It helps cakes taste fresh for days.

Simply Recipes / Cindy Rahe

Key Takeaways

My birthday is on July 3.

I always thought the Fourth of July fireworks were just for me.

slice of vanilla cake on a paper plate a table with more slices on other paper plates

Simply Recipes / Cindy Rahe

Its nothing fancy, but to me it’s perfect.

The flavor ofboxed vanilla cakeis so comforting and nostalgic.

Try as I may, Ive never been able to nail the taste and texture with homemade.

close-up of the texture of vanilla cake

Simply Recipes / Mark Beahm

That said, over the years my preferences have become slightly more sophisticated.

Its impossibly moist and light and bakes up with a crumb that would make Paul Hollywood proud.

I’ve never looked back.

Add the dry baking mix and fold until combined, then bake as directed.

I usually bake it as a sheet cake, but it works well for cupcakes, too.