Orange cake mix was once a staple baking item found in most American pantries. However, over the years it seems to have disappeared from store shelves. So what happened to orange cake mix? Does anyone still make it?
The History of Orange Cake Mix
Orange cake mix first became popular in the 1950s and 1960s. During this era, packaged baking mixes like cake mixes and jell-o became trendy household products. They were marketed as being modern, easy, and convenient. Orange cake mix quickly joined chocolate, vanilla, and other flavors as a baking cabinet staple. Brands like Betty Crocker, Duncan Hines, and Pillsbury all produced their own versions of orange cake mix.
The popularity of orange cake mix continued through the 1970s. Having a homemade orange cake was synonymous with special occasions like birthdays and holidays. An orange glazed cake or orange creamsicle cake made from a boxed mix was a classic dessert at gatherings and potlucks. The tangy, refreshing flavor of orange was a hit with American bakers during the booming gelatin salad era.
The Decline of Orange Cake Mix
While orange cake mix enjoyed decades of popularity, by the 1990s it started to fade from public interest. There are a few reasons for this decline:
- More exotic and elaborate cakes were trending, vs simple boxed mixes
- Consumers became more interested in “from scratch” baking using fresh ingredients
- Gelatin salads and 1970s style desserts fell out of fashion
- Big brands discontinued their orange cake mix products due to lack of sales
As consumers shifted away from packaged convenience products, orange cake mix quietly disappeared from store shelves. For a while it could still be found in some specialty baking stores. But even those supplies eventually dried up.
Does Any Company Still Make it?
While all the major brands have discontinued their orange cake mix, there are still a few lesser known companies producing it. Here are a few places you can still find orange cake mix today:
1. Pilgrim’s Pride
Pilgrim’s Pride, a food company best known for their chicken, now owns the baking mix company Pillsbury. While Pillsbury no longer makes orange cake mix, Pilgrim’s Pride offers it under their own brand name. It may be harder to find compared to grocery stores, but can be ordered online.
2. Mothers
Mothers is a smaller baking mix company popular in the Midwest United States. Their products are stocked in regional grocery store chains. Mothers Orange Supreme Cake Mix is still found on their product list.
3. Krusteaz
Krusteaz is another smaller baking brand that specializes in high quality mixes. They offer an Orange Supreme Cake Mix, but it may only be available directly through their website.
Can You Make Your Own?
If you are having trouble finding orange cake mix, another option is to make your own from scratch. This allows you to control the ingredients and quality. Here is a simple homemade orange cake mix recipe:
Homemade Orange Cake Mix
Ingredients:
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups white sugar
- 2 tbsp baking powder
- 1 tbsp salt
- 1 tbsp orange zest
- 1/4 cup freeze dried orange slices, crushed
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, orange zest, and crushed freeze dried oranges.
- Store the mix in an airtight container.
- To make a cake, use your favorite orange cake recipe and substitute this mix for regular flour.
You can tweak the ingredients to match your tastes. Make a large batch so the mix is easy to use whenever you get a craving for orange cake!
Conclusion
While orange cake mix isn’t as common today, it can still be found by determined bakers. A few specialty brands have kept the classic flavor alive. And it’s easy to recreate a homemade version using simple ingredients. With some effort, you can bring back memories of fluffy orange glazed bundt cakes, just like grandma used to make. The next time you host a 70’s themed party, surprise guests with a retro orange cake made from scratch. Once they get a taste, they’ll understand why it was once a baking staple!
