How I make a #gluten-free box mix taste homemade!

In this post, I'm going to show you how I make any box mix taste as good as homemade baked goods! 

Once in awhile, I use a box mix for a fast dessert. Of course, I prefer to bake from scratch, but it's great to have a mix on hand when company comes over at the last minute. 

With a little help, a box mix can taste moist and delicious. Your company will never know it's from a box or gluten-free. Trust me, this brownie is out of this world!

Aldi's gluten-free mixes are so affordable that I always keep a few in the pantry. Note: This is not a paid post and I have not received any compensation or products. All opinions are my own.

I have to say, I'm not endorsing box mixes or processed foods, but remember how easy it used to be to grab a box when you needed to? 

When I first went gluten-free the box mixes cost so much I had to learn to bake from scratch and honestly, when I did try them they didn't taste great.

Now they taste much better, some use healthier ingredients and they're more affordable, but I'm really glad that I learned how to make everything from scratch. It's a wonderful feeling to know that you can make your own food and choose the ingredients, but my goodness, just to open a box is fun and so easy! 

Sadly many box mixes include refined sugar, preservatives and chemicals. I read labels religiously and do research to find the healthiest brands for my family if I do use a mix.

Aldi's mixes do include refined sugar, but the rest of the ingredients are the same as we would use in our own kitchens. The brownie mix below ingredients is: sugar, 100% real cocoa powder, tapioca starch, rice flour, baking powder, cornstarch, natural vanilla and salt. Not bad, right?

Have you tried any of the LiveGfree mixes? What mixes do you prefer?  Amazon has a great selection here too.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, I may be compensated for purchases made through these links. For more information, click here. 

This gluten-free brownie mix from Aldi is gluten-free, lactose-free, nut-free, soy-free and wheat free.

If I buy a mix I look for one like this that is Certified NSF Gluten-Free and that has the fewest amount of ingredients.  Organic is the best of course, but for the price these mixes can't be beat!

If you want to Skinny up a recipe you can use cooked squash, unsweetened applesauce, mashed ripe avocado or plain Greek yogurt or as a substitute for half of the butter. You won't get the quite the same texture, but it's much healthier. Unfortunately it doesn't work as well for cookie mixes. You can also use Earth Balance for vegan.

Recipe for the Brownies on the box. Here are my additions/changes that should work for any brownie mix:

Use unsalted butter instead of oil. For brownies I use 6 tablespoons of butter. 

Add 4 squares (40 grams) dark chocolate, melted with the butter in the microwave for a minute.

Add 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract.

2 tablespoons espresso instead of the water.  If you don't like coffee, use milk of choice.

Follow the instructions on your mix. Don't over stir or over-bake and cool before serving to set. 

 When I make box mix cakes:

Use milk of choice instead of water

Use unsalted butter instead of oil

Add an additional egg

Add an additional teaspoon of pure vanilla extract

When I make Aldi's Chocolate Chip box mix cookies:

Add 1/2 cup gluten free Bob's Red Mill Almond Meal Flour.

Add 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract.

When I make Aldi's Gluten Free Pizza Crust  It's really good!

Add 1 teaspoon fresh instant yeast

After rising, prebake for 10 minutes. 

Brush prebaked crust with olive oil and sprinkle with Parmesan before adding sauce and toppings.

Finish baking per package. 

Always read your labels, ingredients and disclosures on the packages you buy!