does everyone mainly use a box cake for their cake? So far I have only used a box to save on time, do I need to add extra ingredients to the box to make it even better?

There are doctored cake mix recipes on this site that really make a huge difference in the final product.

Here are two that come immediately to mind:

(This recipe can easily be cut in half.)

http://cakecentral.com/cake_recipe-2322-White-Almond-Sour-Cream-Cake.html

(You can use whole eggs in this recipe.)

http://cakecentral.com/cake_recipe-1972-Durable-Cake-for-3D-and-Wedding-Cakes.html

There are also extenders for cake mixes that increase the amount of batter yield (to fill larger or more cake pans).

http://cakecentral.com/cake_recipe-1977-0-Cake-Mix-extender.html

http://cakecentral.com/cake_recipe-1953-0-Super-Enhanced-Cake-Formula.html

Here are complete directions for making a whimsical/tilted cake....

For a normal cake, disregard the whimsical/tilted part. Everything else will still work.

http://cakecentral.com/cake-decorating-ftopict-62111-.html

Nice (not overly sweet) frosting recipes from CC:

http://cakecentral.com/cake_recipe-2110-Marshmallow-Creme-Buttercream.html

http://cakecentral.com/cake_recipe-2019-Whipped-Cream-Buttercream-Frosting.html

http://cakecentral.com/cake_recipe-2006-Dreamy-Cream.html

HTH

You will find people on here that swear by scratch and others that swear by box. (It's even turned into heated debates) What IS important is that you need to use what's best for you.

I don't use them very often, but when I do, YES, I add an extra egg and a box of instant pudding to make it more firm.

I'm new to this site and cake decorating. So far I've used just box mixes and it seems to do good. Next cake I'm going to try some of the things I've read about on this site like adding a box of instant pudding or an egg. I'm so glad I found this site it is so helpful!

Welcome to CC!!!

My all time favorite thing to do with box cake mixes is add a packet of Dream Whip, 1 cup of water and use 4 eggs.
I admire those that make cakes from scratch!! I have found a couple of what sound to be pretty good and easy recipes here.
And yes, this site is awesome

thanks sooo much, cant wait to try all these add ins. I LOOOOVe this website!!!

thanks for the tutoral!

I have never used anything but boxed until I found this site, now I use both. The boxed ones get a little doctoring and the scratch ones are sort of trial and error, those I try and I like I keep in my reference file.

I just experiment my heart out... and those who get the experiments are really happy about it.

Have fun with it.

cakerer:
no, I don't add any oil. Sorry it didn't work for you.
I had thought about trying to put different extract flavorings to it - might be an idea.
My MIL bought me at least 14 different extracts for Christmas and I'm wanted to try them in something!

JanH, you are always so helpful! Thanks!!!!!!! When ever I see the Cathy avitar I get excited because I know you are going to have some great input.

What size pudding box do you use when you beef up the box mix? What would I use for a Pilsbury Confetti cake? any thought?

Mareg: I use the 3.4 oz. Its the small box. I use one box per mix.

What is the Pillsbury Confetti cake?

Thanks!!

Yes, Confetti cake and or Strawberry