What We’re Loving Right Now: The Holiday Baking Shortcuts Saving Our Sanity

Nov 7

Let’s be honest: the holidays seem to demand that everyone suddenly become a professional baker. Between class parties, office celebrations, and family gatherings, there’s always some kind of “just bring something sweet!” situation that sneaks onto your calendar.

And if you’re not a pro (or your baking skills max out at “barely browned but edible”), the pressure can feel real — especially when gluten-free or vegan treats are requested. Because making a gluten-free cake that’s actually moist, or a vegan cookie that doesn’t taste like a science experiment? That’s advanced-level stuff.

Add in the cleanup — the mixing bowls, the measuring spoons, the inevitable cloud of flour on your black sweater — and suddenly, baking from scratch just isn’t happening. Sure, there are days when we love the full production: music on, apron tied, the kitchen smelling like sugar and butter. But more often? It’s the “I just got a text that my kid’s class needs cookies by tomorrow” version of baking.

That’s where our beloved box mixes and ready-to-bake doughs come in. They save time, taste better than anything we could pull off from scratch on a Tuesday night, and — best of all — they’re made with ingredients we actually trust.

A Quick Reality Check

We’ve all been there — you sign up to “bring something sweet” and instantly regret it when you realize your pantry holds little more than oat milk and chia seeds. Or maybe you’ve tried to pull off the perfect gluten-free cookies, only to watch them crumble like sand before the party even starts. It’s not that we don’t love the idea of holiday baking — it’s just that real life doesn’t always allow for a three-hour kitchen marathon. That’s why finding options that deliver both flavor and simplicity feels like winning the season.

TL;DR (for the skimmers)

Box mixes and doughs are a sanity saver. No shame, no stress, all the flavor.
We’re obsessed with Simple Mills, Cappello’s, Miss Jones, Sweet Loren’s, and Immaculate Baking.
Gluten-free + vegan options: Simple Mills, Miss Jones, Cappello’s, and Sweet Loren’s.
Immaculate Baking is not gluten-free or vegan — just really good for the no-restrictions crowd.
Our hero hack: Simple Mills Pumpkin Muffin Mix with vanilla kefir instead of water. Perfection.

The No-Shame Shortcut: Box Mixes That Taste Like From Scratch

We’ll say it again for the people in the back: there is absolutely no shame in using a mix. They’re built for busy people who still want that homemade moment — minus the chaos.

Simple Mills (Gluten-Free, Grain-Free, Often Vegan)

Simple Mills has cracked the code on healthy baking that actually tastes indulgent. Their ingredients are so clean you don’t need to Google anything — almond flour, coconut sugar, and vanilla extract instead of mystery powders.

The Vanilla Cake Mix is hands-down one of the best cakes we’ve ever had: soft, fluffy, perfectly sweet, and somehow never dry. It’s the one we make for birthdays, holidays, or those “I just need something delicious and fast” nights.

And the Pumpkin Muffin & Bread Mix? Beyond. We know — we’ve been clear that we are not the biggest PSL people. But now that it’s technically sweater weather (at least once the sun sets here in SoCal), this mix has become our go-to afternoon treat. A warm slice topped with Trader Joe’s cream cheese is perfection — equal parts cozy and fresh.

And if you really want to make it magical? Tuck a small square of dark chocolate into the top of the loaf right when it comes out of the oven. It melts just enough to create a glossy little pocket of chocolate bliss. No shame in eating that piece standing at the counter before it’s even cooled.

Extra Bonus Tip: Sub in vanilla kefir for the water (trust us), and you’ll get a moist, slightly tangy loaf that tastes like autumn in the best possible way.

Simple Mills is our forever recommendation for gluten-free and grain-free baking that doesn’t feel like a compromise.

Cappello’s (Gluten-Free, Grain-Free, Paleo-Friendly)

If we could only keep one cookie dough in our freezer, it would be Cappello’s. Their Double Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough is rich, chewy, and tastes like something a professional baker made. We’re obsessed with topping them with peanut butter once they cool — it’s our lazy-person frosting that somehow feels gourmet.

They also offer brownie and pizza dough options, all made with almond flour and high-quality ingredients that just happen to be gluten-free.

Miss Jones Baking Co. (Gluten-Free + Vegan Options)

Miss Jones feels like a love letter to the classic American bake sale — only cleaner. Their Gluten-Free Fudgy Brownie Mix and Organic Chocolate Chip Cookie Mix somehow manage that perfect gooey center and golden edge. And their frostings? Shockingly good.

They have both conventional and gluten-free lines, plus several vegan options that bake up beautifully.

Sweet Loren’s (Gluten-Free + Vegan)

Sweet Loren’s cookie dough might be the definition of instant gratification. It’s ready-to-bake, made with oat and almond flour, and comes in flavors like Salted Caramel and Monster Cookie.

They’re gluten-free, dairy-free, and egg-free — and they still manage to taste nostalgic and buttery. We keep a pack in the fridge year-round because you never know when dessert emergencies will strike.

Immaculate Baking Co. (Not Gluten-Free or Vegan, But Delicious)

For those who don’t have any restrictions — Immaculate Baking is a total throwback. They’re the brand behind the classic pop-can experience: Crescent Rolls, Biscuits, and Cinnamon Rolls that pop with that satisfying “thwack.”

They’re not gluten-free or vegan, but they are made with better ingredients than most conventional brands, and they deliver all the cozy nostalgia of a Saturday morning at Grandma’s house.

Why We Love These (Beyond the Taste)

Minimal cleanup. One bowl, maybe two if you’re feeling fancy.
No ingredient math. You don’t need xanthan gum, coconut nectar, or five flours to make something delicious.
They just work. The texture, flavor, and consistency are reliable every single time.
You can still personalize them. A drizzle of nut butter, a sprinkle of sea salt, or a handful of chocolate chips — easy upgrades that make them feel special.

Where to Find Them (Because Convenience Counts)

One of the best things about these brands — aside from the fact that they actually work — is how easy they are to find. You don’t need to track down a specialty health store or wait two weeks for a delivery from some obscure baking site.

Most of these mixes and doughs are available at regular grocery stores, plus Target and Walmart, so you can grab them during your weekly run. If you’re a Thrive Market shopper, you can also add them right to your cart there — which means you can stock up without ever leaving the house.

Whether you’re the type to plan ahead and keep a few mixes tucked in the pantry or you’re a “grab it on the way to the party” kind of person, these brands make it easy. That’s the real magic here: convenience layered with quality, so you can bake something beautiful without the stress.

The Bottom Line

The holiday baking season doesn’t have to be all stress and spreadsheets. These brands make it possible to bake something genuinely delicious — whether you’re accommodating gluten-free guests or just trying to keep your sanity intact.

So, this year, skip the guilt. Keep a few mixes in the pantry and some cookie dough in the freezer. When that last-minute bake sale, office party, or “Oh no, I forgot dessert” moment hits — you’ll be ready.

And the best part? No one will ever know you didn’t make it from scratch.