These Chocolate Cake Mixes Outshine Betty Crocker And Pillsbury — And They're Gluten-Free

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Desserts can get incredibly complicated, but most of the time, there's nothing better than a big ol' slice of chocolate fudge cake. Decadent, moist, and slathered with sweet frosting, it's a classic for a reason, but it's not the easiest thing to whip up in a dime, especially if it needs to be gluten-free. Luckily, there are so many different types of boxed cake mixes available that save a ton of time -– and two of our favorites happen to be coeliac-friendly: The gluten-free chocolate cake mixes from King Arthur Baking Company and Krusteaz. 

An expert from Tasting Table recently tried out 13 boxed chocolate mixes, and they were blown away by both of these. Despite being gluten-free, they outshone most of the industry's mainstays, like Betty Crocker and Pillsbury. Both mixes tasted more decadent and had a better chocolate flavor.

Our tester loved the moist consistency of the Krusteaz mix, which ranked number three on their list, and they enjoyed the texture and flavor of the King Arthur cake more than the ones they tried out from Betty Crocker and Pillsbury. The high-quality chocolate used by King Arthur led to a bold cocoa flavor that earned it the number two spot, but a slightly gritty texture kept it from first place. However, our tester would recommend it for anyone who doesn't have time to make a homemade gluten-free chocolate cake.

The King Arthur Gluten Free Chocolate Cake Mix has an almost five-star rating on the company's website. People have praised its "deep chocolate flavor", "moist texture" and "homemade taste". One baker said, "This mix is outstanding! It's so moist and tasteful. You have to try it to believe it. No one will know it's gluten-free." Another simply wrote, "Way better than Betty Crocker!" Walmart shoppers seem to have similar opinions, with one writing in a review, "This cake may be the best chocolate cake I have ever had, of any kind. It had a good solid chocolate taste without being overpowering."

The Gluten Free Chocolate Cake Mix from Krusteaz has received similar praise. One Walmart shopper called it the "best box cake mix", while another said, "Absolutely amazing! Didn't tell my husband it was gluten free and he had no idea. Came out moist and stayed moist (covered) for a week! Will never try another brand; this was a home run!"

Some people have experimented with the mixes a little. Adding an extra egg and letting the mix rest seems to make them even better, and bakers have had success using coconut oil, non-dairy milk, and flax eggs. Here are more ways to make boxed cake mix taste bakery-worthy. If you don't need to make your cake gluten-free, our tester's number one pick was actually the Duncan Hines Dark Chocolate Fudge Cake Mix, but they were just as impressed with these options.