DIY Spice Cake Mix (Better Than Boxed)

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Spice cake mix is one of those desserts that instantly feels like fall.

If you love the convenience of boxed spice cake mix but prefer the wholesome goodness of homemade, you are in for a treat!

This DIY spice cake mix is a copycat of the boxed version you grew up with, only made with clean, pantry-friendly ingredients.

I keep a few jars on hand so I can bake something special without pulling out every spice jar each time.

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Why Make Your Own Spice Cake Mix

• Convenient like a box, but with better flavor

• Clean, pantry-friendly ingredients

• Saves money compared to boxed

• Always ready for cakes, muffins, and more

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Quick Cheat Sheet

• Makes 1 batch = substitute for 1 standard box of mix

• Stores in an airtight jar up to 3 months (or freeze for longer)

• Works in cake, muffins, cookies, dump cakes, and trifles

• Cheaper, cleaner, and better tasting than store-bought

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DIY Spice Cake Mix Recipe

Yield: 1 Box Cake Mix

Author: Kassandra

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Homemade Spice Cake Mix

Homemade spice cake mix with real pantry ingredients. Easy to store and ready to use anywhere a recipe calls for a box of spice cake mix.

Prep time: 10 MinTotal time: 10 Min

Ingredients

Spice Cake Mix:

• 2 cups (250g) all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups (300g) organic cane sugar
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• ½ tsp fine sea salt
• 2 ½ - 3 tablespoons pumpkin pie spice (depending on how spiced you like your cake)

Instructions

1. Whisk together dry ingredients and store in a sealed jar or bag for up to 3 months (or freeze for longer).

Notes

Cornstarch helps give this mix a softer, more cake-like texture. You can leave it out if you do not have it on hand, but I recommend keeping it in for the best results. I like to use an organic, non-GMO cornstarch to keep the mix as wholesome as possible.

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Make-Ahead Tip

When I want to stock up, I set out a few wide mouth quart mason jars and measure the ingredients for each spice cake mix directly into the jars, almost like a little assembly line. Each jar ends up holding one complete mix, the same as a box from the store.

The recipe fits perfectly in a 32 ounce wide mouth mason jar! I love these reusable lids to keep the mix fresh in the pantry for up to three months, or longer in the freezer. You can also store the mix in a plastic zip-top bag if that is easier.

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How to Bake a Cake With the Mix

Yield: 1 cake

Author: Kassandra

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Spice Cake Recipe

Use one jar of homemade spice cake mix plus a few simple ingredients to bake a cake that tastes better than boxed!

Prep time: 10 MinTotal time: 10 Min

Ingredients

• 1 batch DIY Spice Cake Mix (from above)
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup (120 ml) melted butter or avocado oil
• 1 cup (240 ml) milk or milk alternative
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup (120 g) sour cream or plain yogurt

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine the dry mix with the wet ingredients until just combined. Do not overmix.
2. Pour into your prepared pan and bake at 350°F: 35-40 minutes for a 9x13, 30-35 minutes for two 8-inch rounds, 18-22 minutes for cupcakes, or 45-55 minutes for a bundt pan.

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How to Use It

This homemade mix works anywhere you would normally use a boxed spice cake mix!

Try it in the desserts from my spice cake roundup - from pumpkin dump cake to apple spice muffins to zucchini bread and more. Wherever the recipe calls for “1 box spice cake mix,” just use this homemade version instead!

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With this homemade spice cake mix in your pantry, you can bake something warm and comforting whenever you want, without the extra effort.

And if you are wondering what to make first, take a peek at my spice cake recipes that taste like they took all day (but don’t). It is a collection of easy desserts that all start with a box of spice cake mix and now you have the homemade version ready to go.

Happy baking! Hugs! 💛

Updated on: 08/27/2025

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