Store-Bought Muffin Mix Gets A Serious Flavor Boost From This Extra Ingredient

Many people look down on store-bought baking mixes. They're often seen as lesser than by dedicated bakers, and while it's true that homemade baked goods tend to taste better, there's nothing wrong with using store-bought mixes to save you some time in a pinch. Besides, there are plenty of clever ways to make boxed mix taste as if it's homemade simply by adding extra ingredients. This applies to boxed cake mix, boxed brownie mix, and even boxed muffin mix too. 

One of the easiest ways to upgrade store-bought muffin mix is already a common baking essential: Vanilla extract. This single ingredient adds a whole new depth of flavor to all kinds of baked goods, so it's a sensible add-in for boxed muffin mix. All you need is one teaspoon of vanilla extract to instantly give boxed muffins a serious flavor boost. And yet, this is just the start of upgrading store-bought muffin mix. 

You can add even more ingredients beyond just vanilla extract to make your muffins creamier, richer, fruitier, and lots more. Try mixing and matching these add-ins to your heart's content until you find the perfect result that suits your tastebuds best.

Vanilla extract is pretty widely used in baking, so it makes total sense to add it to your muffin mix too. However, it's far from the only extract option out there. You can use lemon or almond extract instead to change up the flavor of boxed muffin mix. If you're feeling more adventurous, try replacing vanilla extract with cardamom extract for a fresher, more herbal, and in depth flavor profile. And, if you'd rather use spices instead of extract, you can try adding cinnamon, nutmeg, or cocoa powder for even more flavor. Fruit is another highly popular add-in for store-bought muffin mix. You can add fresh or frozen fruit, like blueberries or raspberries, to not only increase the flavor but also add variation to the texture of the muffins themselves. 

Larger fruits like strawberries or peaches can work too but they need to be diced first. Lemon is also highly popular, although this is typically added by juicing or zesting a lemon rather than using the flesh of the fruit itself. Other popular, and highly reliable, add-ins include chocolate chips and chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans. As for texture, there are several fun ways you can improve the texture of potentially bland store-bought muffin mix. Cream cheese is one of the most popular choices, as it makes the muffins richer and thicker. Sour cream and yogurt are also great options, as they add moisture alongside a subtle, tangy flavor.