Are boxed cake mixes smaller than they used to be?

Yes, boxed cake mixes have significantly shrunk in size due to "shrinkflation," with standard sizes dropping from around 18 ounces down to 13-16 ounces over the years for major brands like Betty Crocker, Pillsbury, and Duncan Hines, meaning you get less product for the same price, which can affect recipes that rely on the larger, older quantities. This downsizing, often due to rising ingredient costs, can result in smaller cakes or fewer cupcakes, impacting older recipes and potentially altering texture and yield.

Did Betty Crocker cake mix get smaller?

Some manufacturers—including Pillsbury, Duncan Hines, and Betty Crocker—have reduced the amount of cake mix per box by a couple of ounces to account for an increase in the price of ingredients. So, what does this mean for your baking? Well, the change is only by a couple of ounces, so there is no cause for alarm ...

What size did Betty Crocker cake mix used to be?

Here's a breakdown of the weight changes: Historically: Betty Crocker cake mixes were around 18.25 ounces. Current: They are now around 15.25 or 13.25 ounces. Other Brands: Pillsbury and Duncan Hines have also reduced the amount of cake mix per box.

How many ounces did box cake mixes used to be?

Boxed cake mixes used to be a standard 18.25 ounces, but over time, manufacturers reduced them to 15.25 ounces, and now many are as small as 13.25 ounces, a practice known as "shrinkflation". This downsizing means older recipes or expectations for a full, tall cake might need adjustments, with some bakers adding extra flour to compensate for the missing product, says Allrecipes, Cubby At Home, Yahoo, and TODAY.com. 

What happened to Duncan Hines cake mixes?

Duncan Hines cake mixes aren't gone; they've faced issues like a major 2018 salmonella recall and consumer complaints about formula changes (shrinkflation and blandness), but they are still sold, with parent company Conagra Brands actively managing recalls and customer feedback for their popular line of baking mixes.
 

Cake Mixes Getting Smaller

Did Duncan Hines change the size of their cake mixes?

Manufacturers like Pillsbury, Duncan Hines and Betty Crocker made their boxed cake mixes a few ounces lighter. Cake mixes that were once around 18 oz. were reduced to around 16 oz.

Do professional bakeries use box cake mix?

Yes, many professional bakeries use boxed cake mixes, often modifying them with extra ingredients (like more eggs, butter, or milk) to enhance flavor and texture, as mixes offer consistency, reliability, and significant time savings, though some "scratch" bakeries do exist and specialize in from-scratch recipes. The goal for many pros is a good foundation, with commercial-grade mixes sometimes used, but even standard grocery mixes are common bases for "bakery-style" cakes. 

How many ounces was a cake mix in 1980?

This replaces a 18.25oz cake mix, which was the standard size in most recipes written before 1980.

What is the 1234 rule in baking?

It gets its name from its original recipe: one cup of butter, two cups of sugar, three cups of flour, four eggs. That recipe, while pleasingly simple, is not particularly tasty, and the addition of milk, baking powder, and vanilla gives the cake a better flavor and a moister, fluffier crumb.

Why did Betty Crocker change their recipe?

🎂 In 1951, Betty Crocker introduced a cake mix that failed to impress housewives as they craved the satisfaction of baking from scratch. To address this, Betty Crocker changed the mix recipe by requiring users to add water, vegetable oil, and eggs, making it slightly more complex.

How to upsize a boxed cake mix?

Method #1: Purchase two 15.25 ounce cake mixes. Add 3 ounces (6 tablespoons) from the second mix to make up the difference. Keep the balance of that second mix in a tightly sealed container to use the next time you make this cake.

How big is a Jiffy cake mix?

"JIFFY" Golden Yellow Cake Mix, 9 oz Box.

Is there an 18.25 oz cake mix?

Betty Crocker Super Moist Yellow Cake Mix, 18.25 Oz - Kroger.

How many ounces was the original Betty Crocker cake mix?

The original Betty Crocker cake mix used to have 18.25 ounces per box and then it went to 15.25 and now to 13.25. If you've baked the same recipe year after year, be sure and buy an extra box and add the appropriate amount to get back to the 15.25 or 18.25 or your cake will not be what it used to be!

Why is my cake small?

Most common reason is when the oven door is opened too soon and the cake hasn't set up and baked properly. The mixture could be too soft due to not enough ingredients or if there is too much liquid added. Using too much raising agents can make the cake rise too much too quickly and it implodes on itself.

How much did a box of cake mix used to weigh?

Most standard cake boxes used to be around 18 ounces, and now, they range anywhere from 13 to 16 ounces. To put this into perspective, three ounces of cake mix is around six tablespoons of cake mix. This means your cake mix might make a slightly smaller cake or one or two fewer cupcakes.

What are common beginner cake mistakes?

13 Mistakes Everyone Makes When Baking A Cake (And How To Avoid Them)

• Not properly preparing the pan. Candice Bell/Shutterstock. ...
• Overmixing the batter. ...
• Using expired ingredients. ...
• Using cold ingredients. ...
• Using the wrong type of flour. ...
• Not measuring ingredients accurately. ...
• Not preheating the oven. ...
• Opening the oven door too often.

How many eggs for 2 cups of flour for cake?

Simple Vanilla Cake Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar 1 cup milk 3/4 cup vegetable oil 4 eggs 2 1/4 teaspoons baking powder 1 tablespoon vanilla extract Directions: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, and baking powder.

How do I make my cake more moist?

To make a cake more moist, add ingredients like buttermilk, yogurt, sour cream, or oil; use a dry instant pudding mix; don't overmix or overbake; and brush cooled layers with a flavored simple syrup for added moisture and flavor. Swapping butter for oil and using acidic liquids like buttermilk also creates a more tender crumb, while a quick brush of simple syrup after baking adds significant moisture. 

What was the most popular cake in 1977?

1977 — Angel food cake

As with carrot cake, angel food cake's popularity in the 1970s may have to do with it's airy and light consistency. This cake – made with whipped egg whites — has been the base for many a cake recipe in the 1970s.

Does Dolly Parton own Duncan Hines?

Following the success of its 2022 launch of Dolly Parton's cake mixes and frostings, Duncan Hines, a brand of Conagra Brands, Inc., is launching four more baking mixes as part of the brand's multi-year partnership with Dolly.

How many ounces is Dolly Parton cake mix?

Amazon.com : Duncan Hines Dolly Parton's Favorite Southern-Style Coconut Flavored Cake Mix, 15.25 oz. : Grocery & Gourmet Food.

Why do bakery cakes taste better than homemade?

One of the main reasons why cakes made in bakeries taste better than those made at home is that the equipment professionals use is far superior. This is most obvious when it comes to ovens.

What happens if you use milk instead of water in baking?

Using milk instead of water in baking adds fat, protein, and sugar, resulting in a moister, richer, more tender, and flavorful product with a softer crust that browns better due to the Maillard reaction, though it can slow fermentation in bread and might compete with chocolate flavor in some cakes. It generally creates a more decadent, homemade-style result compared to water. 

How do you make a box cake taste like it came from the bakery?

Make a boxed cake mix taste like a bakery cake!

1. Look at the directions on the cake mix.
2. Add one more egg (or 2 if you want it very rich).
3. Use melted butter vs. oil & double the amount.
4. Use milk vs. water.
5. Mix well & bake for the time recommended on the box.

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