I've tackled the age old question - which is cheaper - baking a cake from scratch or mix?
Quality and time aside, just looking at the actual cost of the cake.
Based on two 9" Round Layers.
Betty Crocker Chocolate Cake Mix:
Mix $1.00
3 Eggs $0.60
1/3 cup Oil $0.44
Total: $2.04
Chocolate Cake from Scratch: (Using Cocoa) - Recipe Here
2 cups white sugar $0.47
1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour $0.35
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder $0.56
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder $0.04
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda $0.03
1 teaspoon salt $0.01
2 eggs $0.40
1 cup milk $0.24
1/2 cup vegetable oil $0.66
2 teaspoons vanilla extract $0.06
1 cup boiling water $0.00
Total: $2.82
Chocolate Cake from Scratch: (Using Baking Chocolate) - Recipe Here
1/2 cup butter (margarine) $0.39
3 (1 ounce) squares unsweetened chocolate $0.99
2 cups white sugar $0.47
2 eggs $0.40
1 cup water $0.00
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour $0.45
1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda $0.03
1/4 teaspoon salt $0.01
1/4 cup milk $0.06
1 teaspoon white vinegar $0.02
Total: $2.82
So there you have it - if you can buy your cake mix for $1.78 then you're breaking even to the from scratch recipe - which isn't bank-breaking, but with the difference, you could almost make a second cake when the mixes go on sale for $0.88.
On the other hand, you more likely have all the ingredients on hand for the from scratch recipes...
Besides, everyone knows you eat cake just for the frosting!
