Unlocking Baking Bliss: Delicious Creations with Betty Crocker’s New Baking Mixes (September Edition)
Betty Crocker has long been a trusted name in kitchens worldwide, synonymous with easy-to-use baking mixes that deliver consistently delicious results. With the arrival of September comes a fresh wave of new and exciting baking mixes, promising to elevate your baking game to new heights. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting your culinary journey, these new mixes offer a convenient and foolproof way to create mouthwatering treats for yourself, your family, and your friends. This article dives deep into the latest Betty Crocker baking mixes, providing detailed recipes, step-by-step instructions, and creative ideas to inspire your baking adventures. Get ready to unlock a world of baking bliss!
A Sneak Peek at the New Betty Crocker Baking Mixes
Before we delve into specific recipes, let’s take a look at some of the exciting new baking mixes Betty Crocker has released this September. While specific availability may vary by region, expect to see variations or additions in these categories:
* **Decadent Dessert Bars:** Think beyond basic brownies. Expect mixes for salted caramel bars, lemon cheesecake bars, and other indulgent treats.
* **Gourmet Cookies:** Pre-portioned cookie dough and easy-to-use mixes make gourmet cookies accessible to everyone. Look for flavors like dark chocolate sea salt, oatmeal raisin with walnuts, and cranberry white chocolate.
* **Flavor-Infused Cakes:** Classic cake mixes get a makeover with exciting flavor combinations. Imagine lavender lemon cake, pistachio rose cake, or a spiced apple cider cake – all from a convenient mix.
* **Savory Breads and Biscuits:** Baking isn’t just for sweets! Betty Crocker often releases mixes for quick breads, biscuits, and even pizza dough, making homemade savory treats a breeze.
* **Seasonal Specialties:** Keep an eye out for limited-edition mixes that capture the flavors of fall, such as pumpkin spice muffins, gingerbread cookies, or apple crisp.
**Note:** *Always check the Betty Crocker website or your local grocery store for the most up-to-date information on available products.*
Recipe 1: Salted Caramel Brownie Bars (using Betty Crocker’s Salted Caramel Bar Mix – Example)
These salted caramel brownie bars are the perfect combination of sweet and salty, rich and fudgy. The Betty Crocker salted caramel bar mix makes it incredibly easy to achieve bakery-worthy results.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 box Betty Crocker Salted Caramel Bar Mix
* Eggs (as called for on the box instructions)
* Vegetable oil (as called for on the box instructions)
* Water (as called for on the box instructions)
* Coarse sea salt, for sprinkling
**Equipment:**
* 8×8 inch baking pan
* Mixing bowl
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Rubber spatula
* Oven
**Instructions:**
1. **Preheat and Prep:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8 inch baking pan and line it with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on two sides. This will make it easier to lift the bars out later.
2. **Combine Ingredients:** In a mixing bowl, combine the Betty Crocker salted caramel bar mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and water according to the instructions on the box. Use a rubber spatula to gently fold the ingredients together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough bars.
3. **Pour into Pan:** Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly with the spatula.
4. **Bake:** Bake for 28-32 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out with moist crumbs attached. The baking time may vary depending on your oven, so start checking for doneness around 28 minutes.
5. **Cool and Sprinkle:** Remove the pan from the oven and let the bars cool completely in the pan. Once cooled, lift the bars out of the pan using the parchment paper overhang. Sprinkle the top of the bars with coarse sea salt.
6. **Cut and Serve:** Cut the bars into squares and serve. Enjoy these decadent salted caramel brownie bars with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a glass of cold milk.
**Tips and Variations:**
* **Add Chocolate Chips:** For an extra dose of chocolate, stir in ½ cup of chocolate chips to the batter before baking.
* **Swirl Caramel Sauce:** Drizzle caramel sauce over the batter before baking for a more intense caramel flavor.
* **Add Nuts:** Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top of the bars before baking for added crunch.
* **Make it Gluten-Free:** While not all Betty Crocker mixes have a gluten-free option, check if they have a similar mix, and ensure all other ingredients used are gluten-free.
Recipe 2: Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Cookies (using Betty Crocker’s Gourmet Cookie Mix – Example)
These dark chocolate sea salt cookies are a sophisticated twist on the classic chocolate chip cookie. The combination of rich dark chocolate and flaky sea salt creates a truly irresistible treat.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 package Betty Crocker Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Cookie Mix
* Butter, softened (as called for on the box instructions)
* Egg (as called for on the box instructions)
* Flaky sea salt, for sprinkling
**Equipment:**
* Baking sheets
* Parchment paper or silicone baking mats
* Mixing bowl
* Electric mixer
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Cookie scoop (optional)
* Oven
**Instructions:**
1. **Preheat and Prep:** Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
2. **Combine Ingredients:** In a mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and the Betty Crocker dark chocolate sea salt cookie mix until well combined. Beat in the egg until smooth.
3. **Scoop and Sprinkle:** Use a cookie scoop or a spoon to drop rounded tablespoons of dough onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving about 2 inches between each cookie. Gently flatten the cookies with your fingers. Sprinkle each cookie with flaky sea salt.
4. **Bake:** Bake for 9-11 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the centers are still slightly soft. The baking time may vary depending on your oven, so start checking for doneness around 9 minutes.
5. **Cool:** Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
6. **Serve:** Enjoy these dark chocolate sea salt cookies with a glass of milk, a cup of coffee, or simply on their own.
**Tips and Variations:**
* **Add Espresso Powder:** For a deeper, more intense chocolate flavor, add 1 teaspoon of espresso powder to the dough.
* **Use Different Chocolate:** Substitute dark chocolate chips with milk chocolate chips or white chocolate chips for a different flavor profile.
* **Add Nuts:** Stir in chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds to the dough for added texture and flavor.
* **Chill the Dough:** For thicker, chewier cookies, chill the dough in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before baking.
Recipe 3: Lavender Lemon Cake (using Betty Crocker’s Flavor-Infused Cake Mix – Example)
This lavender lemon cake is a delicate and fragrant dessert that’s perfect for afternoon tea or a special occasion. The subtle floral notes of lavender complement the bright, citrusy flavor of lemon, creating a truly unique and memorable cake.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 box Betty Crocker Lavender Lemon Cake Mix
* Eggs (as called for on the box instructions)
* Vegetable oil (as called for on the box instructions)
* Water (as called for on the box instructions)
* Lemon zest, from 1 lemon
* Dried lavender flowers (food grade), for garnish (optional)
* Powdered sugar, for dusting (optional)
**Equipment:**
* 9-inch round cake pan
* Mixing bowl
* Electric mixer
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Rubber spatula
* Oven
* Wire rack
**Instructions:**
1. **Preheat and Prep:** Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round cake pan.
2. **Combine Ingredients:** In a mixing bowl, combine the Betty Crocker lavender lemon cake mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and water according to the instructions on the box. Add the lemon zest and mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
3. **Pour into Pan:** Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan and spread it evenly with a spatula.
4. **Bake:** Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The baking time may vary depending on your oven, so start checking for doneness around 30 minutes.
5. **Cool:** Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting it onto a wire rack to cool completely.
6. **Garnish (Optional):** Dust the cake with powdered sugar and garnish with dried lavender flowers, if desired.
7. **Serve:** Enjoy this lavender lemon cake with a cup of tea, a scoop of ice cream, or a dollop of whipped cream.
**Tips and Variations:**
* **Make a Glaze:** Prepare a simple lemon glaze by whisking together powdered sugar and lemon juice until smooth. Drizzle the glaze over the cooled cake.
* **Add Blueberries:** Stir in ½ cup of fresh blueberries to the batter before baking for a burst of juicy flavor.
* **Use Lavender Extract:** For a more intense lavender flavor, add ¼ teaspoon of lavender extract to the batter.
* **Make Cupcakes:** Divide the batter into cupcake liners and bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Recipe 4: Pumpkin Spice Muffins (using Betty Crocker’s Seasonal Mix – Example)
Capture the essence of fall with these warm and comforting pumpkin spice muffins. These muffins are incredibly easy to make using Betty Crocker’s pumpkin spice muffin mix and are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a midday snack.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 box Betty Crocker Pumpkin Spice Muffin Mix
* Eggs (as called for on the box instructions)
* Vegetable oil (as called for on the box instructions)
* Water (as called for on the box instructions)
* Pumpkin pie spice, for sprinkling (optional)
**Equipment:**
* Muffin tin
* Muffin liners (optional)
* Mixing bowl
* Electric mixer or whisk
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Oven
**Instructions:**
1. **Preheat and Prep:** Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a muffin tin with muffin liners, or grease the tin well.
2. **Combine Ingredients:** In a mixing bowl, combine the Betty Crocker pumpkin spice muffin mix, eggs, vegetable oil, and water according to the instructions on the box. Mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
3. **Fill Muffin Cups:** Fill each muffin cup about ⅔ full with batter.
4. **Sprinkle (Optional):** Sprinkle a pinch of pumpkin pie spice over the top of each muffin.
5. **Bake:** Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. The baking time may vary depending on your oven, so start checking for doneness around 18 minutes.
6. **Cool:** Let the muffins cool in the muffin tin for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely.
7. **Serve:** Enjoy these pumpkin spice muffins warm or at room temperature with a pat of butter, a dollop of cream cheese frosting, or a sprinkle of powdered sugar.
**Tips and Variations:**
* **Add Chocolate Chips:** Stir in ½ cup of chocolate chips to the batter before baking for a chocolatey twist.
* **Add Nuts:** Stir in chopped pecans, walnuts, or pepitas (pumpkin seeds) to the batter for added texture and flavor.
* **Make a Streusel Topping:** Combine flour, brown sugar, butter, and spices to create a crumbly streusel topping for the muffins.
* **Add Cream Cheese Filling:** Use a piping bag or spoon to fill the center of each muffin with cream cheese filling before baking.
Recipe 5: Savory Cheddar Biscuits (using Betty Crocker’s Biscuit Mix – Example)
Who says baking is only for sweet treats? These savory cheddar biscuits are the perfect accompaniment to soups, stews, or a hearty breakfast. The Betty Crocker biscuit mix makes it incredibly easy to whip up a batch of warm, cheesy biscuits in no time.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 box Betty Crocker Biscuit Mix
* Cold water (as called for on the box instructions)
* Shredded cheddar cheese (about 1 cup)
* Melted butter, for brushing (optional)
* Garlic powder, for sprinkling (optional)
**Equipment:**
* Baking sheet
* Mixing bowl
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Pastry blender or fork (optional)
* Oven
**Instructions:**
1. **Preheat and Prep:** Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. **Combine Ingredients:** In a mixing bowl, combine the Betty Crocker biscuit mix and shredded cheddar cheese. Add the cold water according to the instructions on the box. Use a pastry blender or a fork to cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. Alternatively, use your fingers to rub the butter into the flour.
3. **Gently Mix:** Gently stir in the cold water until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can result in tough biscuits.
4. **Drop onto Baking Sheet:** Drop spoonfuls of dough onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch between each biscuit.
5. **Brush and Sprinkle (Optional):** Brush the tops of the biscuits with melted butter and sprinkle with garlic powder, if desired.
6. **Bake:** Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the biscuits are golden brown. The baking time may vary depending on your oven, so start checking for doneness around 12 minutes.
7. **Serve:** Serve these savory cheddar biscuits warm with butter, gravy, or your favorite toppings.
**Tips and Variations:**
* **Add Herbs:** Stir in chopped fresh herbs such as chives, parsley, or rosemary to the dough for added flavor.
* **Use Different Cheese:** Substitute cheddar cheese with other types of cheese, such as Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or parmesan.
* **Add Bacon:** Crumble cooked bacon and stir it into the dough for a smoky, savory flavor.
* **Make Drop Biscuits:** For easier biscuits, simply drop spoonfuls of dough onto the baking sheet without shaping them.
Elevating Your Baking with Betty Crocker’s New Mixes: General Tips
No matter which Betty Crocker baking mix you choose, here are some general tips to ensure baking success:
* **Read the Instructions Carefully:** Always read the instructions on the box carefully before you begin. This will ensure that you use the correct ingredients, measurements, and baking times.
* **Don’t Overmix:** Overmixing the batter can develop the gluten in the flour, resulting in tough or chewy baked goods. Mix the ingredients until just combined, and avoid overmixing.
* **Use Fresh Ingredients:** Fresh ingredients will always result in better-tasting baked goods. Make sure your eggs are fresh, your butter is softened (but not melted), and your baking powder is not expired.
* **Use the Right Pan:** Using the correct size and type of pan is essential for even baking. Refer to the box instructions for the recommended pan size.
* **Preheat Your Oven:** Make sure your oven is properly preheated before you begin baking. This will ensure that your baked goods cook evenly.
* **Check for Doneness:** Use a toothpick or cake tester to check for doneness. Insert the toothpick into the center of the baked good. If it comes out clean or with moist crumbs attached, the baked good is done.
* **Cool Completely:** Allow your baked goods to cool completely before frosting, glazing, or serving. This will prevent the frosting or glaze from melting and will make it easier to cut the baked goods.
* **Get Creative:** Don’t be afraid to experiment with different flavors and add-ins. Baking is a fun and creative process, so have fun and try new things!
Where to Find the New Betty Crocker Baking Mixes
The new Betty Crocker baking mixes are typically available at most major grocery stores, supermarkets, and online retailers. Check the baking aisle of your local grocery store or visit the Betty Crocker website to find a retailer near you. Availability may vary depending on your location.
Conclusion
With Betty Crocker’s new baking mixes, creating delicious and impressive desserts and savory treats has never been easier. Whether you’re craving salted caramel brownie bars, dark chocolate sea salt cookies, lavender lemon cake, pumpkin spice muffins, or savory cheddar biscuits, there’s a Betty Crocker mix to suit your taste. So, grab a box of your favorite mix, follow the instructions, and get ready to unlock a world of baking bliss! Happy baking!