Cake mix

Cake mix is a pre-mixed formulation of ingredients used for the easy preparation of baked goods. Cake mixes provide convenience to both novice and experienced bakers by reducing the time and effort required in measuring and mixing ingredients.

History

The concept of a pre-mixed baking product can be traced back to 18th century United States. The first patent for a cake mix was filed by John Duff in 1835, but it was not until the 1930s that the first commercial cake mixes were introduced by companies such as General Mills and Betty Crocker.

Types

There are several types of cake mixes available in the market, each designed to produce a specific type of cake. These include:

• Yellow cake mix: This mix is designed to produce a light, buttery cake. It typically contains flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and flavorings.

• Chocolate cake mix: This mix is designed to produce a rich, chocolatey cake. It typically contains cocoa powder in addition to the standard cake mix ingredients.

• Angel food cake mix: This mix is designed to produce a light, fluffy cake. It typically contains egg whites, sugar, and flour.

Preparation

To prepare a cake using a cake mix, the baker typically needs to add a few additional ingredients such as water, oil, and eggs. The mix is then combined with these ingredients and baked according to the instructions on the package.

Criticism

Despite their convenience, cake mixes have been criticized for their high sugar content and the use of artificial ingredients. Some critics also argue that they discourage people from learning traditional baking skills.

See also

• Baking
• Baking mix
• Home economics