Homemade Duncan Hines Cake Mix Recipe

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Duncan Hines Cake Mix has always been my go-to secret weapon. It offers convenience and a foolproof way to create comfort in every bite.

How to make Duncan Hines Cake Mix

Duncan Hines Cake Mix is a popular line of boxed baking mixes designed to help home bakers create moist, flavorful cakes with minimal effort.

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 3/4 cups granulated sugar
• 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup powdered vegetable shortening (optional)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla powder (optional)

Instructions for DIY Cake Mix

1. Combine the Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. If using powdered vegetable shortening and/or vanilla powder, add those to the mix as well. Stir thoroughly to ensure everything is evenly distributed.
2. Store the Mix: Transfer your homemade cake mix to an airtight container. Store it in a cool, dry place for up to 3 months. You now have a base mix ready to go whenever a cake craving strikes!

Tips for Success

• Measure Carefully: Use a kitchen scale for the most accurate results, especially for flour and sugar.
• Customize Flavors: Add cocoa powder to the dry mix to make a chocolate version. For a yellow cake, add a pinch of ground turmeric (it will enhance the color without affecting flavor).
• Add Moisture Enhancers: When preparing the batter, substitute half the water with milk or buttermilk for a richer texture. For added moisture, mix in a dollop of sour cream or yogurt.
• Be Creative: Add mix-ins like sprinkles, chocolate chips, or instant espresso powder to your mix to use it as a base for recipes like marble cake, funfetti cupcakes, or coffee-flavored cake.
• Storing Leftover Cake Mix: If you don’t use all the mix in one go, store the remaining mix in an airtight container, label it with the date, and use it within 3 months.

Ingredients Substitutes

To help you prepare a delicious cake using Duncan Hines Cake Mix even if you need to substitute some ingredients, here’s a guide on ingredient substitutions.

1. Substitute for Eggs

Eggs are often used in cake mixes to provide structure, moisture, and leavening. However, you can substitute eggs for various reasons such as allergies, dietary restrictions, or vegan preferences. Below are some egg substitutes:

• Applesauce: Use 1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce per egg. Applesauce adds moisture and keeps the cake tender.
• Mashed Bananas: Replace each egg with 1/4 cup mashed ripe banana. This substitute adds moisture and a light banana flavor.
• Yogurt or Sour Cream: Substitute each egg with 1/4 cup plain yogurt or sour cream—these work well for providing moisture and richness.
• Vinegar + Baking Soda: Combine 1 tablespoon of vinegar (white or apple cider) with 1 teaspoon baking soda for each egg. This creates a leavening effect to help the cake rise.
• Flaxseed Meal: Mix 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoons water and let it sit for 5 minutes to form a gel-like consistency (known as a flax egg).
• Silken Tofu: For a dense cake, use 1/4 cup blended silken tofu per egg as a substitute.

2. Substitute for Oil

Oil provides moisture and richness to cake mixes, but you can use the following substitutes:

• Unsweetened Applesauce: Replace oil with an equal amount of unsweetened applesauce. This is a healthier, lower-calorie option—for example, 1 cup of applesauce for 1 cup of oil.
• Greek Yogurt: Substitute oil with plain Greek yogurt in a 1:1 ratio. Yogurt enhances moisture and richness.
• Mashed Avocado: Use mashed avocado in place of oil in a 1:1 ratio. This adds healthy fats and creaminess to the cake.
• Butter: Melt butter and use it as a 1:1 substitute for oil. Butter will add extra richness and a rich flavor.
• Pumpkin Puree: You can substitute oil for pumpkin puree with an equal amount of pumpkin puree. This is a great option for fall-themed cakes.

3. Substitute for Water

Duncan Hines Cake Mix usually calls for water, but you can enhance flavor and texture with these substitutes:

• Milk: Replace water with an equal amount of milk (whole milk, 2%, or even non-dairy milk such as almond, oat, or soy milk). Milk enhances richness and creates a creamier texture.
• Fruit Juice: Substitute water with fruit juice (e.g., orange juice or apple juice) to infuse the cake with a fruity flavor.
• Coffee: Replace water with brewed coffee for chocolate or mocha cakes. This enhances the chocolate flavor.
• Coconut Milk: Use an equal amount of coconut milk to add slight sweetness and a tropical flavor.
• Soda: Substituting water with soda (e.g., ginger ale, cola, or lemon-lime soda) can add a fun twist and extra carbonation, aiding the leavening.

4. Substitute for Butter (if required in variations)

When recipes call for butter, you can use the following substitutes:

• Vegetable Oil: Use vegetable oil in a 1:1 ratio instead of butter. This is great for keeping the cake moist.
• Coconut Oil: Substitute butter with melted coconut oil in a 1:1 ratio. It imparts a mild coconut flavor.
• Vegan Butter: Use plant-based vegan butter in a 1:1 ratio for dairy-free and vegan recipes.

Final Thoughts

Substituting ingredients in Duncan Hines cake mix allows you to tailor your cake to your preferences or accommodate dietary needs.

More Cake Mix Recipes:

• Homemade Betty Crocker Cake Mix Recipe