Can You Use Cake Mix That Expired 2 Years Ago?

Last Updated on March 22, 2023

You go to make a cake, but you notice that it is past its expiration date. This may lead you to wonder, can you use a cake mix that expired 2 years ago? Fortunately, boxed cake mix tends to have a long shelf life which is great for baking needs.

The great thing about cake mix is that is convenient to make as well as delicious. There are many different flavors available such as vanilla, chocolate, red velvet, Funfetti, lemon, pumpkin, and many more. They are great to have on hand so you can bake a cake whenever you’d like.

Can You Use Out Of Date Cake Mix?

So, what happens if you eat an expired cake mix? Well, likely nothing will happen as it is often safe to use past its expiration date.

Using expired cake mix is typically safe to do as long as it is unopened and has been properly stored. It is even safe to use cake mix two years after its exploration date. The cake mix likely won’t go bad, however, it may begin to lose its flavor and the leavening agents may not work as well.

Because cake mix contains sugar and artificial preservatives, it is capable of lasting quite a long time. Generally, they will have a best-by date that is between 12 to 18 months and is best used within four to six months after the expiration date. However, they are safe to consume for one or even two years after their expiration.

The date on the box doesn’t mean it will be unsafe to consume afterward. Rather, it refers to the peak time to eat the cake for assured flavor and texture.

After two years, the ingredients will likely still be safe, however, the flavor may not be as strong and the cake may not rise. If you do plan to use an expired mix, it is best to use it for a snack at home rather than for a birthday cake or a special event. This is a good idea just in case the cake lacks flavor or doesn’t rise.

Add baking powder or baking soda

If your cake mix expired a couple of years ago, you can add baking powder or baking soda. Since leavening agents lose their potency over time, you want to make up for it to ensure your cake will still rise.

Check to see if your cake has baking soda or baking powder in the ingredients. Add a teaspoon or tablespoon of whatever leavening agent the cake has to the mix, depending on how old it is. This will help ensure that it has a proper rise and a wonderful texture.

How To Store Cake Mix

For best results, store your cake mix in a cool, dry area such as a pantry. You want to avoid storing it in a warm, moist environment that could potentially lead to mold growth.

If you do open the bag, store the mix in an airtight bag or container. You want to be certain that no moisture can get in.

 

 

Learn more useful tips like How To Store Bundt Cakes or Efficient Tips To Store Pie Filling Like Fresh

How To Tell If It Has Gone Bad?

Though cake mix rarely actually goes bad, it is important to know what it looks or smells like when it does to reduce the risk of foodborne illness. If you notice any of these signs in it, you will want to just throw it out.

If you notice that your mix has mold or a change in appearance, it is no longer good and you should throw it out at once. In addition, do not use it if it has an off smell when you open it up.

If you bake a cake with it and notice that the cake has an off or sour smell or does not taste right, throw away the cake. You do not want to risk any illness by eating a cake that is not good.

How Long Does Cake Last Once Baked?

Once baked, your cake will last three to four days at room temperature in an airtight container. Be sure to keep your cake in a cool, dry area that is away from direct sunlight. You can also keep your cake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to seven days for the best results.

Cakes also freeze well, which allows you to plan. To freeze a frosted cake, let it sit in the freezer for one hour uncovered to let the frosting freeze. Then, you can cover it in a layer of plastic wrap followed by a layer of aluminum foil before returning it to the freezer.

Cakes can generally keep in the freezer for six months to one year. When you are ready to serve your cake, allow it to thaw at room temperature on your counter for around two hours or in your fridge overnight. Read about how long you can keep a frosted cake in the fridge and the different factors that affect the shelf life of a frosted cake.

Cake Carrier for Up to 10 inch x 4 1/2 inch Cake

What Is In Boxed Cake Mix?

Boxed cake mix contains all the dry ingredients you need to make a cake. It often contains flour, a leavening agent such as baking powder or baking soda, sugar, salt, and preservatives. Depending on the type of cake, it may also contain flavoring such as cocoa powder.

Generally, the only ingredients you need to add to the cake mix are water, eggs, and vegetable oil. However, the ingredients you need to add will vary by brand and type of cake.

How to Read the Expiration Date on Duncan Hines Cake Mix?

If you’re looking for how to read expiration dates, this will vary from product to product. Some will be on the bottom of the box, some on the top, some on the side, and even some on the back of the box. When it comes to Duncan Hines, generally speaking, their expiration date is on the top of their cake mixes.

The expiration date is usually either stamped on or printed in black. When it comes to cake mixes, the expiration date is typically preceded by “best by” or “best before”. When it says this, it just means that before that specific date is when the cake mix will be its freshest and best.

However, I’ve found that when food products say “best before” or “best by”, they are often safe for a while after the date. I’ve eaten cake mixes that have been months past their best-by date and it’s been perfectly safe! It’s important to only do this when the product has not been opened. If a product has already been opened, it will not last as long as usual.

It’s also worth mentioning that a “best by” date is very different from a “use by” date. If there is a “use by” date on any food product, this means that it needs to be eaten by this exact date. Eating after “use by” products after their date could pose health risks. This is usually the case for foods such as fresh meat and dairy products.

Try baking these Delicious Recipes made with Cake Mix:

Easy and Flavor-filled Strawberry Pound Cake Using Cake Mix or How To Make Flawless Margarita Cupcakes With Cake Mix?

How Long is Pillsbury Cake Mix Good After Expiration Date?

The same rules typically apply to all cake mixes. A cake mix doesn’t “expire” as such; however, the longer it is past its expiration date, the higher chance that the finished product will be affected. For example, the taste, texture, and freshness of the cake may not be the same as usual. It also may not rise quite as well as it once used to.

Pillsbury cake mixes are usually just as delicious for up to 6 months past their expiration date. It is safe after that date, it just may not taste quite as good! It certainly won’t cause any health problems if that’s something you’re concerned about.

Do Tastefully Simple Cake Mixes Expire?

Like all cake mixes, Tastefully Simple cake mixes have a “best by” date, but they’re typically okay for much longer than that. In fact, on their website, Tastefully Simple states that while there is an “Enjoy by Date” on all of their cake mixes, they’re usually okay for around 12 months after that.

It’s worth noting that it’s important to look for any changes to your cake mix that may mean it’s not suitable for eating. Let’s take a look at some of the key signs.

• Sour Smell. With most foods, cake mixes also emit a rancid, sour-type smell if not edible. If this is the case for your cake mix, it’s best to discard it.
• Open Packet. If the cake mix has been opened before for any reason, it is best to discard it.
• Noticeable Mold. If there are any visible changes or moisture inside the cake mix, mold will have grown. If this is the case, it’s best to get rid of it entirely.
• Taste. If it’s past its “best by” date and doesn’t taste quite right, you may not want to eat it.

Summary: Eating Cake Mix That Expired 2 Years Ago

It is generally safe to eat a cake that is made from a cake mix that is expired. However, before baking it, you want to check for any signs that it has gone bad. You may need to add some baking powder or baking soda, as the leaving agents will lose potency over time.

Be sure to store your cake mix in a cool, dry area such as a pantry. You want to keep it out of the sun and away from moisture.

Do you have any questions regarding using a cake mix that expired 2 years ago? If so, please ask any questions regarding the cake mix in the comment section down below.