Cake mixes have become part of the American way of life. They’re convenient, can be made quickly with minimal effort, and are a lot of fun to make.
However, they typically don’t last very long once baked and frosted. And there’s nothing worse than bringing a cupcake batter in from the fridge only to find it has expired!
In this article, we’ll go over what causes cake mixes to expire and what you can do to ensure your combinations stay fresh for longer.
How Long Do Cake Mixes Last After Expiration Date?
The expiration dates of cake mixes vary, but they typically don’t last long past their expiration dates. Unopened mixes will last six months past their printed expiration date when stored in a pantry or cabinet.
When stored in the fridge, the mixes tend to expire even faster. If a mixture has been baked and refrigerated, it will only last 1 to 2 weeks past its printed expiration date.
What Causes Cake Mixes To Expire?
Factors that cause the cake mix’s shelf life to end include moisture loss and reactions with other ingredients. Moisture loss usually occurs when the compounds are not kept dry but in a moist environment.
Too much moisture will cause the cake mix to react with other ingredients and become discolored.
High temperatures also shorten many cake mix’s shelf life, especially those packaged in plastic containers instead of glass jars.
How Long Is Dry Cake Mix Good For After Expiration Date?
If your cake mix arrives dry and you are storing it in a dry environment, it will last longer than cake mixes exposed to moisture.
Unopened dry mixes that haven’t been stored in an environment with too much moisture can stay at room temperature for up to 9 months past the printed expiration date.
Once the mix is baked, you can store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 months from its baked date.
Does Cake Mix Expire If Unopened?
No, cake mixes do not disappear once the expiration date has passed. They will still be used (assuming the mix was kept dry). However, the quality of the cake mix may have changed.
Can Expired Cake Mix Kill You?
No, expired cake mix will not kill you. If the cake mix appears to have mold or is moldy, it should be discarded.
Although mold does not harm your health, it can taint the cake’s taste and cause stomach discomfort for those who eat it.
What Can I Do If My Cake Mix Is Expired?
If you have an unopened dry cake mix that has passed its expiration date and has been left out in the refrigerator for a while, use it as soon as possible, or it will start tasting stale.
How Long Is Betty Crocker Cake Mix Good For After Expiration Date?
If you have an unopened dry cake mix that has passed its expiration date and has been left out in the refrigerator, be sure to use it as soon as possible, or it will start tasting stale.
Is It Bad To Eat An Expired Cake Mix?
No, it is not harmful to eat an expired cake mix. If you eat an unopened mix that has passed its expiration date, the batter will likely taste different from what you expect because of the shrinking volume of batter in the container.
How To Revive Expired Cake Mix?
If you have a cake mix that has passed its printed expiration date, but is still in good condition and not moldy, then there’s a good chance it could still be used. If the mix is baked and chilled as instructed, it will last a few weeks.
But since the batter has been sitting around for so long (and likely lost some volume), you may have to add half of what’s called for on the recipe to achieve results.
Conclusion
Cake mixes can be a fun, inexpensive way to make many different kinds of cakes. However, they will only last a short time if they aren’t stored properly.
Keep track of your baking needs, and don’t go overboard with the amount of cake mix you purchase at the grocery store.
You may find that making cakes at home is just as satisfying, and it is much easier to obtain fresh ingredients when needed!
