Our Test Kitchen Found the Best Yellow Cake Mixes
Updated: Nov. 08, 2021Every editorial product is independently selected, though we may be compensated or receive an affiliate commission if you buy something through our links. Ratings and prices are accurate and items are in stock as of time of publication.
Everyone should keep a cake mix on hand for last-minute desserts. Find out what yellow cake mix our Test Kitchen turns to.
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.
What Makes a Great Cake Mix
Our Test Kitchen sampled all these cake mixes with the following standards in mind:
- Flavor: A good yellow cake (from a box or not) should taste buttery and sweet—not artificial
- Texture: We want cake to be light, fluffy and moist. Dense, crumbly cakes need not apply!
- Appearance: The cake should look like something we want to dive right into (with plenty of frosting, of course!).
With all this in mind, our Test Kitchen grabbed their forks and dug into eight brands of cake mix including the big names and some store brands.
Want to learn more about how our Test Kitchen chooses their favorite products? Check out our testing methods.
Our Test Kitchen Preferred Cake Mixes
After much cake debate, our Test Kitchen found three mixes that really stood above the rest. Here are the boxes you should keep in your pantry in case of a baking emergency.
Lightest and Fluffiest Yellow Cake: Pillsbury
When you need a good cake mix, don’t hesitate to grab one of the biggest brands in the aisle! Pillsbury yellow cake mix produced a light and airy cake that was also perfectly moist—quite the difficult balance to strike. When it came to flavor, Pillsbury delivered. Our Test Kitchen 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.
Butteriest Yellow Cake: Betty Crocker
Baking big shot Betty Crocker’s yellow cake mix 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. This is a great option for kids’ cakes especially. You can turn it into your own version of a confetti cake by tossing your favorite sprinkles right into the batter.
Richest Cake: Baker’s Corner from Aldi
For an ultra-rich, buttery cake, our Test Kitchen recommends Baker’s Corner yellow cake mix. This Aldi-exclusive brand 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.
What to Make with Yellow Cake Mix
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, like these cake mix recipes with pudding.
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Peanut Butter Chocolate Poke Cake
When my family is planning a get-together, I can count on three or four people asking if I'm bringing this chocolate peanut butter poke cake. If you don't have a chocolate cake mix, use a white or yellow one and stir in 3 tablespoons of baking cocoa. —Fay Moreland, Wichita Falls, Texas Love easy-to-fix cake mix recipes? You'll adore these cake mix recipes made with pudding.
Blueberry Lemon Cake
“I always set aside some of my fresh-picked blueberries to make this quick and easy dessert,” says Leona Luecking, West Burlington, Iowa. Lemon flavor sparks the fruit layer and the tender cake.
Cake Mix Brownies
These cake mix brownies are a mash-up of two of my favorite desserts. A woman I worked with gave me a recipe for chocolate caramel brownies, and I have a recipe yellow cake mix bars. I wondered what they would taste like together, so I tried it—and I've been making them ever since! —Staci Mergenthal, Verdi, Minnesota Not sure which brand of cake mix to buy? Check out the brands our editors and the Taste of Home Test Kitchen recommend.
Dutch Oven Chocolate Dump Cake
Looking for a quick dessert that will make people think you spent all day in the kitchen? This Dutch oven dump cake will wow your guests. Feel free to use your favorite pie filling in place of cherry. — Rashanda Cobbins, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Red Velvet Jar Cake
I love to make these red velvet jar cakes for friends, family and teachers. Red velvet is my favorite during the holidays, but you can use any cake and frosting flavors you like. Then dress up the jars with homemade labels and ribbons for gifting. Don't forget to tie a spoon to the jar; everyone likes to dig right in! —Lillie Collier, Mobile, Alabama
Pumpkin Spice Cake
We sometimes call this pumpkin spice cake "Thanksgiving Cake" because it's a tasty alternative to pie, but we don't relegate it to just that holiday. I think you'll agree it's delicious any time of the year.—Kathy Rhoads, Circleville, Ohio New to baking cakes? Check out our ultimate guide on how to bake a cake from scratch.
Pistachio Quick Bread
I love making many of these special loaves to give away for the holidays. They also freeze well so it is easy to pull out for unexpected guests. —Judy Fischer, Green Bay, Wisconsin
Birthday Cake Fudge
This decadent birthday cake fudge is the perfect thing to make your big day special. Or prepare it ahead and package it as a surprise gift for a friend. —Rashanda Cobbins, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Rhubarb Custard Cake
Rhubarb thrives in my northern garden and is one of the few crops the pesky moose don't bother! Of all the desserts I've tried, this rhubarb custard cake is my first choice. It has old-fashioned appeal but is so simple to prepare. —Evelyn Gebhardt, Kasilof, Alaska
Devil's Food Whoopie Pies
These mini cookie cakes were one of my favorite treats while I was growing up in Pennsylvania. We called them gobs because they are gobs of fun to eat! The recipe can make fewer or more, depending on how large or small you make the cookies. Place the finished chocolate whoopie pies in large cupcake liners for a professional look. —Pamela Esposito, Galloway, New Jersey
Angel Food Cake Roll
There's always room for dessert—especially when it's this eye-catching angel food cake roll. We like strawberry yogurt in the filling, but different flavors work well, too. —Joan Colbert, Sigourney, Iowa
Pineapple Pudding Cake
My mother used to love making this easy pineapple sunshine cake in the summertime. It's so cool and refreshing that it never lasts very long! —Kathleen Worden, North Andover, Massachusetts
Red Velvet Cinnamon Rolls
Turn a box of red velvet cake mix into this easy dessert—or breakfast! The icing tastes good and makes a pretty contrast with the rolls. —Erin Wright, Wallace, Kansas
Slow-Cooker Spumoni Cake
I created this spumoni cake for a holiday potluck one year. It has become my most requested dessert. If you prefer, substitute semisweet chocolate chips for the white chocolate. —Lisa Renshaw, Kansas City, Missouri
Strawberry Rhubarb Dump Cake
It always seems like my rhubarb goes bad in a hurry, so I was looking for a simple way to combine two of my favorite flavors in an incredibly easy dessert. I added extra spices to enhance the flavor of this strawberry-rhubarb dump cake for a sweet treat my whole family loved! —Jessica Bridge, Grand Junction, Colorado
Margarita Cake
This margarita cake is perfect for a picnic on a warm day. You'll be surprised at how closely it tastes like the real thing. These other margarita dessert recipes are delicious, too. ?—Dawn Lowenstein, Huntingdon Valley, Pennsylvania
Pineapple Upside-Down Dump Cake
This dump cake recipe is wonderful topped with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream. It works well with gluten-free and sugar-free cake mixes too. —Karin Gatewood, Dallas, Texas
Birthday Cake Pancakes
For my kids' birthdays, I like to make these cake mix pancakes. Frosting and more sprinkles seal the deal! —Dina Crowell, Fredericksburg, Virginia
Black Forest Upside-Down Cake
The divine flavors of this simple Black Forest cake will impress your guests and leave you with many requests for the recipe! —Kimberly Campbell, Wheeling, West Virginia
Chocolate-Dipped Ice Cream Cone Cupcakes
I created this recipe based on our family's love of chocolate-dipped ice cream cones. Red heart-shaped sprinkles make them fun for Valentine's Day. Vary the color to match the occasion. —Jennifer Gilbert, Brighton, Michigan
Giant Buckeye Cookie
I’m from Ohio, and we love our buckeye candy! Buckeyes are a delicious combination of peanut butter and chocolate, which is exactly what this cookie is. All you need is a box of cake mix, a few common pantry ingredients, and voila—you have a tasty dessert ready for family and friends in under an hour. You can customize it, too, by substituting other mix-ins for the chocolate chips. We serve it warm with ice cream or whipped cream. —Arianna Harding, Cincinnati, Ohio
Banana Cream Pie with Cake Mix Crust
I added something special to the classic banana cream pie: A crunchy peanut-buttery streusel tops it off. —Matthew Hass, Franklin, Wisconsin
Double Butterscotch Coconut Cake
I got this recipe for coconut cake from a co-worker years ago, then I changed it up a bit by adding a family favorite: butterscotch. It's super easy to throw together and it makes a perfect accompaniment to coffee or tea. —Marina Castle Kelley, Canyon Country, California
Strawberry-Rhubarb Upside-Down Cake
I prepare this colorful dessert quite often in the late spring or summer when fresh rhubarb is abundant. I make this rhubarb cake with cake mix and take it to church potlucks. People actually line up for a piece. —Bonnie Krogman, Thompson Falls, Montana
Angel Macaroons
These chewy coconut cookies start with a boxed angel food cake mix. —Renee Schwebach, Dumont, Minnesota
Shortcut Peppermint Layer Cake
When I first made this cake it was snowing outside, the entire family was home, and we enjoyed it all together. A perfectly pretty holiday cake for a perfect holiday moment! Be sure to measure the the peppermint extract carefully—it's strong, and a little bit goes a very long way. —Mindie Hilton, Susanville, California
Pressure-Cooker Chocolate-Apricot Dump Cake
Years ago, I used to prepare a dessert similar to this in the oven. I converted the recipe to my Instant Pot and now we can enjoy it quickly. Try it with white cake mix and blueberry pie filling, too. It's best served warm with ice cream or whipped cream. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
Mocha Truffle Cheesecake
I went through a phase when I couldn't get enough cheesecake or coffee, so I created this rich dessert. Its brownie-like crust and creamy mocha layer really hit the spot. It's ideal for get-togethers because it can be made in advance. —Shannon Dormady, Great Falls, Montana
Berry Dream Cake
I use cherry gelatin to give a boxed cake mix an eye-appealing marbled effect. It's so festive-looking. Top it with whatever fruit you like! —Margaret McNeil, Germantown, Tennessee
Red Velvet Cake Bites
Everyone loves red velvet, but any cake mix can work here. I've even rolled chopped macadamia nuts into pineapple cake and dipped them into white chocolate. Whatever you do, have fun! —Anne Powers, Munford, Alabama
Pecan Coffee Cake
My mom serves this nutty coffee cake for Christmas breakfast each year. The simple recipe is a big timesaver on such an event-filled morning. Everyone loves the crunchy topping. —Becky Wax, Tuscola, Illinois
Banana Flip Cake
Here's a recipe that will bring back memories of your childhood. Banana flip snack cakes taste just like the banana flips we used to eat when we were kids. —Berta Hagen, Int'l Falls, Minnesota
Apple-Sweet Potato Pecan Dump Cake
This quick cake has lots of delicious apples, sweet potatoes, spices, pecans and caramel. My surprise of white cheddar cheese enhances the wonderful filling. —Kathy Specht, Clinton, Montana
Chocolate Comfort Cake
This moist and delicious chocolate cake is usually the first dessert to go. People even eat the crumbs. It’s always my top choice for holiday dinners. —Ellen Riley, Murfreesboro, Tennessee
Double-Layer Cheesecake Bars
Can't choose between chocolate and vanilla cheesecake? Have both when you make this bar recipe with two distinct layers. —Andrea Price, Grafton, Wisconsin
Raspberry Cake
Jazz up plain cake with raspberry gelatin and frozen berries. Spread with a light, fruity whipped topping (or this whipped topping substitute), the festive results make a cool and refreshing dessert. —Marion Anderson, Dalton, Minnesota
Birthday Cake Waffles
These super fun waffles—soft on the inside, crisp on the outside—taste just like cake batter! They are quick to whip up anytime, but would make birthday mornings feel even more special. —Andrea Fetting, Franklin, Wisconsin
Cinnamon Pecan Bars
I'm a special education teacher and we bake these bars in my life skills class. It 's an easy recipe that my special-needs students have fun preparing. —Jennifer Peters, Adams Center, New York
Hazelnut Cake Squares
When one of my daughters is asked to bring a dish to a church function, a birthday party or any special occasion, they ask me for this recipe. It is so easy to prepare because it starts with a cake mix. It doesn't need icing, so it is great for bake sales, too. —Brenda Melancon, McComb, Mississippi
Pumpkin-Gingerbread Thumbprint Cookies
These cookies are the result of a recipe inspiration and an afternoon spent experimenting in the kitchen with my daughters. I took the cookies to a meeting and they were a hit. So yummy with a cup of coffee! —Jennifer Needham, Woodstock, Georgia
Pear Upside-Down Cake
Using a packaged cake mix speeds up the preparation time of this tasty pear and pecan upside-down cake. This moist cake is pretty to look at and luscious, too. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Pretzel and Salted Caramel Chocolate Cookies
Sweet meets salty in these shortcut cookies that only require six ingredients.
Butterfinger Cookie Bars
My boys went through a phase where they loved Butterfingers. We made Butterfinger shakes, muffins, cookies and experimented with different bars; this one was voted the best of the bunch. Make sure you have an extra candy bar on hand because it’s hard to resist a nibble or two while you’re chopping. —Barbara Leighty, Simi Valley, California
Apple Pie Cupcakes with Cinnamon Buttercream
These apple pie cupcakes are always a hit! They are so easy to make and the flavor just screams fall. Of course, they're just as delicious any other time of year. —Jennifer Stowell, Deep River, Iowa
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 ingredients to make 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 Dutch oven 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 make this treat for Thanksgiving. A friend gave me the recipe, and I've since shared it with many others. —Sue Williams, Mount 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
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
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
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 Tube Cake
We named this a “pina colada” cake because it has coconut, pineapple and rum. It’s a soothing finish at the end of a big spread. —Debra Keil, Owasso, Oklahoma
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
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
Graham Streusel Coffee Cake
I use this sweet coffee cake recipe often. It's quick and easy to make. —Blanche Whytsell, Arnoldsburg, West Virginia
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
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
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
I take 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
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
Peppermint Patty Sandwich Cookies
At my annual holiday party, these cookies are a big hit with everyone, especially when I mix festive food coloring or crushed candy canes into the filling. —Amy Martin, Vancouver, Washington
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
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
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
Easy Cake Mix Bars
I take this dessert to work for Friday pick-me-ups. It's one of my favorite yellow cake bar recipes. I love to share them because they're so easy to eat, easy to make and easy on the wallet. —Amy Rose, Ballwin, MissouriOur Test Kitchen loves each of these top mixes in this blueberry lemon upside-down cake. It’s a breeze to make and tastes so sweet and summery!
Originally Published: October 05, 2020
