Last Updated on March 4, 2023
If you are looking for a healthy alternative to regular cake, then you have to try the best sugar free cake mix – Duncan Hines’s sugar-free cake mix. It is quick, easy, and flavorful!
Using this cake mix can potentially save you hours of baking; not to mention effort, and money! And, there is no need to clean up a bunch of mixing bowls and measuring cups. Baking healthy cakes have never been this easy – We wished that we could’ve found this mix earlier.
Things to Consider Before Buying Duncan Hines Sugar-Free Cake Mix
Cake mixes are created for convenience! They allow you to quickly whip up a delicious cake in mere minutes without having to source a bunch of products, spend a ton of time measuring out ingredients, and even cut time on mixing methods.
All that you have to do for most cake mixes are simply whisk them together with the liquid ingredients called for. These mixes are perfect for on-the-go bakers. And, a lot of the time they even work out cheaper than making a cake from scratch!
That being said, unfortunately, cake mixes will never truly hold up to homemade cake recipes. Before just giving in to beautiful packaging or tempting flavor descriptions, think about this;
- Are you wanting to create a homemade high-quality cake?
- Can your dietary needs be met by this cake mix?
- Do you have time to make a cake from scratch?
After answering these questions, you will be able to better decide whether or not this buy is worth it for you!
Overview of Best Sugar-Free Cake Mix: Duncan Hines Sugar-Free Cake Mix
Duncan Hines offers a few different sugar-free (also often keto-friendly) products. The one we specifically will be focusing on today is the Duncan Hines Sugar-Free Cake Mix.
This product is sold in 10.6-ounce boxes (roughly 300.5 grams). This box will make a beautiful 8 or 9-inch round cake or 12 cupcakes.
To make this cake, you only need 1/2 cup water or milk, 3 tablespoons of melted coconut oil, and 3 large eggs. These additions are all relatively low in sugar, so you don’t need to still find other alternatives.
Now, what makes this product incredibly handy is that you can make a cake or cupcakes in less than 40 minutes (at the most)! And, the mix itself is very high in quality and surprisingly affordable!
Pros
- This is a high-quality cake with excellent flavor and texture. It is moist and very tender. And, the vanilla flavor is prominent but not overwhelming.
- These boxes are sold in 10.6-ounce packages.
- You will bake consistently good yellow cakes with every box you buy. That is one of the reasons Duncan Hines products have been on the market for so long.
- This Duncan Hines sugar-free cake mix is easy to make and comes with very detailed instructions.
- It is the perfect cake mix to keep on hand if you are in a pinch. This cake mix is relatively healthy and only contains 2 grams of sugar per 1/10 of a baked cake.
Cons
- Depending on where you buy it, this cake mix can be sold at often ridiculously high prices (for a cake mix at the very least). This means you will either have to bite the bullet or go searching for the best price.
- While being low in sugar and gluten-free, it doesn’t mean that the cake is healthy. Every 30 grams (which is about a tenth of the entire cake) contains 200 calories – and that’s without any frosting or garnishes! Naturally, this isn’t even a lot of cake. So, just be mindful about portioning.
- The flavor is not for everyone. While we like it, many other customers and reviewers weren’t so impressed. So in our opinion, it comes down to personal preference.
Best Features and Amazing Benefits of Using Duncan Hines Sugar-Free Cake Mix
Now, let’s get to the good part. Here is a breakdown of features we consider to be the most beneficial for this product!
Quick and Easy to Make
This cake mix is created to be uber-easy to make. The instructions on the box are very clear, and straightforward, and it doesn’t require many steps. Once you have started, you can expect your cake to be ready for decoration in less than an hour.
The Product is Easy to Find and Relatively Affordable
Despite there being only one flavor, this is a surprisingly easy sugar-free cake mix to find. You can have a look in most grocery stores, but also online for a more convenient shopping experience.
And, at most stores, you can expect to pay less than $6 for it. We know, that may seem like a lot. But, have you ever worked out how much cake ingredients cost you?
This Cake Mix is Versatile
This is a yellow cake mix (vanilla flavored) but that is exactly why we love it so much. They didn’t bother making a bunch of different flavors. This way, you can use this cake mix to create your very own unique cakes.
Alternative Products to Duncan Hines Sugar-Free Cake Mix
Now, if you cannot find this Duncan Hines sugar-free cake mix, then luckily there still are some other options you can use!
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Pillsbury Sugar-Free Yellow Cake Mix
This is a fantastic alternative, but it is more expensive than the Duncan Hines cake mix. If you are willing to pay the price, you can also expect consistent baking results, a super moist cake, and an excellent tender fluffy texture.
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Lakanto Keto Vanilla Cake Mix
This is also a cake mix that is gluten-free and keto-friendly. Instead of using regular sugar as the sweetener, this mix has added monk fruit. It is a delicious option with a wonderful flavor. But, it can be hard to find and it is more expensive because of its quality and target audience.
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King Arthur Baking Cake Mix
Last, but not least, we wanted to include another “0 g Added Sugar” cake mix that is closer in price to Duncan Hines. While it is natural-flavored, by adding a drop or two additional vanilla, you can have a vanilla cake in seconds. And, for this cake, all you have to add are 3 ingredients.
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Sukrin Chocolate Cake Mix & Vanilla Cake Mix
Sukrin cake mixes are completely sugar-free, and also gluten-free too; meaning it’s suitable for a range of dietary lifestyles. Let’s take a look at their chocolate cake mix. Compared to a traditional chocolate cake, they contain 32% more protein, 70% fewer carbs, and 34% fewer calories.
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So DelishUs
So DelishUs has a sugar-free sponge mix, as well as a sugar-free chocolate muffin mix. Not only are their mixes sugar-free, but they’re also egg-free, dairy free, vegan-friendly, and high in protein. However, they are a UK brand, so shipping may be pricey to anywhere besides the UK.
Is Sugar-Free Cake OK for Diabetics?
Absolutely. Sugar free cake is ideal for those who live with diabetes. With sugar-free cakes, the sugar is replaced with other sugar substitutes, such as Aspartame, Acesulfame potassium, and Saccharin.
Is There Such a Thing as Sugar-Free Cake Mix?
Yes, there is. They’re made with sweeteners instead of sugar. However, many recipes will simply be reduced sugar or no added sugar – this is not the same as sugar-free, which is important to bear in mind. You can also easily make a sugar-free cake from scratch using sweeteners, in place of sugar.
Is Pillsbury Sugar-Free Cake Mix Ok for Diabetics?
Absolutely. The Pillsbury sugar-free cake mix uses an ingredient called maltitol syrup in place of sugar. For any diabetic, this makes for a tender and delicious cake. Other much-loved brands like Duncan Hines and Betty Crocker are also great choices for diabetic-friendly cake mixes.
Diabetic Cake Recipes
When it comes to making diabetic-friendly cakes, you can also make your own from scratch. Let’s take a closer look at diabetic-friendly sponge cakes and carrot cakes.
Sugar-Free Sponge Cake
To make a sugar-free sponge cake, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups of flour
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 6 separated eggs
- 1/2 cup of vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder
- 3/4 teaspoon of baking powder
- 1 1/4 cups of Splenda
Now all you need to do is:
- Line a baking pan and preheat your oven to 325F. You’ll also need to sift the dry ingredients (besides the sugar) and set them to one side.
- Add the egg whites and cream of tartar to a bowl. Beat until you have soft peaks. Gradually add 1/2 of the Splenda, until it begins to look fluffy.
- In a separate bowl, add the rest of the Splenda, egg yolks, water, and extract. Mix well and then add to the bowl of sifted dry ingredients. Now add the final bowl of egg whites to your main bowl and keep mixing until just combined.
- Pour your batter into your prepared cake pan and bake in the center of your oven for around 55-60 minutes. Leave to cool before frosting. Slice, serve, and enjoy!
Diabetic-Friendly Carrot Cake
To make a diabetic-friendly carrot cake, you’ll need the following ingredients:
For the cake:
- 1/2 cup of canola oil
- 1/2 cup of brown sugar
- 1/2 cup of granulated sugar
- 4 beaten eggs
- 3 cups of shredded carrot
- 2/3 cup of flaxseed meal
- 1 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons of baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- 1 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice
For the frosting:
- 1/4 cup of confectioners’ sugar
- 1 1/2 cups of Cool Whip
- 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 2oz of reduced-fat cream cheese
Now all you need to do is:
- Grease and lightly dust two cake pans with flour. Then line with parchment paper and preheat your oven to 350F.
- Grab a bowl and add the following ingredients: flour, flaxseed, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and pumpkin pie spice. Mix well and set aside.
- In a separate bowl, add the carrot, eggs, sugars, and oil. Mix well, and then add the bowl of dry ingredients. Once mixed, add the batter to your prepared baking pans.
- Place into the center of your preheated oven and bake for around 20-25 minutes. Remove from oven and leave to cool before frosting.
- To make your frosting, add your cream cheese to a bowl and beat until smooth. Then gradually add your vanilla and confectioners’ sugar. Once smooth, add the Cool Whip and fold it into the mixture until you have a frosting consistency.
- Add your frosting between cake layers, and around the top and sides of your cake. Add a sprinkling of shredded carrot on top of your cake, if desired. Slice, serve, and enjoy!
In Conclusion – Duncan Hines Sugar-Free Cake Mix
I hope this post has helped you to decide what is the best sugar-free cake mix. This Duncan Hines sugar-free cake mix gives new meaning to quick and easy. While saving you a ton of time, you can still get a delicious high-quality flavor and texture in less than an hour.
We hoped that you have enjoyed our breakdown of this amazing product and that it has brought you closer to clicking the buy button! And, if you have tried this product, let us know in the comments below!
FAQs
Does Duncan Hines make a sugar-free cake mix?
Duncan Hines has one sugar-free cake mix that is vanilla-flavored. they do offer small cup mixes that are also Keto-friendly. These flavors include double chocolate and birthday cake.
Is there such a thing as sugar-free cake mix?
A cake mix can never truly be completely free of all sugars. Ingredients like milk, cream, eggs, and some flavorings naturally contain sugar, so will add them to the final count. However, sugar-free cake mixes often don't contain any added granulated sugar. But, read carefully to see whether or not they still use sweeteners.
Is Duncan Hines really keto?
Their keto-friendly baking mixes do truly fit a keto lifestyle. They are low in carbs and sugars, making them overall healthier for you. Generally they don't include added sugars and use gluten-free flours.
Is sugar-free cake OK for diabetics?
Sugar-free products are exactly what diabetics should consume! So, this cake mix is completely safe for most diabetics to eat. However, just to be safe don't overdo it. Different diabetics have different sensitivities.
Sugar-Free Sponge Cake
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups of flour
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 6 separated eggs
- 1/2 cup of vegetable oil
- 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
- 1 1/2 teaspoons of baking powder
- 3/4 teaspoon of baking powder
- 1 1/4 cups of Splenda
Instructions
- Line a baking pan and preheat your oven to 325F. You'll also need to sift the dry ingredients (besides the sugar) and set them aside.
- Add the egg whites and cream of tartar to a bowl. Beat until you have soft peaks. Gradually add 1/2 of the Splenda, until it begins to look fluffy.
- In a separate bowl, add the rest of the Splenda, egg yolks, water, and extract. Mix well and then add to the bowl of sifted dry ingredients. Now add the final bowl of egg whites to your main bowl and keep mixing until just combined.
- Pour your batter into your prepared cake pan and bake in the center of your oven for around 55-60 minutes. Leave to cool before frosting. Slice, serve, and enjoy!
Lindy Van Schalkwyk is a culinary specialist with a background in Advanced Cooking, Advanced Pâtisserie, Media Communications and Nutrition. She has gained invaluable experience in the culinary industry having worked in some of the top restaurants in Africa in 2016 and 2017. Her expertise in nutrition has enabled her to develop recipes for special dietary needs. In 2018, Lindy began working in the Food Media industry, focusing on recipe development, recipe writing, food writing and food styling.