Sugar-free cake mixes open up a world of delicious dessert options for people limiting sugar in their diets. With some simple ingredient swaps and additions, you can transform a basic sugar-free cake mix into muffins, cookies, breads, and more. Read on for 15 amazing sugar-free cake mix recipes to satisfy any sweet tooth.
1. Sugar-Free Vanilla Cake
The simplest way to use sugar-free cake mix is to turn it into a classic vanilla cake. Prepare the mix according to package directions, substituting sugar-free sweeteners like stevia or erythritol for the granulated sugar. For best texture and rise, look for a recipe that includes eggs and oil or butter. Bake in a greased cake pan until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Allow to cool completely before frosting with sugar-free vanilla buttercream.
2. Sugar-Free Chocolate Cake
Rich, fudgy chocolate cake is easy to make sugar-free. Prepare a package of chocolate sugar-free cake mix according to directions, swapping the sugar for a low-carb sweetener. For deeper chocolate flavor, replace the water called for in the recipe with strong brewed coffee. Top with a tangy cream cheese frosting sweetened with powdered erythritol or stevia. For a decorative touch, sprinkle the frosted cake with unsweetened cocoa powder.
3. Sugar-Free Spice Cake
Warm fall flavors shine in this easy sugar-free spice cake. Make a sugar-free yellow or white cake mix according to package instructions, adding 1 teaspoon each of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and allspice to the dry mix before mixing in the wet ingredients. Bake in a greased loaf pan until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cool completely before drizzling with a simple glaze made from powdered erythritol, vanilla, and milk or cream.
4. Sugar-Free Carrot Cake
Carrot cake is already naturally lower in sugar than many cakes. Making it with a sugar-free cake mix reduces the sugar content even further. Prepare your favorite sugar-free cake mix according to package directions, folding in grated carrots, chopped pecans, raisins, and spices like cinnamon and nutmeg before baking. Cream cheese frosting sweetened with powdered erythritol perfectly balances the cake’s sweet-tangy flavors.
5. Sugar-Free Red Velvet Cake
The striking crimson color of red velvet cake comes from a reaction between acidic vinegar and buttermilk and the alkalinity of cocoa. Maintain this chemical reaction by substituting sugar-free cake mix for regular cake mix. To enhance chocolate flavor, replace the water in the recipe with brewed coffee. Top with fluffy cream cheese frosting tinted pink with natural food coloring and sweetened with your preferred sugar-free sweetener.
6. Sugar-Free Funfetti Cake
Recreate the colorful confetti look of funfetti cake using sugar-free cake mix as the base. Prepare according to package directions, folding in sprinkles or mini chocolate chips along with the wet ingredients. Bake, cool, and top with readymade sugar-free vanilla frosting. Decorate the frosted cake with extra sprinkles for a festive finish.
7. Sugar-Free Angel Food Cake
Light and airy angel food cake is a smart choice for low-sugar diets since it contains no added sugar to begin with. Substitute sugar-free cake mix for the flour in any angel food cake recipe. Beat egg whites to stiff peaks, then gently fold in the dry cake mix along with a sugar substitute like powdered erythritol or stevia. The egg whites leaven the cake, keeping it high, fluffy, and sugar-free.
8. Sugar-Free Cupcakes
Turn any sugar-free cake mix into cute cupcakes by dividing the batter between lined muffin tins and baking. Reduce oven temperature by 25 degrees F to prevent over-browning. Cool completely before frosting with sugar-free buttercream or cream cheese frosting. Top with sprinkles or sugar-free candy for an extra dose of sweetness.
9. Sugar-Free Cake Pops
These bite-sized cake pops make a fun twist on ordinary cake. Prepare your favorite sugar-free cake mix according to package directions, allow to cool, then crumble into a large bowl. Stir in enough readymade sugar-free frosting to be able to form the mixture into small balls. Insert lollipop sticks and dip the cake pops into melted sugar-free chocolate chips or candy coating. Decorate with sprinkles before the chocolate sets.
10. Sugar-Free Shortcakes
Light, biscuit-style shortcakes are delicious topped with fruit and whipped cream. Make them sugar-free by preparing a sugar-free white or yellow cake mix according to package directions, then drop large spoonfuls of batter onto a baking sheet to bake. Split the cooled shortcakes and layer fruit like strawberries, peaches, or blueberries in the center along with sugar-free whipped cream.
11. Sugar-Free Coffee Cake
Buttery, crumb-topped coffee cakes are perfect for breakfast or an afternoon treat. Prepare your favorite sugar-free cake mix according to package directions, then divide the batter between two greased cake pans. In a separate bowl, mix together brown sugar substitute, flour, cinnamon and butter until crumbly. Sprinkle the crumb mixture over the batter. Bake until a toothpick inserted into the cakes comes out clean.
12. Sugar-Free Bundt Cake
The fluted shape of bundt cakes makes them extra-special. Make one sugar-free by preparing any flavor sugar-free cake mix according to package directions. Grease and flour a bundt pan thoroughly before carefully pouring in the cake batter. Bake until golden on top and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting onto a wire rack to cool completely before glazing or frosting.
13. Sugar-Free Pound Cake
Pound cakes get their name and dense texture from equal portions of butter, eggs, flour, and sugar. Make a sugar-free version using butter, eggs, sugar-free cake mix, and a sugar substitute like Swerve. Cream the butter and sweetener, beat in the eggs one at a time, then gently stir in the cake mix. Pour the batter into a loaf pan and bake until golden brown. Let cool completely before slicing.
14. Sugar-Free Banana Bread
Two or three overripe bananas can replace most of the sweetener in banana bread. Mash them with eggs, butter, and sugar-free cake mix prepared according to package directions. For extra banana flavor, stir in banana extract. Optionally add nuts or chocolate chips, then pour the batter into a greased loaf pan. Bake until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
15. Sugar-Free Cookies
Cake mix makes an amazing base for cutout sugar cookies. Just prepare a sugar-free vanilla or chocolate cake mix according to package instructions. After mixing, chill the dough for 30 minutes. Then roll out on a floured surface and cut into desired shapes using cookie cutters. Bake until lightly golden around the edges. Decorate with royal icing made using powdered erythritol.
Tips for Baking with Sugar-Free Cake Mix
Follow these best practices when using sugar-free cake mixes:
- Let eggs and butter come to room temperature before mixing for best texture.
- Replace any oil in the recipe with melted butter for richer flavor.
- Reduce oven temperature by 25 degrees F to prevent over-browning.
- Grease pans well and dust with cocoa or flour to prevent sticking.
- Use pastry brush to glaze cakes with simple sugar-free syrups.
Choosing the Best Sugar-Free Cake Mix
With so many brands available, finding the ideal sugar-free cake mix can be tricky. Here are some tips:
- Check the nutrition label to confirm 0g sugar per serving.
- Avoid mixes with artificial sweeteners like aspartame or saccharin.
- Seek brands made with natural sweeteners like stevia, erythritol, or monk fruit.
- Look for additional protein from soy flour, whey powder, or egg whites.
- Gluten-free mixes work well but may require more eggs for binding.
Top 3 Brands of Sugar-Free Cake Mix
| Brand | Notable Features |
|---|---|
| Swerve | Made with erythritol; includes prebiotic fibers |
| Pyure Organic | Stevia-sweetened; non-GMO |
| Birch Benders | Monk fruit sweetener; paleo friendly |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make an entire cake using only sugar-free cake mix?
Yes, sugar-free cake mixes can be made into complete cakes by adding ingredients like eggs, oil, and water per the package instructions. For best results, also use sugar-free frosting.
What can I use instead of sugar in a cake mix?
Good sugar substitutes for cake mixes include erythritol, stevia, monk fruit sweetener, Swerve, Splenda, and Truvia. Avoid using only artificial sweeteners, which may not caramelize like real sugar.
Is sugar-free cake mix safe for diabetics?
Sugar-free cake mixes made without real sugar are generally safe for diabetics when enjoyed in moderation as part of a healthy diet. Look for brands sweetened with stevia or erythritol.
Can I make a sugar-free cake in an instant pot?
Yes, instant pots can make moist, delicious sugar-free cakes. Grease the insert well before adding your prepared batter and cooking on manual setting for 25-35 minutes. Allow pressure to release naturally before removing the insert.
What is the best sugar-free frosting for cakes?
Cream cheese and whipped cream frostings made with low-carb sweeteners work beautifully on sugar-free cakes. Cream butter with powdered erythritol or liquid stevia, adding milk or cream until smooth and spreadable.
