Scratch vs. Cake Mix (The great debate)

The cake mix vs. homemade cake argument is a touchy subject. Which is better: cake mix or homemade cakes? They are both handcrafted, yet each has advantages and disadvantages.

Here, I discuss the advantages and disadvantages of cake mix-based recipes versus homemade cakes, as well as my opinions on the subject.

Oh my my, this is a tricky one. In one area, there is a homemade cake, and in the other, a cake mix. In the cake mix vs. scratch cake battle, who will come out on top?

So, I believe everyone has an opinion about this, and some people may be pretty adamant about it, even becoming furious over it.

I hope it doesn’t happen here, since I simply want to get things out there and talk about it rationally. Are you on board with me?

Let’s break it down into the advantages and drawbacks of each, and then I’ll tell you my honest opinion.

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PROS & CONS OF CAKE MIXES & SCRATCH CAKES:

PROS OF CAKE MIXES:

• They retain moisture for a longer period of time.
• Cake mixes are simple to make and regularly provide good results when cooked.
• Sometimes it’s simply easier.

CONS OF CAKE MIXES:

• They are loaded with preservatives.
• Even when additional ingredients are added, they have a box mix flavor.
• It’s not a homemade cake. (I know, it’s similar to the Friends episode when Ross makes a pros and cons list for Rachel and Julie and everything is stacked against Rachel, but then there’s one line on Julie’s con list that reads, “She’s not Rachel.” This is similar to that.)

PROS OF SCRATCH CAKES:

• They don’t include a lot of preservatives.
• You can’t top the flavor of a homemade cake.
• Making a delicious scratch cake gives you a fantastic feeling of achievement.

CONS OF SCRATCH CAKES:

• They can sometimes dry out faster.
• Homemade cakes are a bit more difficult to make. You must be familiar with baking and must follow the directions exactly.
• These might take longer to mix up at times.

My thoughts on the cake mix vs scratch cake debate:

You could think I’m taking the easy way out, but I believe this is YOUR decision. To be honest, what should important to you on this issue is your own viewpoint, since it is whatever your taste preference is or what you like baking the most. There are several extremely tasty doctored cake mixes on the market.

Personally, I enjoy making scratch cake. That’s what I ate the most as a kid. (My mother worked in the wedding industry.) No matter what you do to it, I can tell when something is made with cake mix. It doesn’t imply I think it’s horrible; I don’t. I can notice the difference right away.

I believe that many people cannot detect the difference since they are accustomed to cake mixes, which is just great. If I’m in a rush or simply want to try something new, I prefer to employ cake mix-based recipes.

But, I appreciate the process of making a homemade cake. It simply gives me a great feeling of achievement when they work out since they may be fussy at times. A box mix is significantly more consistent.

So, which is better: cake mix or homemade? Is it true that cake mix tastes better than homemade? In my perspective, one is not superior than the other. It all comes down to your choice and how you want to use it.

If you want to make a carved cake, a cake mix may not be the greatest choice. If you’re in a hurry and don’t want anything to go wrong, and scratch cakes stress you out, use a mix if that’s what you’re most comfortable with.

When it comes to selling cakes, many individuals will make others feel immoral since they are selling cakes made from cake mixes. I dislike it when others attempt to make individuals feel guilty about such things.

But what if people are purchasing them from you and they are in high demand? It’s not only about the recipe; it’s also about the time and work required to create a beautiful cake.

Some cake shop owners are more concerned with cake artistry, while others are concerned with organic ingredients. Still others are just overwhelmed with orders and need to get them out as soon as possible. Each circumstance is unique.

If you don’t feel comfortable selling cakes created from a box, don’t do it. It’s just acceptable if you’re cool with it. Don’t berate yourself for it. There are several cake companies that create mix-based cakes, as well as numerous bakeries.

If you’re a purist and just want to make homemade cakes, go for it. Make that your brand. There are folks who just want to buy homemade cakes, and these are your clients.

I consider myself to be somewhere in the center. While I was selling cakes, I solely offered scratch cakes since that is what I felt comfortable with; but, I am not averse to utilizing cake mixes at home and even as a foundation for certain recipes on the site.

So, essentially, I’m saying you do you, and if someone criticizes you because you like cake mix-based recipes or scratch recipes (whatever), they don’t have to consume your delicious confection.

To complete up this piece, I’ll provide links to four recipes, two of which are mix-based and two of which are from scratch. If you’re up for it, I dare you to create these: choose a flavor (chocolate or vanilla) and make both the mix-based and scratch-based recipes.

Certainly, it is a lot of cake, but it is not difficult to find individuals who will eat cake. It’s something I do all the time.

Try them all to see which ones you like. Don’t worry about whether it’s mixed or not; what do YOU want, or what do your clients or family prefer? Then you’ll have an answer to the question of cake mix vs. homemade cake.

• Cake with White Sour Cream (cake mix based recipe)
• Cake with Vanilla Beans (scratch cake recipe)
• Sour Cream Cake with Double Chocolate (cake mix based recipe)
• Cake with Chocolate and Butter (scratch cake recipe)

Remember to save it for later!