Life is not easy when you’re a busy college student and following a gluten-free diet. Sometimes all you need is a brownie that tastes like home or a cookie that’s up to par with grandma’s, but you can never seem to find one. Well surprise, there are plenty of great options lining the grocery aisles that are heavenly.
For the sake of my fellow gluten-intolerant college compadres, I ranked some of the best gluten-free baking mixes on the market from my least favorite to some absolutely phenomenal treats.
Disclaimer: your mouth will be watering by the end.
10. Betty Crocker Gluten-Free Yellow Cake Mix
Photo by Elizabeth Philip
Good old Betty. If it is a last resort, it’s not bad, but it definitely shouldn’t be your first pick. Betty Crocker should stick to the traditional, gluten-filled cakes they’re known for and skip out on the gluten-free desserts.
9. William Sonoma Gluten-Free Sugar Cookie Mix
Photo by Molly Krohe
Even though it is an expensive shopping experience, sometimes going to William Sonoma is worth the splurge. It isn’t just overpriced towels, they have great baking mixes as well. These sugar cookies aren’t bad, but they aren’t exactly unforgettable either. Stop buying them year-round and nab them post-Christmas for a reduced price.
8. Authentic Foods Blueberry Muffin Mix
Photo courtesy of Authentic Foods
Light and fluffy, this muffin mix from Authentic Foods makes for some tasty, on-the-go breakfast. Not only are they gluten-free, but they’re also nut-free so they will satisfy your allergy needs.
7. Enjoy Life Brownie Mix
Photo by Sydney Segal
Enjoy Life Chocolate Chip Morsels are basically free of all allergens, so these brownies are pretty damn pleasing for everyone. When covered in a thick, chocolaty ganache, these brownies become a rich and fudgey dessert. All in all, they’re not a bad buy.
If you’re feeling fancy, you can use this mix to make some Fluffernutter Brownie Cups. It’ll turn this average brownie mix into something extraordinary.
6. Simple Mills Banana Muffin Mix
Photo by Katherine Baker
Simple Mills is a trustworthy gluten-free brand, so you know they’ll be good. Moist and fluffy like a muffin should be, these taste like truly homemade banana muffins.
#SpoonTip: Add some nuts for an extra crunch.
5. Immaculate Sugar Cookie Mix
Photo by Amanda Shulman
Yes, the Immaculate Baking Ready-Made Cookie Dough is delicious to eat raw, but it’s even better when it’s warm and fresh out of the oven. Next, try their super easy gluten-free cookie mix, it’s worth the work and combats those struggles of being gluten-free.
4. King Arthur Gluten-Free Muffin Mix
Photo by Meredith Ross
The king of all things gluten-free, King Arthur has a delightful muffin mix. Fluffy and flexible, add whatever your heart desires to the already made baking mix. Whether it’s blueberries or chocolate chips, these muffins are the perfect go-to breakfast.
3. Trader Joe’s Gluten-Free Pumpkin Bread and Baking Mix
Photo by Natsuko Mazany
Is it a surprise Trader Joe’s knocks it out of the park again with this gluten-free baking mix? Not really. These are definitely one of the best things to buy at Trader Joe’s—among many other things. They taste like a pumpkin spice latte in muffin or bread form, making them the perfect fall treat.
2. Bob’s Red Mill Chocolate Chip Cookie Mix
Photo by Scott Harrington
Cookies that taste like grandma’s without the gluten? That’s what I’m talking about. These Bob’s Red Mill Gluten-Free cookies are delicious and easy. This chocolate chip cookie mix is going to have guests drooling, Celiac or not.
1. Pamela’s Chocolate Brownie Mix
Photo by Hannah Morse
If loving this brownie more than anything is wrong, I don’t want to be right. Chocolatey, chewy, and crispy all in one bite, the Pamela’s gluten-free brownies are the best on the market—even her gluten-free flour is the best. After you fall in love with these brownies, you need to try out her yellow cake and chocolate chip cookie mix.
Baking is easy when you find the right products, like the ones featured in this list. Even if you’re not gluten-free, these products taste like heaven. Make a batch for your friends, and I promise you they won’t be able to tell the difference.