Nothing beats homemade cake, but sometimes, when that special occasion rolls around, reaching for a boxed cake mix is the easiest option. However, not all cake mixes are created equal. In this taste test, the America's Test Kitchen reviews team, led by Joanne Chang, co-owner of Flour Bakery, evaluates several yellow cake mixes to help you make informed decisions when shopping.
The Nostalgia of Boxed Cake Mixes
Joanne Chang shares her experience with boxed cake mixes, noting that many bakers often try to replicate the nostalgic flavors of these mixes in their recipes. The goal is to achieve that moistness, butteriness, and sweetness without the artificial flavors that can sometimes accompany boxed options.
The Tasting Process
The tasting panel evaluated multiple yellow cake mixes, assessing their appearance, texture, and flavor. Here’s a breakdown of their findings:
Sample 1: Duncan Hines Perfectly Moist Classic Yellow Cake Mix
- Appearance: Very yellow, bouncy, and light with a nice even crumb.
- Texture: Moist but with big open holes, giving it a spongy feel.
- Flavor: Some artificial flavor detected, but overall a decent boxed cake.
- Ranking: 4 out of 10. Light and fluffy with a strong vanilla flavor, but not a standout.
Sample 2: King Arthur Baking Company Golden Yellow Cake Mix
- Appearance: Pale with a nice golden top.
- Texture: Finer crumb, slightly drier than the first sample.
- Flavor: Tastes more like a homemade cake, but tasters found it too dry and lacking in vanilla flavor.
- Ranking: Mixed reviews, with some appreciating its homemade taste.
Sample 3: Betty Crocker Super Moist Yellow Cake Mix
- Appearance: Very yellow with a shiny top.
- Texture: Light but with an artificial flavor reminiscent of childhood cakes.
- Flavor: Sweet notes of vanilla, but tasters noted it was not as rich as desired.
- Ranking: 3 out of 10, primarily due to nostalgia.
Sample 4: Pillsbury Moist Supreme Golden Butter Cake Mix
- Appearance: Light and fluffy with a shiny top.
- Texture: Very light, but some found it too artificial.
- Flavor: Strong butter flavor, likened to movie theater popcorn.
- Ranking: 7 out of 10, with tasters noting the overwhelming butter flavor.
Sample 5: Duncan Hines Perfectly Moist Butter Golden Cake Mix
- Appearance: Standard yellow cake with a nice golden top.
- Texture: Fluffy and light.
- Flavor: Tasted like a sugar cookie, but not particularly exciting.
- Ranking: 5 out of 10, right in the middle.
Sample 6: Betty Crocker Super Moist Butter Recipe Yellow Cake Mix
- Appearance: Similar to the previous Betty Crocker mix but richer.
- Texture: Fine crumb, but some found it too dry.
- Flavor: Mild and neutral, lacking in sweetness.
- Ranking: 6 out of 10, with mixed reviews.
Sample 7: 365 from Whole Foods Market Classic Yellow Cake Mix
- Appearance: Small and pale, not visually appealing.
- Texture: Dense and sticky.
- Flavor: Lacked the richness and flavor expected from a cake mix.
- Ranking: Low, with tasters disappointed by its performance.
Sample 8: Great Value Deluxe Moist Yellow Cake Mix
- Appearance: Bright yellow, reminiscent of classic boxed cakes.
- Texture: Moist and light.
- Flavor: Surprisingly nostalgic and appealing.
- Ranking: 2 out of 10, a sleeper hit that impressed the panel.
Sample 9: Bob's Red Mill Classic Yellow Cake Mix
- Appearance: Short and unappealing.
- Texture: Crumbly and dense.
- Flavor: Lacked distinct flavors, with some likening it to an oversized pancake.
- Ranking: 10 out of 10, the least favorite of the group.
Sample 10: Pillsbury Moist Supreme Yellow Cake Mix
- Appearance: Classic yellow cake look, very appealing.
- Texture: Velvety and light, with a nice crumb.
- Flavor: Sweet, with creamy vanilla notes that resonated well with tasters.
- Ranking: 1 out of 10, deemed the best overall for its moistness and flavor.
Conclusion
The taste test revealed a wide range of flavors and textures among the yellow cake mixes. The standout was the Pillsbury Moist Supreme Yellow Cake Mix, which was praised for its fluffy, moist texture and classic cake flavor. The Great Value Deluxe Moist Yellow Cake Mix also surprised tasters with its nostalgic taste. On the other hand, Bob's Red Mill Classic Yellow Cake Mix was the least favored, with many finding it lacking in flavor and texture.
For those looking for a quick and easy cake solution, these findings can help guide your choices in the baking aisle. Whether you’re after nostalgia or a genuinely delicious cake, there’s a boxed mix out there for you.
