Don’t these look like the most decadent cupcakes you can imagine? Dark rich chocolate, light and fluffy… Hard to believe they are gluten-free, right? I sure couldn’t believe it!
The Response
Yup! I was an unbeliever. In my President’s Choice mystery box reveal video I basically said, well, I’ll try it but seriously, make your own damn cakes.
The Product
There were a few reasons why I was so wary. First? Even when I personally tried gluten-free baking it was usually with rice flour which resulted in grainy and gross “treats” that I would never make again.
Second, the box says no artificial flavours but the ingredients list is far from simple:
Sugar, modified potato starch, white corn flour, tapioca starch, cocoa, skim milk powder, salt, modified cellulose, glucono delta lactone, caramel colour (contains sulphites), baking soda, xanthan gum, sodium phosphate, propylene glycol mono fatty acid esters, soy mono- and diglycerides, sodium stearoyl-2-lactylate, natural flavour, corn starch, sodium alginate, guar gum.
Third, the first ingredient being sugar? They were far from “healthy” and each baked cupcake would have more than 200 calories each.
But! I said I would keep and open mind and I did.
Product Testing
So what is in the box? A bag. What will you need from your own kitchen?
You can use 1/2 cup softened unsalted butter or vegetable oil. I went with canola. You also need 1/2 cup water and 2 large eggs.
In a large bowl combine everything using an electric mixer and beat on low speed for one minutes. Scrape down sides and beat for 1 minute.
Pour (I scooped) into prepared baking pan or divide between muffin cups.
Bake the cupcakes in a preheated 325F oven for 21-24 minutes.
Foodie Conclusion
I took mine out at 21 minutes and they were perfectly baked. Not just that. They were damn perfect! Light, airy yet so chocolatey… No weird texture or taste. I could not believe it. Not only were they not strange in some way, they were absolutely delicious. I hazard to say, the best chocolate cupcakes I have ever had. I could not believe it!
We have been having these with tea every day for a few days now and they are still delicious. I keep waiting for something to complain about to come up but nope, they are wonderful. Easy to make with fantastic flavour and texture… I give this product five out of five wooden spoons.
OMG, I never thought I would give a mix anywhere near a rating like that but these deserve it! President’s Choice, you did it. You turned me into a baking-mix-believer. Bravo!
Coming Up!
Of course I had to ice the cupcakes! Next? My review of PC The Decadent Chocolate Chip Cookie Spread.
Is PC a Canadian only brand?! I would like to try these. I haven’t done any baking since going gluten free – just recently found store bread that I like. I’m nervous about trying out different flours!
Yes Tammy, I am afraid that the PC products are just in Canada, as far as I know. I think the key here is to look for recipes that use potato starch, white corn flour, tapioca starch… because that is what’s in here and no weird texture. Gluten-free is so tough! I hope you find something you like soon my friend.
OMG, the End Times are upon us. Suzie the Foodie has endorsed a cake mix!!!!! LOL, it MUST be good!
I know Debra! Oh man, what is this world coming to?!
I just googled this President’s Choice mix and came upon your review. You got me really excited.:) I’m making them for my daughter to bring to preschool with her tomorrow (it’s her birthday and they asked me to send a dozen cupcakes with her.) I was wondering how and where you store these? Room temperature, fridge? Loosely or tightly covered? Thank you!:)
Well I think these must be perfect then! When I made them I left them out and waited for them to go stale (part of the product testing) and they didn’t. Partly because we ate them every day. I covered them quite tightly with plastic wrap and frosted as I ate them, LOL. You’re welcome! I just bought and made the vanilla ones. They’re cooling as I type this.
Woah!!!! Those are GOOD! Will definitely be making them again.:)
I am thrilled to hear it emetherelaity! 🙂 The vanilla ones were awesome too. Hope the cupcakes were a hit!
Is this peanut or nut free?
I am so sorry, not sure!