MYO Cake Mixes

It's times like these that I miss access to products like Crisco.  I don't think there is an alternative to Crisco in Australia.  If you know of one, please let me know! Most master mixes and Bisquick-like mixes that can be pantry stored call for this type of shortening and I would love to make up some bulk mixes to permanently have on hand.

In the meantime I have adapted or tweaked some of my favorite cake recipes into MYO mixes that can be stored in the pantry. 

Gingerbread Cake Mix

Place in bag 2 cups flour, 1/2 t salt, 1/2 cup sugar, 1 t allspice, 1 t cinnamon, 1 t ginger, 1 t baking soda.

To prepare add: 1 cup molasses, 1/2 cup buttermilk, 1 egg and 1/2 cup melted butter.

Pour into greased pan and bake at 375 F for 25-30 minutes.

Lemon Poppy Seed Cake Mix

Place in bag: 3 cups flour, 1 1/2 cups sugar, 1/4 cup poppy seeds, 1 1/2 t baking powder

To prepare add:  3/4 cup softened butter, 6 eggs, 1/3 cup milk, 1 t vanilla, 1 teaspoon lemon extract and zest of 1 lemon.

Bake at 350F for 40-50 minutes, glaze with lemon syrup or icing.

Peach Cinnamon Cobbler Mix

Place in bag: 2 c flour, 1/2 t baking powder, 1/2 t bicarbonate soda, 1/2 cup brown sugar and 1 t cinnamon.

To prepare: Place 815g tin of peach halves cut side down in pie dish and pour over 1/4 cup retained juice.
Whisk 1/2 cup milk, 1/4 cup golden syrup, 40grams melted butter and 1 egg.
Fold in dry ingredients,  but don't overmix.
Spoon over peaches, leaving some uncovered. Bake at 375 F,  30 minutes.

Lemon Cornmeal Cake Mix
Place in bag: 1 1/3 cup flour, 1 cup cornmeal, 1 cup sugar, 2 t baking powder and  1/4 t salt.
To prepare: Whisk 3 eggs, 1 1/2 cups sour cream, 3/4 cup melted unsalted butter, 1 tablespoon lemon zest, 1 tablespoon lemon juice and 1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla.  Add dry ingredients.
Bake in greased and floured 9 x 3 spring form pan at 350F, 45 min.
optional: pour over lemon syrup while still warm.

Chocolate Cake Mix
Place in bag: 3 cups flour, 2 cups sugar, 1/2 cup cocoa, 2 t baking soda, 2 t salt.
To prepare add 2 cups water, 2-3 teaspoons vanilla, 2 tablespoons vinegar and 3/4 cups  mild vegetable oil.
Pour into greased tin and bake at 180C around 30 minutes.

Apple Crisp Mix

Place in bag: 2 cups flour, 1 cup firmly packed brown sugar,1 cup rolled oats, 1/2 t cinnamon, 1/2 t salt, 1/4 t nutmeg, 1 cup chopped nuts (optional).

To prepare add:  1 cup chilled butter to dry ingredients and sprinkle over apple pie filling (homemade or tinned).

Bake at 190C for 20 minutes.

Fudgy Brownies Mix

Place in bag: 6 T cocoa, 1 c sugar, 3/4 cup flour, 1/2 t baking powder, 1 cup walnuts (optional).

To prepare: Melt and cool 1/2 c butter, add 2 beaten eggs and stir into brownie mix with 1 t vanilla.

Pour in to greased 8 x 8 tin and bake at 190C for 30 minutes.  Cool in pan.