Next time you want a chocolate cake, instead of reaching for a box grab a homemade chocolate cake mix. You can whip up several in just a few minutes and there are no preservatives. Taking it from the jar to cake batter just takes a couple of standard ingredients and almost no effort.
A jar of homemade chocolate cake mix is handy to have in your pantry. It would also make a fun small gift for family and friends.
The mix itself comes together in just a minute or two. While you have the ingredients out you might as well make a few.
In fact, the mix itself only takes five ingredients. Of course you will need some flour.
For the most tender cake, use cake flour. You can actually make your own cake flour by using flour and cornstarch.
If you don’t want to go through the extra step, feel free to use all purpose flour. It will be tasty either way, but cake flour will give more of a box mix texture.
Add some sugar and cocoa powder. Stir in some salt and baking soda and then you are done.
Just spoon the mixture into a quart sized jar. Alternatively you can put them in plastic bags.
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They can be stored at room temperature for several months. Then just grab one and make a cake whenever you would like.
Turning the Mix into Cake
Be sure to include the baking instructions on a tag with the jar. Or write them directly on the plastic bag.
That way you don’t have to scrambled to whip up your batter. The directions will be right there.
To make the cake, pour the mix into a large bowl. Add eggs, vanilla, oil and milk then beat it together.
See, it is about the same amount of effort as using a box. Then pour it into a prepared cake pan or cupcake liners.
That’s it! You’ll have a delicious chocolate cake.
You can also use a cake mix to make all sorts of other treats. Check out our collection of recipes that start with a cake mix for more tasty ideas.
Homemade Chocolate Cake Mix
Ingredients
Cake Mix
- 2¾ cups all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cocoa powder
- 1½ cups granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1 Pinch salt
To Make The Cake
- 2 eggs
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ cup vegetable oil
- ¾ cup milk
- 1 cup hot water
Instructions
To Make The Mix
- Mix together2¾ cups all-purpose flour, ½ cup cocoa powder, 1½ cups granulated sugar, 2 teaspoons baking powder, and 1 Pinch salt. Spoon the mixture into a quart jar or plastic bag for storage. Be sure to include baking instructions for reference later.
To Bake the Cake or Cupcakes
- Mix the 2 eggs, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and ½ cup vegetable oil into the dry mix until batter is smooth.
- Stir in the ¾ cup milk.
- Add 1 cup hot water a little bit at a time, stirring until just combined after each addition.
- Scoop batter into 24 cupcake liners or a 9×13 cake pan.
- Bake at 350°F for 20 minutes for cupcakes or 350°F for 25 minutes for a cake. The cake is done when it springs back when lightly touched with a finger.
Video
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If making a half-gallon jar mix for the pantry how much do you measure out for 1 cake?
I think you would be better off making 2 quart jars at the same time than making 1 double batch in the same jar. That way you know you are getting the right mix of ingredients. Otherwise, it would be a packed 4 cups of mix.
What is the shelf life if sealed?
As long as the ingredients are fresh, it will last for several months in the pantry. Technically the shelf life would be determined by the shelf life of the ingredients since you aren’t really altering them before storage.
Can I bake this in the instant pot? I want to divide the recipe in half to be able to make just one layer, so it will be more suitable for 2 people or one college kid. Can you advise as far as cook time, etc? I have a 6 qt instant pot and a 7″ round cake pan. Thank you
It should work the same as a cake mix. Here are the instructions:
1. Place trivet in pot and add 1.5 cups of water.
2. Grease a 6 or 7 inch cake pan.
3. Put about 1/2 the batter into the cake pan. Cover with foil and put on the trivet in the Instant Pot.
4. Cook on high pressure for 35 minutes. Let pressure naturally release for 10 minutes, then release manually.
5. Let cool for 5 minutes, then invert onto a wire rack to cool completely.
this was great
I noticed you did not use the hot water in the video, so I am wondering which are the correct instructions?
You should use the water. It was missed in the video, but the cake is dense without it.
I’m just preparing my first jar and my cake mix doesn’t all fit. I measured everything exactly. Do you have a metric conversion that is more accurate seeing a “cup” isn’t always the same size depending where you live
Hmm. I haven’t done it in metric or weight measurements. Though, I am sure we could figure that out. I wonder if you have the jar a couple of light taps on the counter if the contents would settle and you could get it all in there.
There is no baking powder in the mixture?
There is. 2 teaspoons goes in with the rest of the dry ingredients in the jar. I hope you love the cake!
What a great idea for gifts!! I can see making several of these for my colleagues at work.
They are easy and the resulting cake is delicious!
What a great gift idea as well! Anything in a jar is so convenient and wonderful!
Thank you!