Hi all. I have a question about the density of the cakes. I'm just starting out and love the idea of doctoring up the box mixes.(Grateful for the cake extender recipes) I've been experimenting and I realize I don't even know what the characteristics of a quality cake are I mean, am I shooting for the dense, moist cake (really tastes great) or the airy, fairy type cake? My inexperience is killing me. Maybe it's just a question of individual taste but I was hoping to learn more about what the texture should be.
Thanks so much.

i wouldn't be terribly concerned with the density unless you plan on covering your cake with fondant (you will need a dense sturdy cake for this but dense cakes are still very moist). i would shoot for taste. you certainly can't go wrong with a nice yummy cake. and if you feel you need a more moist cake, try freezing your cake. freezing actually adds moisture to your cake.

When you want a more dense cake will be when you will be carving a cake or one that will hold quite a bit of weight. For a more dense cake I substitute the oil for a stick of butter, add a small box of instant pudding (dry, add one extra egg and use milk instead of water. Best of luck to you and welcome to CC.

Thanks for the helpful tips. I don't think I asked my question right, though. I tried the cake extender recipe for the first time with a white DH cake mix. I (and my family) loved the taste and texture. The weight of it seemed so heavy that I didn't know if cakes made with the extender are used for all the time or only when you need the density. If not are there other ways to doctor mixes for a more unique taste that don't make them so heavy? Thanks for your help!

You should get the cake mix doctor books and try her recipes out for ideas. You'll find light and heavy cakes.

Samsgranny- a little of the subject here, but why do you add an extra egg? What does that do?

Hi Patton, I think it adds to the denseness of the texture to add an extra egg. Actually that is not my recipe but one that I found on a thread here and have used it ever since. I only use it when I need a heavy cake for 3D cakes and carving as it has more of a pound cake texture. Hope this answers your question.

Thanks samsgranny. I have heard a lot of people talk about adding an extra egg but I never have, even when I do add the box of pudding. The only time I add the extra egg is when I make the extender recipe.

Thanks debsuewoo. I will definately get the book, sounds great!