Gluten Free Mixes: The Pure Pantry Wholegrain Dark Chocolate Cake Mix

Gluten Free Mixes: The Pure Pantry Chocolate Cake Mix

PRODUCT NAME:                    Dark Chocolate Cake Mix

BRAND:                                   The Pure Pantry       

COST:                                      $7.59  

SIZE:                                        21 oz              

COST PER OZ:                         $0.36/oz

CERTIFIED GLUTEN FREE:       NO      

CERTIFICATION AGENCY:        NA

ORGANIC:                                NO

CERTIFICATION AGENCY:        NA

VEGAN:                                   OPTIONAL

GLUTEN FREE FACILITY:         YES

LOCATION OF FACILITY:         Encinitas, CA

SHELF LIFE:                             1 year+

*These statements are based on the information printed on the product packaging.  We cannot verify the accuracy of this information.  For verification of the statements above, please contact the manufacturer.

REVIEW:

Before my days of scouring package labels for traces of gluten in every product I consume, I was a baker working in a whole grain, made from scratch bakery. I prided myself on using only organic wheat flours, cane sugars, and taking the time to meticulously measure out each and every ingredient going into our “made with love products.” The switch from gluten-full to gluten-free was difficult because I have been forced to relearn how to bake and for this reason I am forever thankful for solid products like the Pure Pantry’s cake mixes.

The Pure Pantry has created yet another delicious gluten free baking mix with their Dark Chocolate Cake Mix. Pure Pantry was created by Elizabeth Kaplan, a teacher, trained chef, health nut, and diagnosed celiac. Concerned with the lack of delicious and nutritious gluten free baking alternatives, Elizabeth set out to create her own line of baking mixes, free of not only gluten, but dairy, refined sugar, eggs, soy, and nuts. 

I was initially skeptical about making a cake from a prepared mix for I am used to baking only from scratch.  However, my fears were unrealized when I took a bite of this rich, moist, and chocolaty cake.  In fact, this cake was better in flavor and texture than any wheat based cake mix I tried prior to my celiac diagnosis.  This cake is free of any refined sugars, and instead is made with sucanat and maple sugar, which provide a delicious flavor. Its flour base of sorghum, quinoa and brown rice flours help provide fiber, protein, and anti-oxidants, which makes this cake not only delicious, but also very nutritious.

I followed the directions on the package for a simple chocolate cake, which conveniently called for only a few extra ingredients: eggs, milk, vegetable oil, and hot water. The recipe was simple, quick, and the results were stupendous. To top this succulent cake, I followed the recipe found on the package for Heavenly Cream Cheese Icing, which was nothing short of heavenly. The icing ingredients were traditional with rich and tasty cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla and one extra, interesting ingredient… agave nectar! This unusual addition made the frosting taste like caramel and gave it a beautiful cream color that looked adorable and festive underneath rainbow colored sprinkles.

I trust this company and their products, from their outstanding flavor and texture, spectacular, health conscious ingredients, and personal understanding of the trials and tribulations of living with celiac disease. The only downside to the Pure Pantry’s Dark Chocolate Cake Mix is that the cake was gobbled up and enjoyed within one day.

Taste:  This cake is tasty, chocolaty, and sweet- but not too sweet. Paired with the agave nectar based Heavenly Frosting, this cake is a delicious treat.

Labeling:  The labeling is simple, modern, and minimal. There are four recipes posted on the package: two for different cakes and two for icings. The recipes also have vegan ingredient alternatives if you desire to make your cakes free of animal products.

Packaging:  The cake mix is packaged in a sturdy bag with enough mix to make 12 servings of cake.

Reader’s Reviews: Please share with us your review of this company’s other products + where you purchased the product + how long you have been using this product. Please no review from the family + friends of the company producing the product…

RATING:

Texture:          5         

Taste:              5         

Value:             3

OVERALL:       4.3

Reviewed by Jennie L.