When I was in high school, I worked at a popular cake boutique in town. Every Saturday morning, opulent, multi-tiered wedding cakes would emerge from the back, freshly decorated for their big debut.

We may receive a commission on purchases made from links. We're going to let you in on a secret: Even the most accomplished home bakers probably have a box of cake mix tucked away in their pantry.

Southern bakers have always been crafty with the ingredients they have on hand and the time they have to use them. Even if Mama is a diehard from-scratch baker, there are times when everyone has to ...

Kat Thompson is the audience editor of Eater’s Southern California/Southwest region. For many people, including myself, boxed cake mix is the entry point to baking. It’s both convenient to use and ...