The Ultimate Boxed Spice Cake Mix Taste Test: Finding the Best Flavor and Texture

Spice cake, with its warm, comforting flavors and moist crumb, is a timeless classic. Whether it’s for a festive holiday gathering, a cozy autumn afternoon, or just a sweet treat any time of year, spice cake is always a welcome delight. While homemade spice cake is undoubtedly delicious, sometimes life calls for a shortcut. That’s where boxed spice cake mixes come in. But with so many brands and varieties available, how do you know which one will deliver the best flavor and texture? This taste test is designed to help you navigate the crowded spice cake mix aisle and find your new go-to option for a quick and easy, yet incredibly delicious, spice cake.

We’ve gathered a selection of popular boxed spice cake mixes, prepared them according to package instructions, and subjected them to a rigorous taste test. Our criteria included flavor intensity, spice balance, moistness, texture (crumb), and overall appeal. We’ll break down each mix, highlighting its strengths and weaknesses, and ultimately crown a winner.

## Why Boxed Cake Mixes? The Convenience Factor

Before diving into the taste test, let’s acknowledge the appeal of boxed cake mixes. They offer undeniable convenience, saving time and effort compared to baking from scratch. They require minimal ingredients (usually just eggs, oil, and water), and the dry ingredients are already pre-measured and blended, eliminating the need for measuring cups and spoons. This makes them a great option for busy bakers, novice bakers, or anyone who simply wants a quick and easy way to enjoy a delicious cake.

While some might scoff at the idea of using a boxed mix, the truth is that many mixes are surprisingly good. With a few tweaks and additions, you can elevate a boxed cake mix to bakery-worthy status. This taste test aims to find the best starting point for your spice cake adventures.

## The Contenders: Our Spice Cake Mix Lineup

For this taste test, we selected a range of readily available boxed spice cake mixes from various brands. Here’s a look at the mixes we included:

* **Betty Crocker Spice Cake Mix:** A classic and widely recognized brand, Betty Crocker is a staple in many pantries.
* **Duncan Hines Spice Cake Mix:** Another popular brand known for its consistent results and wide variety of flavors.
* **Pillsbury Moist Supreme Spice Cake Mix:** Pillsbury promises a moist cake, so we were eager to see if it lived up to its name.
* **Krusteaz Spice Cake Mix:** Krusteaz is known for its baking mixes, and we wanted to see how their spice cake stacked up.
* **Simple Mills Spiced Cake Mix (Almond Flour):** A gluten-free option made with almond flour, catering to those with dietary restrictions.

## The Methodology: How We Conducted the Taste Test

To ensure a fair and consistent comparison, we followed a strict methodology:

1. **Preparation:** Each cake mix was prepared according to the package instructions. We used the same brand of eggs, oil, and water for all mixes to eliminate any variables.
2. **Baking:** All cakes were baked in identical 9-inch round cake pans, preheated to the temperature specified on the package. We checked for doneness using a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake. If the toothpick came out clean or with a few moist crumbs, the cake was considered done.
3. **Cooling:** The cakes were cooled in the pans for 10 minutes before being inverted onto wire racks to cool completely.
4. **Tasting:** The cakes were tasted plain, without any frosting or glaze, to allow the flavors of the cake itself to shine through. We evaluated each cake based on the following criteria:
* **Flavor:** How strong and well-balanced were the spice flavors?
* **Moistness:** Was the cake dry, moist, or somewhere in between?
* **Texture:** Was the crumb fine, coarse, dense, or airy?
* **Overall Appeal:** How enjoyable was the cake overall? Would we bake it again?

5. **Blind Taste Test:** To eliminate any bias, the taste test was conducted blind. Each cake was labeled with a number, and tasters were unaware of which brand they were sampling.

## The Results: Our Spice Cake Mix Rankings

Now, for the moment you’ve been waiting for: the results of our taste test! We’ll break down each mix, discussing its strengths, weaknesses, and overall score.

### 1. Betty Crocker Spice Cake Mix

* **Flavor:** The Betty Crocker spice cake mix had a pleasant, well-balanced spice flavor. The cinnamon and nutmeg notes were prominent, but not overpowering. Some tasters noted a slightly artificial aftertaste.
* **Moistness:** This cake was adequately moist, but not exceptionally so. It wasn’t dry, but it wasn’t as moist as some of the other contenders.
* **Texture:** The crumb was slightly coarse, but overall acceptable. It wasn’t the most tender crumb, but it wasn’t tough either.
* **Overall Appeal:** Betty Crocker’s spice cake mix is a solid, reliable option. It’s not the most exciting spice cake we’ve ever tasted, but it’s a good all-around choice for a quick and easy cake.
* **Score:** 7/10

### 2. Duncan Hines Spice Cake Mix

* **Flavor:** The Duncan Hines spice cake mix had a bolder, more intense spice flavor than the Betty Crocker mix. The cinnamon and clove notes were particularly noticeable. Some tasters found the spice flavor to be a bit too strong.
* **Moistness:** This cake was very moist, perhaps the moistest of all the mixes we tested. It had a slightly sticky texture.
* **Texture:** The crumb was fine and tender, making for a pleasant mouthfeel.
* **Overall Appeal:** Duncan Hines’ spice cake mix is a good choice for those who prefer a strong spice flavor and a very moist cake. However, those who prefer a more subtle spice flavor might find it overpowering.
* **Score:** 8/10

### 3. Pillsbury Moist Supreme Spice Cake Mix

* **Flavor:** The Pillsbury Moist Supreme spice cake mix had a mild, somewhat muted spice flavor. The cinnamon and nutmeg notes were present, but not very pronounced. Some tasters found the flavor to be bland.
* **Moistness:** This cake lived up to its name, being quite moist. However, some tasters found it to be a bit too moist, almost bordering on soggy.
* **Texture:** The crumb was fine and tender, but slightly dense due to the high moisture content.
* **Overall Appeal:** Pillsbury’s spice cake mix is a decent option if you prioritize moistness above all else. However, the flavor is somewhat lacking, and the texture can be a bit too dense.
* **Score:** 6/10

### 4. Krusteaz Spice Cake Mix

* **Flavor:** The Krusteaz spice cake mix had a unique flavor profile, with hints of cardamom and ginger in addition to the more traditional cinnamon and nutmeg. The spice flavor was well-balanced and not overpowering.
* **Moistness:** This cake was moist, but not excessively so. It had a good balance of moisture and texture.
* **Texture:** The crumb was fine and tender, with a slightly springy texture.
* **Overall Appeal:** The Krusteaz spice cake mix was a pleasant surprise. The unique spice blend added a touch of sophistication, and the texture was excellent. This was a strong contender.
* **Score:** 9/10

### 5. Simple Mills Spiced Cake Mix (Almond Flour)

* **Flavor:** The Simple Mills spiced cake mix had a distinct almond flavor, which complemented the spice notes nicely. The cinnamon and ginger were the most prominent spices. Some tasters found the almond flavor to be a bit too strong.
* **Moistness:** This cake was surprisingly moist for a gluten-free cake. Almond flour can sometimes result in a dry cake, but this mix avoided that pitfall.
* **Texture:** The crumb was slightly coarser than the other mixes, due to the almond flour. However, it was still relatively tender.
* **Overall Appeal:** The Simple Mills spiced cake mix is an excellent gluten-free option. The almond flavor adds a unique twist, and the texture is surprisingly good. This is a great choice for those with dietary restrictions.
* **Score:** 7.5/10

## The Verdict: Our Top Pick for Boxed Spice Cake Mix

After careful consideration, our top pick for the best boxed spice cake mix is **Krusteaz Spice Cake Mix**. Its unique spice blend, excellent texture, and overall delicious flavor made it a clear winner. While all the mixes had their merits, the Krusteaz mix stood out for its exceptional quality and enjoyable eating experience.

## Elevating Your Boxed Spice Cake: Tips and Tricks

While boxed cake mixes offer convenience, they can also be elevated to bakery-worthy status with a few simple tweaks. Here are some tips and tricks to enhance your boxed spice cake:

* **Use melted butter instead of oil:** Melted butter adds richness and flavor to the cake.
* **Substitute milk for water:** Milk adds moisture and helps create a more tender crumb.
* **Add an extra egg yolk:** The extra egg yolk adds richness and moisture.
* **Include spices:** Enhance the spice flavor by adding extra cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, or ginger. You can also add a pinch of cardamom or allspice for a more complex flavor.
* **Add chopped nuts:** Chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds add texture and flavor.
* **Add dried fruit:** Raisins, cranberries, or chopped dates add sweetness and chewiness.
* **Use brewed coffee instead of water:** Using cooled, brewed coffee in place of the water called for in the recipe will deepen the flavor of the spice cake and add a hint of mocha that complements the spices perfectly.
* **Don’t overbake:** Overbaking can result in a dry cake. Check for doneness a few minutes before the recommended baking time.
* **Use a good quality frosting:** A delicious frosting can make all the difference. Cream cheese frosting, vanilla buttercream, or brown butter frosting are all excellent choices.

## Spice Cake Frosting Ideas

No spice cake is complete without a delicious frosting. Here are a few ideas to complement your spice cake:

* **Cream Cheese Frosting:** A classic pairing for spice cake. The tangy cream cheese balances the sweetness of the cake.

* 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
* 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
* 4 cups powdered sugar
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
* Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth and creamy. Gradually add powdered sugar, beating until smooth. Stir in vanilla extract and cinnamon (if using).

* **Vanilla Buttercream Frosting:** A simple and versatile frosting that pairs well with any spice cake.

* 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
* 3-4 cups powdered sugar
* 1/4 cup milk or heavy cream
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* Beat butter until light and fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar, alternating with milk or heavy cream, beating until smooth. Stir in vanilla extract.

* **Brown Butter Frosting:** A sophisticated frosting with a nutty, caramelized flavor.

* 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter
* 4 cups powdered sugar
* 1/4 cup milk or heavy cream
* 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
* Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Cook, swirling occasionally, until the butter turns a golden brown color and has a nutty aroma. Remove from heat and let cool slightly. Beat browned butter until light and fluffy. Gradually add powdered sugar, alternating with milk or heavy cream, beating until smooth. Stir in vanilla extract.

* **Maple Glaze:** A simple glaze made with maple syrup and powdered sugar, perfect for a rustic spice cake.

* 2 cups powdered sugar
* 1/4 cup maple syrup
* 2-4 tablespoons milk or water
* Whisk together powdered sugar and maple syrup. Gradually add milk or water until desired consistency is reached.

## Spice Cake Variations: Beyond the Basics

Once you’ve mastered the basic spice cake recipe, feel free to experiment with variations to create your own signature spice cake.

* **Apple Spice Cake:** Add chopped apples and apple pie spice to the batter for a delicious autumn treat.
* **Pumpkin Spice Cake:** Substitute pumpkin puree for some of the liquid in the recipe and add pumpkin pie spice for a festive fall flavor.
* **Carrot Spice Cake:** Add shredded carrots and raisins to the batter for a healthier and more flavorful cake.
* **Gingerbread Spice Cake:** Add molasses and extra ginger to the batter for a gingerbread-inspired cake.
* **Spice Cake Cupcakes:** Bake the batter in cupcake liners for individual servings.
* **Spice Cake Layer Cake:** Divide the batter into two or three cake pans for a layered cake with frosting in between.

## Storing Your Spice Cake

To keep your spice cake fresh, store it in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze the cake for up to 2 months. Wrap the cake tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil before freezing.

## Final Thoughts: Enjoying the Comfort of Spice Cake

Spice cake is a versatile and comforting dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you use a boxed mix or bake from scratch, the warm, inviting flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves are sure to please. We hope this taste test has helped you find your new favorite boxed spice cake mix. So, grab a box, get baking, and enjoy the deliciousness of spice cake!

Happy Baking!