Homemade White Cake Mix

Step 1

In very large bowl, combine flour, salt, sugar and baking powder and mix well to blend. Cut the butter into small pieces and place in food processor bowl along with 2 cups of the flour mixture. Cover and process until mixture is very fine. Make sure that the butter is completely evenly distributed in the flour mixture. If it isn't, your cakes will have uneven texture and each will turn out differently. Return to bowl with remaining flour mixture and mix well using a wire whisk.
Divide the cake mix into three equal portions (about 4 cups each) by lightly scooping the mix into measuring cups and leveling off with the back of a knife. Place each portion into a quart glass jar or heavy duty zip lock plastic bags. Cover tightly and store in the refrigerator for up to a month, or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Each portion of cake mix will make two 8" cakes or one 13x9" cake.

Make sure you measure the flour correctly for this recipe. NEVER scoop flour using a measuring cup. SPOON the flour into the measuring cup FROM the bag. Also make sure that you follow the directions for using the mix, including beating times, to the letter. The gluten in the flour has to develop a bit to form the cake's structure. And the butter needs to be dissolved in the batter for the best texture.

To make one 9" layer from this recipe, combine 2-2/3 cups of the mix, 1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla, 1/3 cup oil, 2 eggs, and 2/3 cup milk. Use a 9" pan with sides that are at least 2" tall. Bake for 25-35 minutes or until the cake tests done with a toothpick.