Last Updated on September 3, 2021
Cake is one of the first foods I had to find gluten-free. So, today we’re going to be taking a look at how to make a gluten-free cake mix taste better. If you’ve tried cake made from a gluten-free cake mix, you’ll more than likely have noticed the difference.
I’ve found that shop-bought gluten-free cakes are often moister and more flavorful. That’s because they usually overcompensate other ingredients to make up for the lack of wheat flour. Gluten-free chocolate cake is often the chocolatiest chocolate cake I’ve ever eaten!
So let’s take a look at some gluten-free cake mix hacks to make your mix even more delicious. A lot of these hacks work with gluten-containing mixes as well – but really, we’re trying to mask the difference in texture of gluten-free cake mixes. Let’s be honest – the texture isn’t the same!
Extras You Could Add
Adding ingredients to your cake mix will make it more flavorful, which means it will be even tastier. These ingredients are probably already in your pantry, so it’s a quick and easy way to liven up your cake mixes.
Flavoring Extract
In particular, vanilla! Vanilla extract is so versatile and usually works well with any cake you’re making. Although it won’t change the texture, it will certainly make your cake flavorsome.
Although vanilla is a staple baking favorite, you can opt for any. There’s a wide range of flavors – from amaretto to almond, lemon to maple, orange to hazelnut. Be as adventurous as you wish! The great thing is flavoring extracts are almost always gluten-free. But always be sure to check the label before buying.
Icing
How often has a cake seemed plain and uninteresting, but then icing has been added and it’s irresistible. Well, the same applies for gluten-free cake! You can drizzle it over the top, or pour it in through holes in the cake while still warm. Either way, it makes the texture and taste far more appetizing. Again, most shop-bought icing/glaze is gluten-free, but you could always try making your own!
Lemon Zest
If you’ve tasted lemon zest, you’ll know that it’s an overpowering flavor. And it certainly packs a punch! Add a few spoons into the mix before it goes into the oven and you’re all set for one delicious gluten-free cake.
Eggs
Adding an extra egg to your cake mix can make it light and fluffy. Gluten-free cake can often become quite dense when cooked, so this is a great addition to keep it tasting like a gluten-containing cake.
Honey
This may seem like an odd one, but it helps make the mix taste even sweeter. Plus has the additional bonus of stopping the final product becoming dry and flaky – which is definitely a more than welcome addition. So add a spoonful of honey to your mix before it goes into the oven; yummy!
It’s All About The Batter
Starting with changes to the batter mix is probably the most important way to make a cake taste better; especially if it’s gluten-free. Keeping it moist can be tricky, so let’s take a look at some tips!
- Beat the Mix Well – this may seem odd, as we’re so often told with gluten-containing mixes not too beat too much. But that’s not the case with gluten-free! They need to be aerated. So get beating and add air to that mix!
- Utilize the Sugar – Brown sugar is far more moist than white, so it’s a great alternative to make the final product moister. Also using more sugar than usual is a great way to make the mix better.
- Use Soda Pop – this may sound wild but it adds more air to the cake and I mentioned earlier how that makes the cake lighter and fluffier!
Gluten-Free Boxed Cake Mix
If like me, you’re a complete novice in the kitchen, it may be best to buy a shop-bought gluten-free cake mix. Let’s have a look at some of the best!
Bob’s Red Mill Gluten Free Vanilla Cake and Cupcake Mix – the end result is light, fluffy, and comes highly recommended! It’s relatively cheap at $4.39 and easily accessible in your local grocery store. Their cake mixes are made in a dedicated gluten-free facility. The main ingredients used are sugar, potato starch, tapioca flour, and whole-grain sorghum flour.
King Arthur Gluten Free Chocolate Cake Mix – chocolate is always my go-to flavor when it comes to gluten-free cake. It’s always chocolatier, moister, and rich in flavor. This mix is no exception! The cake mix is $6.95 and easy to source. It’s certified gluten-free and also non-dairy. The main ingredients are cane sugar, rice flour, and tapioca starch. This mix is highly rated.
Making Your Own Gluten Free Cake
I’ve found a recipe for the best gluten-free white cake mix. White cake mixes are made using the egg white only – not a yolk in sight. Gluten-Free Baking’s Perfect White Cake Recipe looks simply decadent and is perfect for any birthday or wedding. There’s an abundance of recipes online for gluten-free cakes, so have a browse and let me know your favorites.
Making a gluten-free cake for the first time can feel overwhelming and I’m a person who loves to research before I try things. The book Gluten-Free Baking for Dummies is a great buy if you’re diagnosis is new and you’re wanting to venture into the world of gluten-free baking.
The Tastier The Better
To conclude, I hope this post has helped to answer the question of how to make gluten-free cake mix taste better. It’s super easy and the final product is certainly worth the extra effort. Do you have any tips to make tastier cake mix? I would love to know. Please feel free to leave a comment below.
Let’s get baking!
Read more about: Substitution For Graham Cracker Crumbs
Hi, my name’s Zoë. I’m 28 years old and live in London, UK. I work full time as a freelance writer and critic for West End theatre. Writing has been a passion of mine for as long as I can remember. I spend most of my free time at the theatre, or at conventions. I’m married to the love of my life, and live in a small apartment with my fur baby, Lillie. I run two of my own blogs: No Safer Place and Stage to Page: both of which have won awards. I also have a YouTube channel where I talk about all things stagey.
