How many cups are in a regular cake mix?

How many cups are in a regular cake mix? This is a common question for home bakers looking to bake a cake from a boxed cake mix. The number of cups needed can vary depending on the specific cake mix brand and variety. Generally, most regular size cake mixes require between 1 1/3 to 1 2/3 cups of water or other liquid ingredients. Other factors like eggs, oil, and extras like pudding mix can also affect the total liquid amount.

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Typical Liquid Amounts for Common Cake Mixes

Popular cake mix brands like Betty Crocker, Duncan Hines, and Pillsbury provide recommended liquid amounts on their packaging. Here are some common examples:

Betty Crocker SuperMoist Cake Mixes

Betty Crocker SuperMoist cake mixes are some of the most popular pre-packaged cake mixes available. Their 15.25 ounce regular size mixes typically recommend these liquid amounts:

Yellow, White, Strawberry, Lemon, Pineapple, Carrot, and Funfetti: 1 1/4 cups water, vegetable oil, milk, or buttermilk
Chocolate, Devil’s Food, Triple Chocolate, Red Velvet, and German Chocolate: 1 1/3 cups water, vegetable oil, milk, or buttermilk
Angel Food: 1 1/4 cups cold water

So most Betty Crocker mixes require between 1 1/4 to 1 1/3 cups of liquid.

Duncan Hines Cake Mixes

Duncan Hines is another top cake mix brand. Their standard 18.25 ounce mixes generally recommend:

Yellow, White, Strawberry, Lemon, Pineapple, Carrot, and Cream Cheese: 1 1/4 cups water, milk, or buttermilk

Chocolate, Devil’s Food, Fudge Marble, and Red Velvet: 1 1/3 cups water, milk, or buttermilk
Angel Food: 1 1/4 cups cold water

The range is similar to Betty Crocker at 1 1/4 to 1 1/3 cups liquid.

Pillsbury Moist Supreme Cake Mixes

For Pillsbury Moist Supreme mixes, the 15.25 ounce sizes suggest:

Yellow, Funfetti, Lemon, Strawberry: 1 1/4 cups water, milk, or buttermilk
Chocolate, Devil’s Food, Fudge Marble, Red Velvet, German Chocolate: 1 1/3 cups water, milk, or buttermilk

Angel Food: 1 1/4 cups cold water

Again, this aligns with the typical 1 1/4 to 1 1/3 cup range.

Factors That Can Affect Liquid Amount

While most cake mixes hover around 1 1/3 cups liquid, there are some factors that can alter the exact amount:

Mix Add-Ins

Many mixes call for extra ingredients like pudding mix, fruits, nuts, etc. These can reduce the moisture level and require slightly more liquid.

Cake Pan Size

Larger cake pans like 13×9 inches may need more batter and liquid than cupcake tins or round cake pans.

Ingredient Substitutions

Subbing buttermilk or yogurt for water can introduce more moisture and may require less liquid. Replacing oil with melted butter can also alter the wetness.

High Altitude

At high elevations above 3,000 feet, cakes can dry out faster. Often an extra 1-2 tablespoons liquid is recommended.

Personal Preference

Some bakers simply prefer a more moist and tender crumb, adding a touch more liquid.

Cake Mix Liquid Amount Chart

Here is a helpful chart summarizing the typical liquid amounts for common cake mixes:

Cake Mix Brand	Cake Mix Flavor	Standard Liquid Amount
Betty Crocker SuperMoist	Yellow, White, Strawberry, Lemon, Pineapple, Carrot, Funfetti	1 1/4 cups
Betty Crocker SuperMoist	Chocolate, Devil’s Food, Triple Chocolate, Red Velvet, German Chocolate	1 1/3 cups
Betty Crocker SuperMoist	Angel Food	1 1/4 cups cold water
Duncan Hines	Yellow, White, Strawberry, Lemon, Pineapple, Carrot, Cream Cheese	1 1/4 cups
Duncan Hines	Chocolate, Devil’s Food, Fudge Marble, Red Velvet	1 1/3 cups
Duncan Hines	Angel Food	1 1/4 cups cold water
Pillsbury Moist Supreme	Yellow, Funfetti, Lemon, Strawberry	1 1/4 cups
Pillsbury Moist Supreme	Chocolate, Devil’s Food, Fudge Marble, Red Velvet, German Chocolate	1 1/3 cups
Pillsbury Moist Supreme	Angel Food	1 1/4 cups cold water

As shown, most cake mixes fall between 1 1/4 to 1 1/3 cups liquid, with small variations by flavor and brand. Angel food cake is the exception using only cold water.

Tips for Amount of Liquid

To ensure your cake turns out moist and delicious, here are some tips:

Always start with the amount of liquid recommended on the box.

Use the liquid ingredients specified – water, milk, buttermilk, etc.
Measure accurately using proper sized, leveled measuring cups.
Adjust for any extra mix-ins by adding 2-3 tablespoons more liquid per addition.

Consider an extra tablespoon or two if baking at high altitude.
Err on the side of more moisture – you can always bake a little longer if needed.
Check for doneness before removing cakes from the oven.

Starting with the right amount of liquid is the first step, but also paying attention while baking helps guarantee a perfect, moist cake every time.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to some common questions about liquid amounts in cake mixes:

Why do some cake mixes need different amounts of liquid?

Factors like the cocoa powder in chocolate cake, added pudding in some mixes, and ingredients like buttermilk can all impact the moisture level of a cake mix. More liquid helps account for extra dry ingredients.

Does the order I add wet and dry ingredients matter?

Yes! Always start by thoroughly mixing together the liquid ingredients in a separate bowl before slowly combining with the dry mix. This prevents overmixing and activates the baking powder correctly.

Can I substitute oil for butter or vice versa in a cake mix?

You can, but the fat content and moisture properties will change. For best results, substitute equal amounts and adjust the liquid up or down by 1-2 tablespoons as needed.

What liquid works best in cake mixes?

Water yields a reliable standard cake. Buttermilk makes a tangier, moister crumb. Vegetable oil blends in smoothly. Milk provides a hint of sweetness and tenderness. Feel free to experiment!

How do I adjust for high altitude baking?

Most experts recommend adding 1-2 additional tablespoons of liquid per cake mix to offset the drying effects of high altitude. Monitor for doneness carefully.

The Best Liquid for Cake Mixes

While the cake mix box provides recommended amounts, which liquid ingredient you use can make a difference. Here’s how the most common options compare:

Water

Yields a classic, balanced cake texture.

Easy to measure accurately.
Makes a versatile base for adding other flavors.
Can sometimes result in a drier crumb if not enough is used.

Low cost and readily available.

Milk

Produces a softer, finer crumb.
Adds a bit of sweetness and flavor depth.

Can be whole milk or low-fat.
Requires small amounts so spoilage must be considered.
Works especially well in white, yellow, or vanilla cakes.

Buttermilk

Enhances moisture and tenderness.
Tangy acidity brightens up flavors.
Can react with baking soda for extra lift.

Adds delicious tang to chocolate cakes.
Low fat but still richly creamy.

Oil

Guarantees a supremely moist, tender crumb.

Can be replaced with melted butter for richer flavor.
Vegetable oil works neutrally in any flavor cake.
Easy to incorporate into batter with little risk of overmixing.

Measuring can be messy.

Butter and Cream

Not typically used in box mixes, but can add decadence.
For best results, melt the butter to incorporate smoothly.

Heavy cream provides moisture similar to buttermilk.
Adds a rich, luxe quality to cakes.
Use sparingly to avoid denseness.

No matter which liquid you choose, proper measurement and mixing is essential for the ideal rise and texture when baking with cake mixes.

Conclusion

So how many cups are in a regular cake mix? The answer is generally 1 1/4 to 1 1/3 cups of liquid for most 15-18 ounce packaged mixes. Variations depend on the specific flavor, ingredients, and personal preferences. While water is standard, milk, buttermilk, oil, and other liquids can also be used for delicious results. Always start with the recommended amount, then adjust as needed based on the recipe, pan size, and additions. With the proper amount of liquid and careful mixing, a cake mix makes baking up perfect, moist cake easy and reliable.