Yes, boxed cake mixes typically require eggs as one of the essential ingredients. Eggs play a crucial role in cake baking as they provide structure, moisture, and help bind the ingredients together. They also contribute to the cake's texture, tenderness, and richness.
The proteins in eggs coagulate during baking, forming a sturdy network that supports the cake's structure and prevents it from collapsing. Additionally, the fats in the egg yolks add moisture to the cake, keeping it tender and preventing it from becoming dry.
If you omit the eggs from a boxed cake mix or any cake recipe that calls for eggs, the cake may not turn out as intended. It could be flat, dense, and lack the desired texture and taste. While some egg substitutes exist for specific dietary restrictions or preferences (like applesauce, mashed bananas, yogurt, or commercial egg replacers), they may not yield the exact same results as using real eggs.
If you're looking for an eggless cake recipe, it's best to find a specific eggless cake recipe that is designed to work without eggs, rather than trying to remove eggs from a traditional cake mix.