Instant Pot Cake Recipe - Make the PERFECT cake using a box mix (2024)

FAQs

What is the cake setting on Instant Pot? ›

The Cake Maker setting on the Instant Pot is not “baking” by circulating dry, hot air around the food to cook it. Instead, it is utilizing the same function as Pressure Cook by heating water past its boiling temperature and using the resulting steam to cook the food.

Step 1: Pick the Right Pan

Both sizes are too large to fit in a standard 6-quart Instant Pot. You'll need a 6-inch round cake pan like this one. Six-inch cake pans are available in many baking stores, online here, and you can use them for far more than Instant Pot recipes! I actually love this smaller-size pan.

Enhance With Extracts

Pure vanilla extract and pure almond extract are great options, but you could also try lemon extract or orange extract paired with fresh citrus zest. Although more expensive, vanilla bean paste or fresh vanilla beans will provide even richer flavor to a boxed mix.

You want the cake to cook evenly all around. So the best option is to use top and bottom heat together or fan assisted heat where it is blown around the oven. You want to also pre heat the oven so it not only reaches temperature on the dial but also all the elements in the oven are to temperature.

Use the bake mode, which heats the oven from the bottom, ensuring even cooking. Always place the cake on the middle rack for optimal heat distribution.

Because eggs help build the cake's structure (don't use them and you're looking at a gooey mess), adding an extra egg yolk makes the cake batter denser. Translation: you'll have a moister confection. Conversely, she suggests an extra egg white for a fluffier cake.

The answer, much to your relief, is yes! The pressure cooker is a great substitute to bake in if you do not have an oven at your disposal.

Martina says, “Late in the mixing stage, eggs will incorporate better if you lightly beat them before adding to the batter. The finished cake may be slightly shorter than expected, but its flavor and tenderness shouldn't be affected.” For egg-leavened cakes, the eggs are crucial.

How to make a box cake taste like a bakery? ›

Step 1: Look at the directions on the cake mix. Step 2: Add one more egg (or add 2 if you want it to be very rich). Step 3: Use melted butter instead of oil and double the amount. Step 4: Instead of water, use whole milk.

To make a box cake taste better, use good quality butter (melted), such as Flechard, instead of oil. You may also add about a teaspoon to 1 tablespoon vanilla extract. For chocolate box cakes, you may use strong coffee instead of water and use good quality high cocoa chocolate (melted), such as Guittard or Ghirardelli.