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Ashia Aubourg
To this day, I can still vividly picture myself as a child racing to the dessert table after a big Easter dinner—my belly full of honey ham, custardy mac and cheese, and savory collard greens—eager to grab one particular treat. Without fail, one celebratory delight that always appeared on my family’s spread was a carrot cake, and even now as a grown-up with my own food traditions, I can’t get over its irresistible charm, especially when it’s topped with a luscious, tangy cream cheese frosting.
As I take on the coveted role of host for my own dinners, juggling so many extravagant dishes, I don’t always have the time to bake from scratch. So, I often turn to box mixes to make my carrot cake dreams come true. While there aren’t too many brands to choose from, I decided to test the most popular ones to see which one truly rises above the rest. One weekend, with a little spare time on my hands, I set to work—and here’s what I discovered.
How I Chose the Carrot Cake Mixes
It might surprise you, but there isn’t a wide variety of carrot cake mixes readily available in most major grocery stores. So, to save you the hassle of hunting down discontinued or hard-to-find picks, I only tested options that I could easily snag at popular retailers. My main criterion for selection was simple: each box had to clearly say “carrot cake” and produce a cake, cupcake, or muffin-like confection.
How I Tested the Carrot Cake Mixes
First, I followed the instructions on the box of each cake mix, adding the required ingredients to make their bases. I poured the batter from each brand into cupcake liners to accurately compare how well they rose after baking. To keep the taste test uniform, I decorated all of them with cream cheese frosting since this topping nostalgically pairs well with carrot cake. I paid attention to which options had warm, spicy notes without tasting artificial. Lastly, when I took a bite of each, I focused on which ones were fluffy and tender.
The Best Store-Bought Carrot Cake Mixes, Ranked
4th Place: GoNanas Carrot Cake Mix
Ashia Aubourg
With egg-flation in full swing, this GoNanas mix—which you can snag at Target—fits the bill for anyone looking for a cake mix that doesn’t require eggs. To make the cupcakes or cake, all you need are three bananas, maple syrup or honey, oil or yogurt, and milk. It’s gluten-free and can be made vegan, making it a nice choice if you’re looking for a dessert that’s friendly to major allergens.
When it comes to flavor, one bite delivers warm notes of allspice, cinnamon, clove, and nutmeg. This mix contains carrot powder, which doesn’t really impart a strong flavor, so the spices definitely take the spotlight. The texture is a bit denser than other cake mixes, more like a tender muffin than a light, airy cupcake.
3rd Place: Duncan Hines Carrot Cake Mix
Ashia Aubourg
While this popular pick from Duncan Hines checks all the boxes when it comes to appearance—rising nicely with an airy texture—the flavor is where it falls a little short. You’ll experience some spices when you take a bite, but they come across as a bit artificial. It’s not necessarily bad, as the cake still tastes good, but if you’re hoping for a bold cinnamon or nutmeg kick, this one won’t deliver.
It’s important to note: After checking the ingredients, I realized there was no actual carrot in the mix, which explains the lack of those classic flavors. To fix that, you could grate in some fresh carrots to help make this option shine.
2nd Place: Miss Jones Baking Co. Gluten-Free Carrot Cake Mix
Ashia Aubourg
This box mix calls for eggs, butter, and milk to make the batter. It’s gluten-free, so instead of all-purpose flour, it’s crafted with a blend of rice flour. What sets it apart from other brands is that it actually contains shredded carrots, giving it a more homemade feel.
Even though it’s gluten-free (if that’s something you’re concerned about), it still tastes like a bakery-approved delight. The texture is tender and airy, and the mix of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, clove, and allspice flavors are nicely balanced. When paired with fluffy cream cheese frosting, it comes to life even more.
1st Place Winner: Betty Crocker Delights Super Moist Carrot Cake Mix
Ashia Aubourg
You might be surprised to learn that many carrot cake mixes don’t actually contain any carrots. Betty Crocker’s version, however, includes carrot-flavored pieces that do a near-perfect job of replicating the texture shredded carrots would add to a fluffy cake.
The result is a cupcake that’s incredibly airy and light, so much so that I kept going back for more because it’s so easy to eat. On top of that, it has vibrant cinnamon notes that pair nicely with tangy cream cheese frosting. And the best part? You can find this cake mix at most major grocery stores for just a few bucks, making it not only tasty but also super convenient when you need a delicious dessert, stat.
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