescription is simple: By doctoring up packaged cake mix with just the right extras--a touch of sweet butter here, cocoa powder there, or poppy seeds, vanilla yogurt, sherry, eggs, and grated lemon zest for the Charleston Poppy Seed Cake--even the least experienced baker can turn out luscious signature desserts, time after time. The proof is in the taste, and the taste never stops--from Toasted Coconut Sour Cream Cake to Devilishly Good Chocolate Cake; from a to-die-for Caramel Cake and a Holiday Yule Log to cheesecakes, coffee cakes, sheet cakes, pound cakes, bars, brownies, and those all-important frostings, here are 175 fast, foolproof recipes that will transform the art of home baking in America.
Who could believe these cakes came out of a box? Moist, tender, rich, deep, and complexly flavored, without a hint of artificiality, each cake stand up and delivers. But without any of the fuss of baking from scratch. Anne Byrn, an award-wining food writer and self-described purist, creates recipes that employ a cake mix's strengths---convenience, ease-of-use, dependability, and almost imperviousness to overbeating, underbeating, overbaking, and underbaking.
In addition to the recipes are the Cake Mix Doctor's Q&A's, extensive "Doctor Says" tips, lists--15 Beautiful Birthday Cakes, 15 Cakes That Will Cash in at a Bake Sale--and more, all illustrated in a full-color photographic insert.
454 pages, Paperback
First published January 11, 1999
102 people are currently reading
7526 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 117 reviews
October 5, 2021
Made the New York style cheesecake as well as the chocolate better than ? cake with penuche frosting with the help of my toddler. Both were excellent!
March 4, 2010
My awesome friend Jana recently made a caramel cake from this book that she said was amazing. I thought I had better give it a shot. I've read the intro and I can't wait to try the Lethal Peppermint Chocolate cake on page thirty. I'll keep you posted. (Or you can just come on over and have a slice!)
I read through the cook book and absolutely love it! I made the peppermint cake on Sunday to rave reviews. While I shouldn't give it a rating until I've tried out more of the recipes, I couldn't help myself. I was so delighted by the idea of so many of the recipes. Hmmmm..
I read through the cook book and absolutely love it! I made the peppermint cake on Sunday to rave reviews. While I shouldn't give it a rating until I've tried out more of the recipes, I couldn't help myself. I was so delighted by the idea of so many of the recipes. Hmmmm..
January 8, 2010
Dozens of cakes, cookies, bars, brownies and other desserts that all start with a basic cake mix. Nothing I've tried from this book has turned out badly, they are all delectable and easy to make. She also includes fun stories about the origins of different desserts- Devil's Food Cake is called that because it's slightly reddish!- and great baking tips!
January 22, 2008
Like most people I have enough cookbooks--but this one is terrific. A cake for every occasion, all delicious, all pretty easy to make, and I've actually USED this cookbook twice a month since I bought it. A must own for anyone with a kitchen and a sweet tooth.
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May 14, 2017I love to bake, but don't always have the time. This book has never failed for making a very yummy, like-from-scratch cake with minimum effort. The Old Fashion Pear and the Ginger Cake are awesome! --Kelly H.
May 25, 2023
I don't have much success with cookbooks. I look at them, and find two or three recipes that I'd like to make, and that's it.
This book is different!
There are so many cakes I'd like to make, and more important, so many cakes I think I could make with success!
Loved this one!
This book is different!
There are so many cakes I'd like to make, and more important, so many cakes I think I could make with success!
Loved this one!
May 10, 2010
This book has great easy recipes. Personal favorites include, double chocolate rum cake with raspberry sauce and the melted ice cream cake.
September 3, 2011
love love love! I never know whether to keep this book close to my chest or forcefully thrust it at someone else's, insisting that they try it - this is a must for every baker's kitchen shelves!
October 16, 2014
As good as everybody says it is.
May 5, 2022
I borrowed the book from the library & had to have it after trying one recipe!
I've given 3 books as gifts with happy results. These recipes move a mundane
box mix into over-the-top desserts and homemade tasting treats.
My husband is well traveled and pronounced Kathys Cinnamon
Breakfast Cake pg 257, as the best coffee cake he's ever eaten. Anywhere.
I've shared this recipe with several people who have tried it and agreed.
The authors down to earth way of writing makes the book an enjoyable read. She provides lists of the most portable cakes & desserts, how to exchange one pan size for another, and other helpful tips and tricks. I would recommend this book for the newly-wed, Moms busy with kids, and anyone needing to take a dessert to a gathering.
This is the list I gave my recipients, and it makes a really cute bookmark if you are so
inclined.
Chocolate Pistachio Cake pg 40
Chocolate Marble Gooey Butter Cake pg 244
***Kathys Cinnamon Breakfast Cake pg 257 Best coffee cake ever!!
(glaze is better with a bit of butter)
Chocolate Mocha Chewies pg 337
Ninas Strawberry Crisp pg 364
Chocolate Punch Bowl Cake pg 368
Chocolate Covered Cherry Cake pg 50
I've given 3 books as gifts with happy results. These recipes move a mundane
box mix into over-the-top desserts and homemade tasting treats.
My husband is well traveled and pronounced Kathys Cinnamon
Breakfast Cake pg 257, as the best coffee cake he's ever eaten. Anywhere.
I've shared this recipe with several people who have tried it and agreed.
The authors down to earth way of writing makes the book an enjoyable read. She provides lists of the most portable cakes & desserts, how to exchange one pan size for another, and other helpful tips and tricks. I would recommend this book for the newly-wed, Moms busy with kids, and anyone needing to take a dessert to a gathering.
This is the list I gave my recipients, and it makes a really cute bookmark if you are so
inclined.
Chocolate Pistachio Cake pg 40
Chocolate Marble Gooey Butter Cake pg 244
***Kathys Cinnamon Breakfast Cake pg 257 Best coffee cake ever!!
(glaze is better with a bit of butter)
Chocolate Mocha Chewies pg 337
Ninas Strawberry Crisp pg 364
Chocolate Punch Bowl Cake pg 368
Chocolate Covered Cherry Cake pg 50
July 16, 2014
The Perfect Cake Book for bakers with limited time and a love of rich, moist cakes.
The recipes are quick and easy with very few ingredients (a huge plus for those with a limited income). Each cake is made using cake mix (ex. Duncan Hines) and adding simple ingredients to create a delicious cake. The directions are concise and easy to understand, a great book for any baker who wants delicious cakes with very little effort. The front of the book contains a cake glossary with colorful/glossy pictures of each cake and the name/page # for the recipe (it's like choosing from a bakery window).
The cakes are always rich and incredibly moist; costing far less to make than making a cake from scratch. I've baked multiple cakes from this book and have always received glowing praise and requests for the recipes. I only own two dessert books and they are both books from this series.
The book is also filled with extras and stories which give bakers tips and background information about what goes into making cakes (reasons for adding pudding, effects of baking using different pans, ect).
The recipes are quick and easy with very few ingredients (a huge plus for those with a limited income). Each cake is made using cake mix (ex. Duncan Hines) and adding simple ingredients to create a delicious cake. The directions are concise and easy to understand, a great book for any baker who wants delicious cakes with very little effort. The front of the book contains a cake glossary with colorful/glossy pictures of each cake and the name/page # for the recipe (it's like choosing from a bakery window).
The cakes are always rich and incredibly moist; costing far less to make than making a cake from scratch. I've baked multiple cakes from this book and have always received glowing praise and requests for the recipes. I only own two dessert books and they are both books from this series.
The book is also filled with extras and stories which give bakers tips and background information about what goes into making cakes (reasons for adding pudding, effects of baking using different pans, ect).
July 8, 2015
If you're a Martha Stewart type, this book is definitely not for you. However, if you're a harassed mother who foolishly promised a cake -- or three -- for the school bake sale or the League of Women Voters annual meeting, Anne Byrn provides more than 100 recipes that begin with a cake mix -- but don't taste like it.
The printed editions, hardcover and paperback, include a frontispiece with full-color photos of every single cake. Too bad the Kindle version doesn't!
I particularly recommend the Holy Cow Cake (p. 177), the Love Cake (p. 184), the various cheesecakes (pp. 222-251), and the Bacardi Rum Cake (p. 292). However, whatever sort of cake you like, there's something here for you.
One caveat: Cake mixes without pudding already in the mix were much more available when Byrn published this book in 1999. Even so, most of these cakes come out fine with pudding-in-the-mix cake mixes, if a bit denser.
The printed editions, hardcover and paperback, include a frontispiece with full-color photos of every single cake. Too bad the Kindle version doesn't!
I particularly recommend the Holy Cow Cake (p. 177), the Love Cake (p. 184), the various cheesecakes (pp. 222-251), and the Bacardi Rum Cake (p. 292). However, whatever sort of cake you like, there's something here for you.
One caveat: Cake mixes without pudding already in the mix were much more available when Byrn published this book in 1999. Even so, most of these cakes come out fine with pudding-in-the-mix cake mixes, if a bit denser.
March 2, 2008
When this book first came out ten years ago, I didn't give it a second glance. I honestly thought that although the concept of doctoring boxed cake mixes wasn't a good one, that it would still taste like boxed cake. Well, ten years ago I had the time to create great cake from scratch. Now, not so much! I saw it at the library and decided to bring it home for inspection. My husband and I made one cake that night, "Bananas Foster Inside-Out Cake." It was SO good!!! There's something for everyone in here, whether you're a chocolate purist, a Southerner (The Red Velvet Cake looks pretty good!) or a kid. (Birthday Cone Cupcakes, just like my mom used to make!) This book was so good....I'm going to buy a copy!
December 1, 2019
I received this lovely book as a gift from my Aunt Margaret. She sure knows her cookbooks! Wow, what a description, "From Cake Mix to Cake Magnificent." The cake photos by Anthony Loew are so inviting. The best cakes and frosting recipes compiled by Anne Byrn are a hit with my grandkids, including the Spice Doughnuts near the back of the book.
We are fans of Marsha's Lively Lemon Bundt Cake, Cherry Dump Cake, Pumpkin Spice Cake, and Zucchini Spice Cake. The toppings are sensational, like Coconut Pecan Cream Cheese, Penuche frosting, and Fresh Berry Compote. Midway in the book are Educational Baking Tips for Kids that my grandkids love!
I'm so glad this book is in our home library! Easy prep/assembly time and quick go-to cake book for the home baker!
We are fans of Marsha's Lively Lemon Bundt Cake, Cherry Dump Cake, Pumpkin Spice Cake, and Zucchini Spice Cake. The toppings are sensational, like Coconut Pecan Cream Cheese, Penuche frosting, and Fresh Berry Compote. Midway in the book are Educational Baking Tips for Kids that my grandkids love!
I'm so glad this book is in our home library! Easy prep/assembly time and quick go-to cake book for the home baker!
April 8, 2019
The recipe is in this cookbook take a humble, ordinary cake mix and elevate it to something special like peaches and cream cake, pineapple upside down cake, or a delicious fudge cake. Most of the recipes are easy to make, take very little time to prepare, and can be made with children starting at about six years old. Bachelors may especially love this cookbook because they could whip up something tasty while impressing a lady they invite to dinner. Some of us ladies really go for guys who can cook. Finally, most of the recipes in this book used easy to find ingredients that are affordable as well.
May 17, 2010
A cake recipe I do over and over that is sooooo good comes from this book (Darn Good Chocolate Cake). But after trying a couple of other recipes that's the only one I make. I find the Chocolate recipe has a sort of "template" that I can use to improve any cake that comes from a box (add to the mix 1 cup sour cream, one 3.9 oz box of pudding that "matches the particular box flavor, 4 eggs, 1/2 cup oil, and one cup water... walla... great cake from a box). The idea is great, and I'm very happy I got one great recipe out of it. That recipe is 5 stars for sure.
May 30, 2015
This book certainly provides a multitude of cake ideas. The suggestions for improving on a box mix for a regular cake, the "Basic Cake" recipes look quite good. With regard to many of the other recipes, you are adding so many other ingredients, I think it would be just as easy make the cake from scratch. Perhaps for twenty somethings who don't stock things like flour, baking powder and soda in their pantry, this would be of value. The frosting chapter provides recipes for all basic frostings in one handy place.
September 30, 2007
This is a great book for adding some oomph to a cake mix cake. I particularly liked the chocolate rum cake... Mmmmmm. There are really simple ideas in here, and some complex ones, but it's nice to know that the proportions have been tried and you're not going to destroy the cake when you add xyz to it. It;s also really fun to browse through when you just feel like thinking about cake. Yummy.
Helpfully, there is a photo of every finished cake included.
Helpfully, there is a photo of every finished cake included.
April 19, 2009
If the success of a good cookbook is measured by the frequency with which it is pulled off the shelves than this is my most treasured cookbook. I never really learned how to bake scratch cakes and I usually don't have the time. However with the Cake Doctor a cake mix effortlessly becomes a Pound Cake, bar cookie or coffee cake. There are a couple hundred possibilities that take just a couple of extra ingredients added to a regular cake mix.
October 15, 2010
More than 175 recipes that start with a cake mix and after adding embellishments, turn out beautiful and delicious cakes! I've had this book for years and have made several of the cakes. Sometimes I am too lazy to make a cake, I just look at the luscious pictures. Not as satisfying, but low cal!
I just made a delicious and beautiful coffee cake for Ryan to take to the church--his turn to bring the treats.
My advice is to start with a Duncan Hines cake mix.
I just made a delicious and beautiful coffee cake for Ryan to take to the church--his turn to bring the treats.
My advice is to start with a Duncan Hines cake mix.
February 25, 2011
While nothing can replace the feeling of accomplishment that comes with serving up truly homemade-from-scratch things, Anne Byrn gives us a close second by teaching us to fool our guests into thinking we're serving up our homemade-from-scratchy best. Her cake mix add-ins give whole new life to boxed desserts. These crowd pleasers would make any baker rejoice and are so simple to make! Sandra Lee's "semi-homemade" desserts have met their competition.
July 30, 2016
I saw a local demo & bought her book. I alsl bought the dinner book.
OMG! This is the cheater way to make a cake! Years ago, when the first cake mix came out, people complained because they only had to add water. They weren't doing enough, so now we add eggs water & oil.
This book makes baking a cake from scratch, EASY! There are so many great things she adds, it can easily add to your clothes size if get really into it! LOL!
OMG! This is the cheater way to make a cake! Years ago, when the first cake mix came out, people complained because they only had to add water. They weren't doing enough, so now we add eggs water & oil.
This book makes baking a cake from scratch, EASY! There are so many great things she adds, it can easily add to your clothes size if get really into it! LOL!
June 26, 2013
I love the idea that you don't have to be a professional chef to bake a good looking cake. Sadly, creating amazing cakes from scratch would likely be tastier, and would not require any more effort than what is suggested in this book. It may be somewhat unfair to rate the quality of writing in a cookbook, but there was nothing special about the way this book was written either. I might leave it on the shelf if given the chance to have a do over.
April 29, 2019
This book is great for relatively quick and easy cake baking. I'm always dealing with short notices for unexpected company or last minute invites so the bundt cake is my pal :) The recipes within are easy to follow though with some, the ingredients are not usual staples. Once you read the various recipes, you'll soon be concocting your own variations. I especially love the cakes with alcohol .. yummm!
I also bought the Chocolate Cake Mix Doctor .. more fab recipes!
I also bought the Chocolate Cake Mix Doctor .. more fab recipes!
July 17, 2019
If the success of a good cookbook is measured by the frequency with which it is pulled off the shelves than this is my most treasured cookbook. I never really learned how to bake scratch cakes and I usually don't have the time. However with the Cake Doctor a cake mix effortlessly becomes a Pound Cake, bar cookie or coffee cake. There are a couple hundred possibilities that take just a couple of extra ingredients added to a regular cake mix.
January 7, 2014
the cakes are easy and quite fail-proof. besides improving the cake mixes, byrn provides easy and delicious frosting recipes, which are "from scratch." my biggest criticism of this book, and her others is in the binding. cookbooks need to lie flat, and these don't, unless you break the binding! i wish it were spiral bound.
February 25, 2008
I thought this was a great idea at first. I mean, who can contest that cake mixes taste horrible? But then I found out the chemicals and preservatives in cake mixes and thought, 'Why would I want to make something that probably shouldn't belong in my body in the first place taste good?'
Some of the recipes are great, but in my opinion, it's just easier to make a cake and frosting from scratch.
Some of the recipes are great, but in my opinion, it's just easier to make a cake and frosting from scratch.
June 23, 2009
This is a great book for people who like to bake but don't necessarily like to measure out a billion ingredients. There are great cake recipes which taste like homemade after adding just a few simple things to a boxed cake mix. The author also includes some spectacular frosting recipes. One of my recent favorites is the simple strawberry frosting on page 67. Yum!!
December 26, 2010
I have a hard time with the premise of the book--it feels too much like cheating! But for what it is, Anne Byrn does an excellent job. The recipes are clearly written, lots of helpful beginner tips are sprinkled through, and the book is worth owning just for the solid frostings/filing recipes included at the end of the book. If nothing else it is certainly inspiring.
April 13, 2010
I can't recommend this book until I try a recipe or two. But what Anne Bryn does is present several dessert recipes, mostly cakes, that she "doctors up." into fancier cakes, and sometimes cookies. It seems to me that it would be just as easy to make these creations from scratch. But I will check the book out again sometime, and try one or two.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 117 reviews