Baking Experiment: Lazy Edition

Throughout my efforts this year to become a better baker, I have been trying to work from scratch as much as possible. Occasionally I will go with a premade crust for pie, but usually I try to do completely homemade. However, this week I tried a box mix special – Pistachio Pudding Bundt Cake. The ingredients include eggs, water, milk, pistachios (optional), and vanilla extract. And a box of cake mix and a box of pudding mix. Basically, you throw them in a bowl, mix them up, and bake.

So how did it go?

Pretty good! I’m tempted to say homemade would be better, but that may be just my desire to complicate things beyond what’s necessary.

If it looks like the cake has an odd shape, that’s because it does.

I baked it in this pan, which I could not resist. I think next time I use it, a batter with no inclusions will make the details stand out a little more. Or maybe a little bit of decorating? We will see.

So this is a good reminder to me that it’s OK to shortcut sometimes. I do like baking, and generally don’t mind taking time to make something. However, sometimes you really need to get a cake made and don’t have a ton of time. Box mixes to the rescue!

How about you? Do you like to bake? If so, what is your favorite thing to make?