Quick Answer
There are several brands that make dairy-free cake mixes, including Betty Crocker, Duncan Hines, Pillsbury, Bob’s Red Mill, King Arthur Baking Company, and Namaste Foods. Brands like Betty Crocker offer dairy-free cake mixes that replace milk with water. Other brands like Namaste Foods make vegan cake mixes that are dairy-free and egg-free. When checking labels, look for cake mixes that do not contain milk, whey, butter, or any other dairy ingredients.
Evaluating Dairy-Free Cake Mix Brands
When choosing a dairy-free cake mix, there are several factors to consider:
Ingredients
Read the ingredient list closely to ensure the mix does not contain any milk derived ingredients like whey or casein. Brands that specifically advertise their mixes as dairy-free or vegan will not contain these. However, always verify by checking the label.
Flavor Options
Some brands offer dairy-free cake mixes in a variety of flavors like vanilla, chocolate, spice, lemon, and more. This gives you options for making different cake flavors dairy-free.
Texture and Moistness
Dairy ingredients like milk and butter are typically used in cake mixes to add moisture and a fine, tender texture. Dairy-free mixes use other ingredients to mimic this texture. Look for reviews on how moist and light a dairy-free cake mix makes the final cake.
Special Diet Friendly
Some dairy-free cake mixes are also egg-free, making them suitable for vegans. Others may be gluten-free or nut-free. If you need a mix that accommodates other dietary needs, check that the mix fits those requirements.
Organic Options
For an organic cake mix option, look for brands that specify their mixes are made with organic ingredients. This is reassuring for consumers who want to avoid conventional pesticides and chemicals.
Major Dairy-Free Cake Mix Brands
Here is an overview of some of the top dairy-free cake mix brands:
Betty Crocker
– Offers several classic cake mix flavors like vanilla, chocolate, and spice cake in a dairy-free option
– Replaces milk with water in the ingredient list
– Specifically advertises these mixes as dairy-free on the box
– Produces light, fluffy cakes according to reviews
– Can be found in most major grocery stores
Duncan Hines
– Duncan Hines has a dairy-free yellow cake mix
– Uses oil and water instead of milk and butter
– Dairy-free claim is easy to spot on box
– Tends to be inexpensive and widely available
Pillsbury
– Their Funfetti cake mix variety is dairy-free
– Lets you bake festive cakes with sprinkles mixed in
– Uses oil and water in place of dairy
– Pillsbury brand has wide availability in stores
Bob’s Red Mill
– Offers gluten-free dairy-free cake mixes
– Has flavors like vanilla, chocolate, and honey sweetened chocolate
– Uses potato starch instead of wheat flour
– Free of the top common food allergens
King Arthur Baking
– Their organic yellow cake mix is dairy-free and vegan
– Made with non-GMO ingredients
– Has received praise for moist texture and flavor
– Brand has a reputation for quality among bakers
Namaste Foods
– Specializes in allergy-friendly baking mixes
– Has dairy-free, egg-free, gluten-free, and vegan cake mixes
– Uses fruit purees and oil instead of milk and eggs
– Offers chocolate, vanilla, spice, and other cake flavors
What to Look for When Reading Labels
When evaluating cake mix brands for dairy ingredients, here are some key things to look for on the ingredient label:
Milk or Milk Products
Avoid mixes listing milk, cream, or milk products like whey, casein, butter, or buttermilk. Words with “milk” in them indicate dairy.
Non-Dairy Milk Substitutes
Acceptable milk substitutes in dairy-free mixes include water, fruit juice, or plant-based milks like almond milk, soy milk, coconut milk, etc. These do not contain cow’s milk.
Margarine or Butter
Margarine and butter contain milk solids so should be avoided. Vegetable oil is a better alternative.
Milk Chocolate Chips
If the mix contains chocolate chips, verify they are dairy-free semisweet or dark chocolate chips. Milk chocolate has dairy.
No “Contains Dairy” Statement
Labels are required to state if an item “Contains dairy” so this statement should not appear.
Look for Vegan Logo
An official vegan logo indicates that item is dairy-free and egg-free, since vegan means no animal products.
Ingredient Substitutions Used in Dairy-Free Mixes
To replace milk in cake mixes while maintaining moisture, texture, and flavor, brands use various dairy-free ingredient substitutions like:
Water
The simplest substitution is to use water in place of milk. More water helps keep the cake moist.
Soy Milk
Soy milk adds protein and richness similar to dairy milk. Ensure the brand is unsweetened.
Almond Milk
For a nutty taste and creamy mouthfeel, almond milk mimics cow’s milk well. Again, unsweetened works best.
Coconut Milk
Coconut milk contributes moisture, fat for tenderness, and subtle coconut flavor. Light coconut milk prevents overpowering the cake.
Fruit Purees
Applesauce or pureed bananas lend natural sweetness and moisture when replacing oil or butter in cakes.
Flax or Chia Seeds
Ground flax or chia seeds mixed with water create an egg-like consistency to help bind the cake ingredients.
Vinegar or Lemon Juice
A bit of vinegar or lemon juice helps the baking soda react and rise properly in the absence of dairy ingredients.
Extra Leavening Agents
Some mixes add slightly more baking powder or baking soda to ensure the cake rises fully without dairy products present.
Tips for Preparing Dairy-Free Cake Mixes
To ensure dairy-free cake mixes come out moist, fluffy, and full of flavor, follow these helpful tips:
Use Appropriate Milk Substitutes
Use only dairy-free milk substitutes called for on the box. Water or soy milk generally work best.
Don’t Substitute Butter for Oil
The mixes are formulated for vegetable oil. Butter contains milk solids so do not attempt to substitute it.
Check Fruit Purees for Milk
If using fruit purees, verify the brand does not contain milk, especially apple sauce. Look for dairy-free labeling.
Adjust Liquids If Too Dry
Since box mixes are formulated to add milk, the batter may seem too dry. Slowly add in more water or milk substitute if needed.
Grease Pans Well
Extra greasing helps prevent sticking, which is important since these cakes are more delicate without milk proteins.
Bake at Recommended Temperature
Baking at the temperature on the box instructions avoids undercooking the interior or overbrowning the outside.
Check for Doneness Early
Dairy-free cakes may cook faster than normal cakes. Check for doneness at the shortest cook time listed.
Allow Full Cooling
Be sure cakes cool completely before frosting or cutting for clean slicing and optimal texture.
Delicious Flavors to Try
Dairy-free cake mixes allow you to enjoy fluffy cakes in all sorts of flavors. Here are some tasty varieties to consider baking:
Chocolate Cake
Rich chocolate cake with chocolate frosting is a crowd-pleaser and works well without dairy. Go for decadent chocolate layers or cupcakes.
Spice Cake
Warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves create a lovely autumnal cake. Frost with vanilla bean icing.
Strawberry Cake
Add sweetness with a strawberry puree in the batter and strawberry buttercream frosting on top.
Lemon Cake
Tangy lemon cake pairs nicely with lemon curd filling and citrus flavored icing.
Funfetti Cake
A fun cake with sprinkles baked inside and colorful sprinkles on vanilla frosting. Festive for any occasion.
Carrot Cake
Moist carrot cake layers with tangy cream cheese frosting – made dairy-free with vegan cream cheese.
Pumpkin Spice Cake
Combine pumpkin puree and fall spices like cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and allspice for a seasonal treat.
Angel Food Cake
Light and airy angel food cake relies on whipped egg whites instead of dairy. Top with fruit.
Common Questions
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about dairy-free cake mixes:
Are store-bought frostings dairy-free?
Most canned frostings contain dairy ingredients. For a dairy-free frosting option, look for vegan frostings or make your own with shortening and powdered sugar.
What milk substitutes work in cake mixes?
Soy milk, almond milk, coconut milk, rice milk, oat milk, and hemp milk can typically be substituted for cow’s milk in mixes. Always stick to unsweetened varieties.
Do I need to make any ingredient adjustments?
Because milk adds moisture, you may need to slightly increase the water or milk substitute. Some bakers also add a bit more leavening for rise.
How do I make a dairy-free cake without a mix?
Use oil instead of butter, swap dairy milk for non-dairy milk, add vinegar for leavening power, and utilize flax eggs as binder. You can find dairy-free cake recipes online.
Which brand tastes closest to regular dairy cake?
According to reviews, brands like Betty Crocker and Duncan Hines tend to produce cakes with the most similar taste and texture to non-dairy varieties.
The Best Dairy-Free Cake Mix
In summary, Betty Crocker dairy-free cake mixes consistently perform well and yield tasty, moist cakes. The brand has a variety of flavors to choose from, uses water as a simple milk substitute, and clearly labels mixes as dairy-free. For those avoiding gluten as well, Bob’s Red Mill gluten-free dairy-free mixes are a smart solution. Choosing dairy-free mixes makes baking delicious cakes accessible to those with food allergies or diet preferences. Be sure to check labels closely and use milk substitutes when preparing mixes without milk.