Betty Crocker's Worst Cake Mix Will Probably Ruin Your Birthday

We may receive a commission on purchases made from links.

For baking experts and novices alike, everyone has gotten an assist from Betty Crocker at one time or another. Whether you're looking to make the perfect birthday cake for a loved one or craving a batch of brownies, there are plenty of excellent box mixes that can be transformed into amazing desserts. But even for an iconic brand like Betty Crocker, not all cake mixes are winners, and there's one in particular that's better left on the shelf.

We recently made nine different Betty Crocker cakes and ranked the brand's Party Rainbow Chip as the worst cake mix. Betty Crocker's take on rainbow cake might be ok for kids — kind of like how kiddos love anything that's bubble gum flavored. But if you're an adult looking for the perfect party dessert, this one is enough to bring the party to a halt — and not in a good way. Cakes are supposed to be fun and festive, but this wasn't that at all.

The box promised us that the cake was going to be light and super moist, but things didn't turn out as planned. We wanted a light, airy cake, and instead were met with a not-so-moist center that was reminiscent of a biscuit. Plus, the cake smelled artificial, and we wondered why the cake wasn't sweeter and didn't have more sprinkles. It stacks up well against other funfetti mixes, but trust us, this is one to avoid.

Rainbow cake may be considered a classic Betty Crocker mix — so popular, in fact, that it was once accompanied by its own frosting. Some cake fans love how easy the cake is to make and how nicely it pairs with vanilla or chocolate frosting and sprinkles for a festive family dessert. Others swear by its sweet flavor and moist texture for cakes and cupcakes alike. But while plenty of home bakers love the taste and texture of rainbow cake, many reviews confirm exactly what we found: The cake isn't quite as moist as advertised, it smells funny, and the taste doesn't quite measure up. 

One reviewer called the cake the worst cake ever, noting it didn't bake as easily as promised. Another compared the smell and taste to Play-Doh. Someone else wondered if the cake mix recipe had changed since the cake mix they bought smelled like a rotten sponge.

While rainbow cake mix isn't our cup of tea — we recommend checking out Betty Crocker's Super Moist Lemon Cake or Carrot Cake — we can't deny that it's still a solid flavor that's perfect for birthday parties and occasional cake cravings. Ultimately, the best cake mix is the one that brings a smile to your face and sweetness to the table, so don't be afraid to try different flavors until you find the perfect match.