Since the inception of the cake mix during the Great Depression, homemakers have been obsessed with doctoring up the basic recipe. We have added ingredients such as liquors, pudding mix, mayonnaise and even black eyed peas to make the boxed cake a little more “our own.” And let’s face it — boxed cake mixes have been so improved through the years that they are really good on their own, but we still like to create that “kicked-up” cake. 

Have you tried this trick? It's the addition of melted ice cream to a basic cake mix!  

This three-ingredient recipe results in a cake that is dense, moist and a flavor concoction that you have created. Plus, it really has a rich, creamy flavor that tastes of the ice cream. 

Ingredients:

• 1 box of Cake Mix (any flavor)
• 3 eggs at room temperature
• 1 pint of any flavor premium* ice cream 

* Using a premium ice cream brand such as Ben and Jerry’s, Häagen-Dazs or Blue Bell helps ensure that the melted ice cream yields 2 cups. A more economical brand may have so much air whipped into it that when melted you do not have the correct measurement of liquid. 

I chose a yellow Duncan Hines cake mix and Central Market’s Saigon Cinnamon for my cake because I wanted a flavor to complement a Mexican themed luncheon celebrating Dia de los Muertos. 

Directions:

Pre heat oven to 350.

Let the ice cream melt thoroughly and measure.

Spray cake pan with Baker’s Joy non-stick spray for baking. 

Add all ingredients to the bowl of an electric mixer and beat at medium speed for two minutes, scraping down sides. Batter will be thick. Pour batter into a Bundt cake pan prepared with a good spraying of Bakers Joy baking spray and bake for 32 to 36 minutes. 

Cool the cake on a cooling rack for 15 to 20 minutes, then turn out on rack to let it continue cooling. 

When the cake is cooled you may leave it as is or finish the way you like with a glaze or a dusting of powdered sugar. 

The result was a cake with a rich flavor and creamy texture. Plus, three ingredients made it so easy. But the best part is how much fun you can have creating your very own flavor. The possibilities are endless since there are so many cake mixes and ice cream flavors available. 

How ‘bout Devils Food and Ben and Jerry’s Cherry Garcia? Or spice cake and pumpkin ice cream for the Thanksgiving holidays? There truly are endless possibilities — I’m hooked!