About Best Loved Brands
When you’re looking for the absolute best, grocery shopping can be quite the ordeal—dozens of brands, hundreds of choices. From biscuits to brownies, hot sauce to hummus, it can be daunting to make the picks that will make your recipes sing. That’s where Taste of Home comes in. Our culinary and editorial experts put 100+ products to the test. After undergoing a thorough review, our Best Loved Brands emerged. Find out which brands you should be shopping for.
Finding the Best Cake Mix
When we think of a good cake, we always think homemade—like something Grandma would make. But in reality, we know that making a cake from scratch isn’t always practical. Seriously, who hasn’t forgotten to make cupcakes for that bake sale until the morning of? That’s why so many home cooks like to keep a backup plan in the cupboard: a box of cake mix. If you’re going to make a boxed mix, you want it to taste as homemade as possible. That’s why our Test Kitchen put eight brands of yellow cake mix (a great standard mix) to the test to find the one that will make those last-minute bakes really shine. These mixes were judged according to the following standards:
- Flavor
- Texture
- Appearance
A cake mix that produces a moist (but not wet), flavorful (but not fake) and beautiful cake is a great pantry secret weapon. It makes recipes like this blueberry and lemon upside-down cake pop. Check out what brands our Test Kitchen recommends for this cake and many others.
First Place: Pillsbury
Our Test Kitchen experts chose baking classic Pillsbury as the best cake mix you can buy. This mix produced a light yet moist cake—quite the difficult balance to strike. When it came to flavor, Pillsbury delivered. Our editorial and culinary team thought this sponge had that great buttery taste that you want from a yellow cake along with a hint of vanilla to give it just a bit more complexity. You can’t beat this brand for a tender, flavorsome cake, one that will serve as a great foundation for all kinds of desserts.
$1.29 for a 15.25-oz box; available at grocers nationwide.
Second Place: Betty Crocker
Baking big shot Betty Crocker took our second place spot in our search for the best cake mix. This box produced a light and airy cake with a beautiful golden hue. This brand also offered a good buttery flavor and a nice sweetness that makes you think of a traditional birthday cake.
$1.29 for a 15.25-oz box; available at grocers nationwide and on Amazon.
Third Place: Baker’s Corner
For an ultra-rich, buttery cake, our Test Kitchen recommends Baker’s Corner yellow cake mix. This Aldi-exclusive brand (seriously, Aldi brands are pretty phenomenal!) produced an exceptionally moist cake with the richest flavor of the eight brands tested. The only drawback is that moisture meant that the cake didn’t rise as much as others, which isn’t a problem unless you’re banking on nice fat layers for an elaborate layer cake.
16.5-oz. box; available exclusively at Aldi.
What to Make with Cake Mix
Sure, you can use a cake mix to make a quick cake, but it only gets better when you start thinking of these mixes as an ingredient. Doctoring up a cake mix can help you make so many treats from tasty cupcakes to extra moist cakes to cookies even (just check out all these recipes that start with a mix). The right box of cake mix can really help you make quick desserts taste even better.
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Blueberry-Lemon Upside-Down Cake
I was young when I married, so I watched my mother-in-law to learn baking. This cake with fresh blueberries is one of her beauties. —Bonnie Roberts, Newaygo, Michigan
Not sure which brand of cake mix to buy? Check out the brands our editors and the Taste of Home Test Kitchen recommend.
Peanut Butter Caramel Bars
When my husband and our three sons sit down to dinner, they ask, "What's for dessert?" I have a happy group of guys when I report that these rich bars are on the menu. They're chockfull of yummy ingredients. —Lee Ann Karnowski, Stevens Point, Wisconsin
Almond Chocolate Biscotti
My neighbors look forward to getting my gifts of these chocolate-covered cookies. I love that this chocolate biscotti recipe is such a cinch to make. —Ginger Chatfield, Muscatine, Iowa
Pear Bundt Cake
Next time you make cake from a mix, try my easy and delicious recipe. The pears and syrup add sweet flavor and prevent the cake from drying out. And since there's no oil added to the batter, this tender fall-perfect cake is surprisingly low in fat. —Veronica Ross, Columbia Heights, Minnesota
Lemon Snowflakes
You’ll need just four items to whip up these delightful cookies. Confectioners’ sugar highlights the cracked tops to give them their snowflake appearance. —Linda Barry, Dianna, Texas
Irish Creme Chocolate Trifle
I was given a bottle of Irish cream liqueur as a gift and had leftover peppermint candy, so I created this delicious trifle. It's always rich and decadent. —Margaret Wilson, Sun City, California
Cake & Berry Campfire Cobbler
This warm cobbler is one of our favorite ways to end a busy day of fishing, hiking, swimming or rafting. It's yummy with ice cream—and so easy to make! —June Dress, Boise, Idaho
Pecan Pumpkin Dessert
I always fix this recipe for Thanksgiving. It was given to me by a friend and I've shared it with many others. —Sue Williams, Mt. Holly, North Carolina
Caramel Apple Cupcakes
Take these extra-special cupcakes to your next event and watch how quickly they disappear! With a caramel topping and spice cake base, they're the perfect mix of two fall-favorite treats. —Diane Halferty, Corpus Christi, Texas
Lemon Angel Cake Bars
A neighbor gave me this recipe years ago and it's been in flavor rotation ever since. It can be made ahead and serves a bunch, so it's perfect for parties and potlucks. —Marina Castle, Canyon Country, California
Come-Home-to-Mama Chocolate Cake
You'll spend less than a half hour whipping up this cure-all cake that starts with a mix. Sour cream and chocolate pudding make it rich and moist, and chocolate, chocolate and more chocolate make it decadent comfort food at its finest. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Butterscotch Toffee Cookies
With its big butterscotch and chocolate flavor, my cookie stands out. I like to enjoy it with a glass of milk or a cup of coffee. It’s my fallback recipe when I’m short on time and need something delicious fast. —Allie Blinder, Norcross, Georgia
Pistachio Cake with Walnuts
It didn't take long for this cake from the 1970s to become the favorite birthday cake of my husband, Joe. —Patty LaNoue Stearns, Traverse City, Michigan
Triple Fudge Brownies
When you're in a hurry to make dessert, here's a "mix of mixes" that's so convenient and quick. The result is a big pan of very rich, fudgy brownies. Friends who ask me for the recipe are amazed that it's so easy. —Denise Nebel, Wayland, Iowa
Tres Leches Cupcakes
This cupcake version of tres leches cake actually uses four types of milk, plus cream, but quatro leches cake just doesn’t have the same delicious ring to it. If you love dairy, you won’t be disappointed with this special take on the classic.
Sweet Potato Cheesecake Bars
Your whole house will be filled with the aroma of pumpkin spice when you bake these wonderful sweet potato cheesecake bars. They look complicated but are so easy, you can whip up a batch anytime. —Nancy Whitford, Edwards, New York
Chocolate Chip Red Velvet Whoopie Pies
Baking a fun treat is a must when my four grandchildren come for “Grandma Camp.” This year I’ll recruit the oldest, Henry, to help pipe the cake batter. —Linda Schend, Kenosha, Wisconsin
Cranberry Layer Cake
I adapted a Bundt cake recipe to create this layer cake. Cranberries, walnuts and homemade frosting make it taste so delicious that you'd never guess it starts with a convenient cake mix. —Sandy Burkett, Galena, Ohio
Pina Colada Bundt Cake
We named this bundt a “pina colada” because it has coconut, pineapple and rum. It’s a soothing finish at the end of a big spread. —Debra Keil, Owasso, Oklahoma
Quick Chocolate Sandwich Cookies
These cookies freeze well, so it's easy to keep some on hand for last-minute munching. In summer, I often make them larger to use for ice cream sandwiches. —Mary Rempel, Altona, Manitoba
Caramel Nut Breakfast Cake
I first tasted this incredible coffee cake when a kind neighbor brought it by. It was so good that my brother-in-law tried hiding it from us so he wouldn’t have to share. —Arlene Isaac, Crooked Creek, Alberta
Cranberry Eggnog Cheesecake Bars
My family loves everything cheesecake. These bars combine tart cranberries and rich cream cheese, and taste even better when chilled overnight! —Carmell Childs, Ferron, Utah
Sacher Torte Squares
Sacher torte is a Viennese cake that requires several steps. My squares are an easy alternative, but they still feature the classic apricot and chocolate flavors. —Arlene Erlbach, Morton Grove, Illinois
Easy Oatmeal Cream Pies
These easy cookies use only five ingredients and taste very similar to a store-bought cookie. Of course, everything's better from your own kitchen! —Crystal Schlueter, Northglenn, Colorado
Macadamia Sunshine Bars
Your guests will be delighted with my bars. They are packed with nuts and dried fruit. I think that when you take a bite of this treat it’s like a mini-vacation to a Polynesian paradise. —Jeanne Holt, Mendota Heights, Minnesota
German Chocolate Tres Leches Cake
I first tried tres leches cake while in Ecuador several years ago. Since then, I’ve changed it up by adding some of my favorite ingredients, namely chocolate and coconut. This version also has a splash of rum for an adults-only treat. —Lisa Varner, El Paso, Texas
Glazed Cherry Coffee Cake
With its pretty layer of cherries and crunchy streusel topping, this coffee cake is great for breakfast. Or you can even serve it for dessert. —Gail Buss, Beverly Hills, Florida
Warm Rocky Road Cake
When it's warm, this reminds me of super moist lava cake. And until I made this, I didn't think a slow cooker cake could be so attractive. It's a real winner. —Scarlett Elrod, Newnan, Georgia
Graham Streusel Coffee Cake
I use this sweet coffee cake recipe often. It's quick and easy to make. —Blanche Whytsell, Arnoldsburg, West Virginia
Coconut Cake with White Chocolate Frosting
My husband adores coconut but not so much cake. When I take this beauty to family potlucks, he gets his coconut, too. —Sharon Rehm, New Blaine, Arkansas
Rum-Glazed Pumpkin Cake
For years, my co-workers were taste testers as I worked on a recipe for pumpkin cake. This version wins, hands down. —Gilda Smith, Santee, California
Butterscotch-Toffee Cheesecake Bars
I took a cheesecake bar recipe and added a new flavor combo to transform it! The butterscotch and toffee really taste divine here. —Pamela Shank, Parkersburg, West Virginia
Pear Upside-Down Gingerbread
I prefer to bake from scratch, but this Christmasy cake mix recipe is a favorite. For a change of pace, use apples and walnuts in place of the pears and pecans. —Trisha Kruse, Eagle, Idaho
Pumpkin Spice Cookies
These big, soft spice cookies created by our staff have a sweet frosting that makes them an extra-special treat. Enjoy! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Deluxe Strawberry Shortcake
This tasty shortcake is perfect for the Fourth of July. I love the moist texture and from-scratch flavor. It's foolproof and always brings lots of compliments. —Janet Fant, Denair, California
Minister's Delight
A friend gave me this recipe several years ago. She said a local minister's wife fixed it every Sunday, so she named it accordingly —Mary Ann Potter, Blue Springs, Missouri
Can't Leave Alone Bars
Convenient cake mix hurries along the preparation of these tasty bars. I bring these quick-and-easy treats to church meetings, potlucks and housewarming parties. I often make a double batch so we can enjoy some at home. —Kimberly Biel, Java, South Dakota
Apricot-Pecan Thumbprint Cookies
I enjoy experimenting with cake mixes to make new cookie recipes. I love apricot, but feel free to fill the thumbprint in the center of these goodies with any fruit preserve you like. —Nancy Johnson, Laverne, Oklahoma
Pineapple Orange Cake
This is one of my favorite cakes. It’s moist and light yet so satisfying. I’ve been adapting it for years and now it’s almost guilt-free. —Pam Sjolund, Columbia, South Carolina
Little Holiday Cakes
My college friend shared this cupcake recipe that has pie crust on the bottom, raspberry jam in the middle and cake on top—scrumptious for a buffet or potluck. —Dana Beckstrom, Salt Lake City, Utah
Caramel-Pecan Dream Bars
These ooey-gooey cake bars that pull ever so gently from the pan and hold a firm cut are a baker’s dream come true. —Cay Keppers, Nisswa, Minnesota
Rhubarb Berry Coffee Cake
I rely on a cake mix to speed the prep for this moist streusel-topped dessert that pairs tart rhubarb with sweet strawberries. It's great all by itself, but feel free to add some frosting or ice cream. —Jackie Heyer, Cushing, Iowa
Peppermint Patty Sandwich Cookies
At my annual holiday party, these cookies are a big hit with kids and adults, especially when I mix festive food coloring or crushed candy canes into the filling. —Amy Martin, Vancouver, Washington
Cherry Crumb Dessert
This dessert is a sweet treat, especially when garnished with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream! The crust and crumb topping have a wonderful nutty flavor, and the smooth fruit filling looks beautiful when served. —Ann Eastman, Greenville, California
Black Forest Dump Cake
I make a Black Forest cake the easy way: Dump everything into a dish and let the magic happen. Give it a cherry topping by reserving two tablespoons of juice from the canned cherries and stir into whipped cream. —Meghan McDermott, Springfield, Missouri
Cherry Dream Cake
I serve this cherry cake for holidays because it's so festive and easy. No one will know your secret is adding a package of cherry gelatin to a boxed cake mix! —Margaret McNeil, Germantown, Tennessee
Caramel-Fudge Chocolate Cake
To satisfy the chocolate lovers in our family, I added hot fudge topping and chocolate chips to a caramel-covered dessert that's quite popular in our area. The moist cake layer is a breeze to prepare using a boxed mix, and the rich toppings make it especially decadent. —Karen Stucky, Freeman, South Dakota
Favorite Frosted Cinnamon Rolls
I serve these yummy frosted rolls warm from the oven as a Christmas morning treat at our house. Even if you are not accustomed to working with yeast dough, you'll find this dough is easy to handle. —Julie Sterchi, Jackson, Missouri
Sweet Potato Cranberry Cake
This convenient recipe uses items you have in your pantry, like sweet potatoes, cranberries, coconut and chocolate chips. Everyone will enjoy this delicious dessert! —Amie Valpone, New York, New York
Rainbow Layer Cake
Fruity gelatin helps create the rainbow effect for this pretty cake. Lemon frosting is a nice and springy finishing touch. —Dawn Shackelford, Fort Worth, Texas
Giant Spice Cookies
I heard this cookie recipe over the radio about 1950—shortly after my husband and I married. The big spicy treats are so nice and chewy, they remain my favorite to this day. —Sandy Pyeatt, Tacoma, Washington
Root Beer Float Cake
I add root beer to both the cake batter and fluffy frosting of this summery dessert to get that great root beer float taste. Serve this moist cake to a bunch of hungry kids and watch it disappear! —Kat Thompson, Prineville, Oregon
Ultimate Chocolate Cake
Semisweet chocolate chips add rich flavor to this moist chocolaty cake that's lower in fat. Slices of it are excellent for dessert or a snack. —Kay McMicken, Charlotte, North Carolina
Easy Cake Mix Bars
I take these bars to work for Friday pick-me-ups. I love to share them because they're so easy to eat, easy to make and easy on the wallet. —Amy Rose, Ballwin, Missouri
Eggnog Cream with Spiced Pecan Raisin Dunkers
I have a thing for eggnog and other creamy desserts like s’mores, pudding, mousses and dips. So I turned them into one yummy dip with homemade dunkers. —Arlene Erlbach, Morton Grove, Illinois
And remember that beautiful, rustic blueberry-lemon upside-down cake? It’s a cinch to make with the help of a box of yellow cake mix—just watch!
We hope this test helps you make even more delicious desserts. Now, go check out our other Best Loved Brands!
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Vanilla Ice Cream
Our Test Kitchen tried out 10 brands to find the absolute best ice cream brand. Trust us: This vanilla ice cream deserves a spot in your freezer. Find out which brand you should be buying.
Pancake Mix
Looking for the best pancake mix? Our Test Kitchen put 10 brands to the test to find the one you need for the perfect weekend breakfast. You'll flip for our favorite mix.
Bacon
We tried 100+ products to bring you our Best Loved Brands. This time, we searched for the absolute best bacon. Find out which brand had us wanting bacon morning, noon and night. Find your new favorite bacon.
Hot Sauce
Our Best Loved Brands testing is heating up! Our Test Kitchen tried 17 brands (yowza!). Find out which product claimed the title of best hot sauce.
Coffee
You start every morning with a cup. Why not make sure that morning joe is the best coffee you can buy? Our Test Kitchen shares their top pick. Find out if your favorite coffee is our best-loved brand!
Strawberry Jam
We tried 11 kinds of strawberry preserves. Find out which is the best strawberry jam for toast, treats and more. We have the answer here.
Barbecue Sauce
Looking for the best barbecue sauce? Our Test Kitchen put 10 popular brands to the test. Find out which took top honors in our Best Loved Brands tasting.
Spaghetti Sauce
When it comes to pasta sauce, we all enjoy the homemade stuff just like Mom used to make, but we don’t always have the time. Our culinary and editorial teams wanted to find this perfect jarred sauce, so we tested 11 brands. Find out which brand tasted best.
Meatballs
For this blind taste test, we searched high and low for the best meatballs you can find in the frozen section. Don't worry—we won't tell Nonna. Find out which frozen meatball tastes handmade.
French Fries
In a test for the best french fries, our expert panel found the brands that you'll want stock in your freezer. Learn which fry ranked best.
Hummus
It's one of our favorite dips for snacking, but do you really know what the best hummus is? Our Test Kitchen put ten brands to the test to find the one you should be buying. Try our favorite brand! You'll love it. (Promise!)
Fish Fillets
Our Test Kitchen tried six brands of frozen fish fillets. Find out which ones are keepers. We reeled in a good one!
Mozzarella Cheese
Sliced, shredded or melted, cheese is our fave. Find out what our Test Kitchen thought after testing nine brands. This is the best brand of mozzarella cheese you can find at the store.
Salsa
Ten salsa brands were put to the test. Find out the best salsa you should bring home for snacking, cooking and more. Dip into our best salsa brand!
Potato Chips
We launched a search for the absolute best potato chips. Find out which brand had us craving more than just one. Discover a new favorite chip.
Chocolate Chips
Our Test Kitchen tested 14 brands to find the absolute best chocolate chips—perfect for cookies, bars and tasty quick breads. You'll be surprised to hear our favorite brand!
Brownie Mix
We tested 13 brands to find the absolute best brownie mix. Trust us: Our top picks are just as good as homemade. You won't want to miss this.
Yogurt
Whether you eat it on the go, use it in tzatziki or a picture-perfect parfait, having the best yogurt is crucial for tasty dishes. Find out which brands our Test Kitchen loves. Your new favorite brand awaits.
Cake Mix
Want the best brands for your pantry? The Taste of Home Test Kitchen's team of experts put 100+ to the test. This time they tried eight brands to find the best cake mix. This is the brand we couldn't stop eating!
