The Cake Mix Doctor Returns!: With 160 All-New Recipes

by Anne Byrn

It’s pure magic—you’ll never believe these cakes come out of a box!

Transform ordinary cake mix into extraordinary cakes through just the right additions: Use buttermilk and sour cream for greater moisture and richness. Boost flavor with cocoa powder, peppermint extract, lemon zest—even lemon yogurt. Instead of water, try orange juice, canned pumpkin, a leftover cup of coffee (it makes for a devilishly delicious brownie).  Byrn takes bakers boldly forward with 160 fast, foolproof recipes, plus dozens of fresh ideas on frosting (including how to make only what you need), garnishing, and baking lighter cakes for lighter appetites.

Here are 40 layer cakes—not just vanilla and chocolate cakes but a Holiday Eggnog Cake, Blueberry Muffin Crumble Cake, Lemonade Chiffon Layer Cake with Raspberry Filling. 38 Bundts and Pound Cakes—in flavors like Key Lime, Fudge Brownie, Pina Colada, Red Peach Nectar. 35 Sheet Cakes, and densely delicious cheesecakes too! Plus 18 frostings!
 

Genres: Cookbooks, Cooking, Food, Nonfiction, Ebooks, Reference

502 pages, Paperback

First published September 24, 2009

Reviews

[Karen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lots of helpful tips about stuff like bake sales and feeding a crowd and making stuff ahead.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had heard of the Cake Doctor from a friend of mine, who swears by her cake recipes. So I decided to give her newer basic cookbook a try. I will say that she does know what she is doing as most of the recipes seem relatively simple and fun to make. I like that she doesn't just do layer cakes, but also poundcakes, bundt cakes, brownies, bars, cookies, cupcakes, and frosting. I've been looking for a cake to do at my son's birthday party and I think I may have found it in the Lemonade Chiffon Layer Cake with Raspberry Filling, though I am considering switching the filling to a blueberry one as the theme is Rubber Duckies (blue and yellow). Either way, I'm sure it will be delicious. It is a little annoying that the only color pictures are in an index in the front, instead of with the recipes themselves. I like that she includes lots of tips and tricks to help the reader. I've never made a layer cake, so any tips I can get are helpful. I am hoping to make Easy Coconut Refrigerator Cake for my grandfather as it is his favorite, but would also like to try the Kentucky Blackberry Jam Cake, Apple Butter Spice Cake, Caramel Tres Leches Cake, Music to my Mouth Brownies (with Symphony Chocolate Bars inside), and many more. 5 stars.

[Marcia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm a fan of Anne Byrn--she performs magic by adding ingredients to mixes. (Starting with a mix always seems less intimidating to me, yet in some recipes you add quite a few other ingredients.) I made the hummingbird cake and it was easy and delicious. She even provides instructions to make your own wedding cake! I think the cupcake book is still my favorite, but this one has some new and unique ideas.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't so much read this book as much as I glanced through the recipes and fantasized about a summer full of baking. During the school year, I sometimes don't have time to eat, much less bake. Still, a teacher can dream.

The recipes are not intimidating and the ingredient lists tend to be practical. The author allows for several different pan sizes so there's no need to buy more pans.

I enjoy these books. I may even glance at her website someday. This book is a keeper.

[Reading Fool · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book and the earlier book, The Cake Mix Doctor, should be on every busy person's kitchen shelf (at least every person who has occasion to bake and doesn't have the time or skill). This is more of the same from the earlier publication - more recipes whose base is a cake mix. What is produced is a great treat to be shared, so these recipes are convenient for those who have to bake something for a picnic, potluck, school event, or child's birthday party. This is a keeper.

[Cymiki · Rating 4 out of 5]

more than just cakes - find cookie recipes, too, based on using cake mixes. i copied plenty of pages to try new and yummy-sounding desserts. also liked the various tips such as the ability to freeze bundt cakes. who knew?

[Ginny · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh My Goodness........awesome! My first cake is in the oven right now....pg 7, the yellow cream cheese one with the ganache topping and toffee bits for a new Year's party tonight.

[Sandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

This cookbook has several items I admire......photos of every recipe, easy to read font, and short comments, stories or notes about each recipe.

[Sonia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got this sealed and brand new for a dollar at a thrift store!!

[Susan Ryan]

If you didn't get enough recipes from her first book, you'll love this one. I have tried some of the recipes and they are great. Fantastic book to borrow or own.

[Patti · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fantastic book! Loved her first one and love this one also.

[Sandie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I cannot wait to start baking some of the yummy delights in this book!