What is the difference between cake and muffin mix?

[LaDonna]

With my couponing habits I've come into a stockpile full of muffin mix, which I do love just as they are, but I do have some recipes that call for cake mix, I was wondering what the difference was in the two and if I could possibly use them interchangeably.

 

[Robinrs]

Muffin mix, like muffins, is denser and more quick bread like than a cake. The texture is totally different.

 

[pearlieq]

Not much, really.

Cake mix usually has more sugar, and muffins usually call for milk/buttermilk where cakes usually take water. Most muffins will be more dense in texture than a cake.

Muffin mixes are also sometimes smaller--making 12 instead of the 24 cupcakes a cake mix would make.

If you have a stockpile, I can't see any reason not to give it a try. Even if it doesn't work out exactly how you plan, I doubt it would be inedible.

Good luck!

 

[jsmith]

actually in some cases it will make a difference-cakes are higher in sugar and liquids and lower in fat producing a much lighter fluffier texture-depending what you are using the mix as a base for that could matter. If you are just translating it into cupcakes-the muffin mix will work but the texture will be much denser. If you are using them as a base for a cookie or cake doctor type recipe the product will differ signifgantly. Additionally the leavening in cakes is different and if you beat a muffin mix or muffin mix based product as long as you beat something made from a cake mix you will get a tough heavy product ( look at the directions-cake say beat two minutes-muffins say stir until moistened.)

 

[erinmomof2]

I have no suggestion, but I'm glad you posted this since I too have a muffin stockpile from couponing and I've been trying to think of ways to use it up!

 

[eliza61]

at the restaurant school at the Walnut hill college, here in Philadelphia PA.

Muffins, quick breads and pan cakes are generally made to stand alone. the flavor is in the bread itself.

Cakes are generally made to have frosting or glazes.

I'm sure we've interchanged them some what throught the years but there you have it.

 

[MSSANDRA]

I have baked muffin mix in a 9X9 glass dish when I was too lazy to dip out the muffins and it is more like a breakfast cake type thing. Maybe donate some to your local food bank???

 

[peigirl]

Maybe you could try baking it in a loaf pan

Paula

 

[Suz D]

What kind of muffin mix? I have a great recipe for cookies and one for some low fat, high fiber muffins.

 

[njmom47]

I know of one muffin mix that has a breakfast cake recipe on the side of the box. (Of course I made them last night and threw the box away).
You make the flour-brown sugar-oatmeal-butter topping and bake it in a 9x9 pan. Not sure of the particulars though. I found this at Cooks.com. They had a few more...may be worth checking out! This recipe must be the one with the blueberries in the little can because it says to wash them, and possibly mix the berries with the preserves.

COFFEE CAKE:

1 pkg. blueberry muffin mix
1/3 c. dairy sour cream
1/4 c. milk
1 egg
1/4 c. blueberry preserves

GLAZE:

1/2 c. confectioners sugar
2 1/2 tsp. water

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Grease an 8 or 9 inch round cake or pie pan. Rinse blueberries with cold water. For coffee cake: Combine dry muffin mix, sour cream, milk and egg in bowl. Stir until moistened. Spread half of batter into pan. Spread half of blueberry mixture on top of batter. Spread remaining batter over blueberry layer. Spread remaining fruit on top, avoiding edges. Bake at 375 degrees for 30 to 35 minutes or until golden.
For glaze, combine confectioners sugar and water in small bowl; stir until smooth. Drizzle over hot coffee cake.
,

 

[MrsPete]

With my couponing habits I've come into a stockpile full of muffin mix, which I do love just as they are, but I do have some recipes that call for cake mix, I was wondering what the difference was in the two and if I could possibly use them interchangeably.

They're not entirely the same -- and other people have listed some differences -- but I'd go ahead and try whatever you're thinking of making. At the worst, you've wasted an item of which you have a surplus.

 

[Planogirl]

Maybe you could try baking it in a loaf pan

Paula

I second this. I think the mix could work well as a "bread".