Frequently Asked Questions
General
Who owns Duncan Hines® and who makes the baking mixes?
Duncan Hines is owned by Conagra Brands.
Who was Duncan Hines? Was he a real person?
Yes, Duncan Hines was a real person. He was a traveling salesman from Bowling Green, Kentucky, whose dining experiences led to the creation of the Duncan Hines brand. Learn more on our About Us page.
What makes Duncan Hines mixes so good?
Duncan Hines is known for delivering delicious, reliable results every time you bake. With a wide variety of products, from classic cake and brownie mixes to frostings, pie fillings, baking kits, and keto-friendly options, there’s something for every occasion and every baker.
We’re always bringing exciting flavors and creative new ideas to the category, including seasonal favorites and special collaborations that make baking even more fun. Whether you’re baking for a celebration or a simple family moment, Duncan Hines helps you create something everyone will enjoy.
Where can I buy Duncan Hines products, including Dolly Parton collaborations?
Duncan Hines products are available at many national retailers and online. Use our Duncan Hines Where to Buy page to check current in-store or online options near you. For Duncan Hines and Dolly Parton collaboration products, use our Baking with Dolly Where to Buy page.
Are Duncan Hines products keto friendly? If any, which ones?
Yes, Duncan Hines has keto-friendly products like Keto-Friendly Creamy Chocolate Frosting, Keto-Friendly Double Chocolate Cake Mix, Keto-Friendly Chocolate Chip Cookie Mix, and Keto-Friendly Blueberry Muffin Mix. Check out all of the Duncan Hines Keto-Friendly products to discover even more desserts that match your lifestyle.
Are any Duncan Hines products gluten free?
Yes, Duncan Hines carries gluten-free products. Duncan Hines products that are gluten free will have a "gluten-free" statement on the label. Check the packaging to confirm if a specific product is gluten free. An example of a gluten-free Duncan Hines product is the Keto-Friendly Chocolate Chip Cookie Mix, 8.8 oz.
Cake
Where can I buy Duncan Hines cake mix?
Duncan Hines cake mixes are available at many national retailers and online. Use our Duncan Hines Where to Buy page to check current in-store or online options near you.
What ingredients are in Duncan Hines cake mix?
Ingredients in Duncan Hines cake mixes vary by product. For exact ingredients, check the product packaging or SmartLabel.
Does Duncan Hines cake mix expire?
Duncan Hines cake mixes have a "Best If Used By" date on the package. Use by this date for best quality. Store in a cool, dry place.
How do you make Duncan Hines cake mix?
To make Duncan Hines cake mix, follow the box instructions: Usually combine the mix with water, eggs, and oil, mix until smooth, pour into a greased pan, and bake at the recommended temp and time. For special instructions, check the packaging. Check out our Duncan Hines recipes for more delicious ideas using our cake mix.
Can you make Duncan Hines cake mix without eggs?
Yes, you can make Duncan Hines cake mix without eggs by using egg substitutes like unsweetened applesauce, mashed bananas, or a commercial egg replacer. Results may vary slightly in texture and flavor.
How can you make Duncan Hines cake mix taste more homemade or moist?
To make Duncan Hines cake mix taste more homemade or moist, try using milk instead of water, using melted butter instead of oil, adding an extra egg, mixing in a teaspoon of vanilla, or adding sour cream or yogurt.
What can you make with Duncan Hines cake mix besides cake?
You can use Duncan Hines cake mix to make cookies, bars, or dump cakes.
How long do you bake Duncan Hines cake mix?
Baking time for Duncan Hines cake mix depends on pan size and product variety. As a general guide: two 8-inch pans 24–28 minutes, two 9-inch pans 23–28 minutes, 13x9 pan 23–28 minutes, Bundt pan 33–36 minutes, and 24 cupcakes 16–19 minutes. Always check your box for exact times.
How many cups of batter are in a Duncan Hines cake mix?
Each box of Duncan Hines cake mix makes about 5 to 5 1/2 cups of batter, depending on the mix and preparation method.
How many cupcakes does one box of Duncan Hines cake mix make?
One box of Duncan Hines cake mix typically makes 24 cupcakes.
Are Duncan Hines cake mixes nut or peanut free?
Duncan Hines products may be made on equipment that also processes tree nuts, but Conagra Brands practices allergen segregation and management. Always check the packaging for allergen info.
Is Duncan Hines cake mix gluten free? If so, which varieties?
Duncan Hines products that are gluten free will have a "gluten-free" statement on the label. Check the packaging to confirm if a specific cake mix is gluten free. An example of a gluten-free Duncan Hines product is the Keto-Friendly Double Yellow Cake Mix, 2.1 oz.
Are there keto-friendly Duncan Hines cake mixes?
Yes, Duncan Hines has keto-friendly cake mixes like Keto-Friendly Yellow Cake Mix, Keto-Friendly Chocolate Chip Cookie Mix, and Keto-Friendly Blueberry Muffin Mix.
Brownies
What makes Duncan Hines brownies so good?
Duncan Hines brownie mixes are known for rich flavor, easy preparation, and reliable results. With classic and specialty options like Keto-Friendly varieties, it’s easy to find a brownie mix that fits your baking style.
How do you make Duncan Hines brownies?
To make Duncan Hines brownies, follow the box instructions. For the Milk Chocolate Brownie Mix, use 2 eggs, 3 tbsp water, and 2/3 cup oil. Preheat the oven to 350°F, spray the pan, mix the ingredients, spread in the pan, and bake as directed for your pan size. Cool before cutting.
Can you make brownies without eggs?
Yes, you can make Duncan Hines brownies without eggs by using egg substitutes like unsweetened applesauce, mashed bananas, or a commercial egg replacer. Texture and flavor may change slightly depending on the ingredient swap.
Can you make Duncan Hines brownies in the microwave?
No, we do not recommend making Duncan Hines brownies in the microwave unless a specific product package gives microwave instructions.
How do you make a double batch of brownie mix?
To make a double batch of Duncan Hines brownie mix, double all ingredients listed on the box and use a larger or extra pan. Follow the instructions for your pan size and check for doneness with a toothpick 1 inch from the edge. Adjust time as needed based on batter thickness.
How do you make cookies from brownie mix?
Mix the brownie mix with 2 eggs and 1/4 cup of melted butter to form a thick dough. Scoop onto a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for 10–12 minutes.
What else can you make with brownie mix?
A few easy options are brownie cupcakes, brownie waffles, and brookies (brownie‑cookie bars).
How long do you bake brownies?
Baking time for Duncan Hines brownies depends on pan size and product variety. Always follow the directions listed on the package for the best results.
How do you make brownies more fudgy or chewy?
To make Duncan Hines brownies more fudgy, bake in an 8x8 pan for a denser texture or swap vegetable oil for refined coconut oil. For extra moistness, try unsweetened applesauce instead of egg. To make brownies more chewy, bake for the longer end of the cook time range.
How can you improve boxed brownie mix?
To improve boxed brownie mix, use milk instead of water for a richer flavor, swap oil for refined coconut oil for a fudgier texture, use unsweetened applesauce for added moisture, add chocolate chips for extra chocolate flavor, or mix in vanilla extract or espresso powder for a deeper flavor.
Is Duncan Hines brownie mix dairy free or vegan? Does it contain milk?
Duncan Hines brownie mixes are not dairy free or vegan, as they contain milk-derived ingredients like whole milk powder and nonfat dried milk.
How many calories are in a Duncan Hines brownie?
Calories in Duncan Hines brownies depend on the specific product and serving size. For Chewy Fudge Brownie Mix, it's 110 calories per 1/20 package (26g) of dry mix. For the most accurate information, always check the nutrition fact panel on the product package or reference the associated SmartLabel.
Are Duncan Hines keto brownies really keto?
Duncan Hines Keto-Friendly brownies are formulated to fit with a keto-friendly diet. For example, the Keto-Friendly Chewy Fudge Brownie Mix has 2g net carbs per serving.
How to improve Duncan Hines Keto-Friendly Brownies?
A few ways to upgrade your Duncan Hines Keto-Friendly Brownies include adding a tablespoon of espresso powder for deeper flavor, using melted coconut oil instead of butter for extra fudginess, and topping with a handful of walnuts before baking.
Frosting
Does Duncan Hines frosting need to be refrigerated?
Duncan Hines frosting does not need refrigeration if unopened. Once opened, cover and refrigerate leftovers for up to 30 days. For best quality, always follow the storage directions on the package.
Can you freeze Duncan Hines frosting?
Freezing Duncan Hines frosting is not recommended, as freezing may affect texture. For best quality, always follow the storage directions on the package.
How long does Duncan Hines frosting last? Does it expire?
Unopened Duncan Hines frosting should be stored at room temperature (below 80°F). Once opened, cover and refrigerate; it lasts up to 30 days. Always check the Best By date on the package for optimal quality.
How do you use Duncan Hines frosting?
To use Duncan Hines frosting: Store unopened at room temp (below 80°F), stir before using, make sure your cake is cool and crumb-free, and then spread frosting evenly. Cover and refrigerate leftovers for up to 30 days.
Can you melt or microwave Duncan Hines frosting?
Yes, you can microwave Duncan Hines frosting. Put the amount you want in a microwave-safe dish (not the original container); heat for up to 20 sec, then in 5-sec intervals until you get the right consistency.
How can you make Duncan Hines frosting better or fluffier?
To make Duncan Hines frosting fluffier, refrigerate it for at least 20 mins, then beat with an electric mixer for 30 secs. This helps achieve a fluffy consistency.
Does Duncan Hines frosting contain dairy?
Some Duncan Hines frostings, like Whipped Chocolate, do not contain milk ingredients, while others, like Creamy Milk Chocolate, do. Always check the ingredient list on your specific product.
Is Duncan Hines frosting nut or peanut free?
Duncan Hines frostings do not list peanuts or tree nuts as ingredients, but always check the packaging for allergen info.
Is Duncan Hines frosting vegan?
No, Duncan Hines does not currently carry a frosting product that is labeled as vegan.
Is Duncan Hines frosting gluten free?
Yes, Duncan Hines carries gluten-free frosting products. Duncan Hines Keto-Friendly Frostings, including the Keto-Friendly Chocolate Flavored Frosting and the Keto-Friendly Vanilla Flavored Frosting, are labeled gluten free.
Is Duncan Hines Cream Cheese Frosting gluten free?
Duncan Hines Creamy Cream Cheese Frosting does not state it is gluten free. If you have gluten sensitivities or celiac disease, check the ingredient list on the product package.
Pie
Is Duncan Hines pie filling gluten free?
Duncan Hines does not currently carry a pie filling that is labeled gluten free. If you have gluten sensitivities or celiac disease, check the ingredient list on the product package.