Let’s start here: There’s nothing wrong with boxed cake mix. It’s the secret ingredient in Ree Drummond’s super easy chocolate cake and it can even be used to make her cake mix cookies. But if you’re looking to step up your baking skills or you just want a show-stopping dessert for a special occasion, these cake recipes made from scratch are sure to impress. All you need are a variety of classic homemade cake recipes, a simple frosting or cake decorating ideas, and a few decorating tools—plus, a few tips from Ree herself.

When it comes to making a successful cake recipe, Ree has a few tricks up her sleeve. First, she says that buttermilk is key! “I wind up with the fluffiest cakes when the recipe calls for buttermilk,” Ree says, “try substituting buttermilk instead of milk in your favorite recipe.” Or opt for a recipe that already uses it, like the pumpkin sheet cake or the chocolate strawberry Nutella cake. Another tip for making perfect cakes at home: don’t overmix! “The more you beat the batter, the more the gluten will develop, and the tougher the cake will be!” Ree says.

Whether you’re keeping things simple with an easy sheet cake recipe, letting the pan do a lot of work with a Bundt cake, or going all-out with a gorgeous layered cake, these homemade cakes will make birthdays, holidays, or even any weekday feel extra special.

MSN