Gluten-free Baking: You will never believe this (mix) came from a box!

Objective: to bake a Birthday cake
Obstacle: to bake a delicious Birthday cake that is also gluten-free

I can bake a damn good Birthday cake or any other cake for that matter, but I have no experience in gluten-free baking. I am not well versed in converting regular flour to the variety of gluten-free options out there. I am seasoned enough in baking to know that it’s more a science than an art and a mis-measurement can be disastrous.

With limited time I also knew that I was best making something from a mix. Again, not being well-versed in gluten-free baking I wasn’t sure which mixes were better than others. I eventually chose Pamela’s brand based on packaging and ingredients. I also picked up a gluten-free Duncan Hines can of frosting that I had intended to doctor up. (I really am not a fan of prepared frostings - I find them to all have a strange after taste.)

I opened the package and tossed the bag into the mixer. I followed the basic recipe (there was also one for a lighter cake) which called for a little bit of oil, some water and 3 eggs. I did add a splash of vanilla which was not called for. I mixed the batter as directed - on low, about 30 times, careful not to overmix, and poured the mix into a greased cake pan.

Once the cake was cooled, frosted and decorated we set it aside until it was time to add candles and finally we were able to dig in.

I must say this was absolutely the best packaged cake I have ever had. It beat out any regular mix by spades. The flavor and consistency were up there with the best made from scratch cakes I have ever had. I’m particular and not particularly a cake person.

This cake was amazing!

So for all of you out there in a pinch, not wanting or having the time to create from scratch, you absolutely need to try this mix that I have linked right here.

For the frosting:

I doctored up a regular Duncan Hines frosting. (It is gluten free) I placed the frosting in the mixer and added 1.5 tsp of vanilla, 2 tablespoons of cocoa powder and a couple splashes of milk. Mix till smooth and creamy. You’ll notice that the strong aftertaste from the premade frosting has disappeared!