Can anyone tell me if you can modify boxed cake mix to get a good dense cake for carving and covering with fondant. I love to decorate, but not the baking part. But boxed mixes are too moist and fall apart.

I like to use this recipe, makes it very moist and dense. I add a box of dry pudding mix in with it, just using a flavor that compliments the cake...

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

Otherwise here is the "durable cake recipe" that many have said is great for carving!!

http://www.cakecentral.com/cake_recipe-1972-0-Durable-Cake-for-3D-and-Wedding-Cakes.html

And one last recipe, for the WASC cake. Many use this for wedding cakes due to it durability to hold up under fondant. And it is yummy!

Couple of tips I learned on here when carving, it helps to freeze the cake before carving. It will be less likely to fall apart and crumb on ya. The other thing is, make sure to use a good/sharp serrated knife to carve. HTH some, Jen

on yellow cakes mizes, there is a recipe for a pound cake. that's a good cake to carve and cover with fondant.

hth

The WASC cake is very versatile using the different flavor variations:

http://tinyurl.com/2cu8s4

HTH

I'm sure this question has been asked a zillion times, but since we're on the subject....would you use the Cake Extender recipe for the WASC too? And, just wanted to say how much help JanH is with her links...you've saved the day so many times! Thanks

Dixiegal01, the WASC is an extended cake mix recipe:

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

(You're adding 1 cup ea. of sugar, flour & sour cream, plus flavorings per box.)

It's generally not recommended to use more than one extender recipe per box mix.

You're very welcome; glad you find my links helpful.

JanH, thanks for the clarification. I made the WASC this weekend (using International Delight instead of water, and halfed the recipe) and wondered if I should use the cake extender....glad I didn't, no telling what I would have ended up with! I guess I just get so excited about my new hobby I just didn't think about it being an extender recipe......