So, if you want to make an expired cake mix, you might need to add a little more of the leavening agent called for. It's been over 10 years since the start of my baking adventures, and Ive learned a lot along the way. Technically, Duncan Hines's block mixes are said to be skillful "indefinitely" (which is the case for other kinds of block mixes, likewise). By clicking Accept, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. Plus 7 Types Of Salt. After expiration date, cake mix should be stored in a cool place and used as soon as possible. You might want to tell this to your children, grandchildren, nephews, nieces and anyone else who keeps these types of mixes in the cupboard. While I dont use cake mixes too often, I totally love their convenience (and my mom certainly does, too). Here are a few key things to remember about cake mix storage: If you dont want to mess with the finickiness of pantry storage, you can also opt for the fridge. Once that date passes, the product starts to break down, affecting how it looks, feels, and tastes. If so, its time to start thinking about what to do with it. So if your recipe doesnt call for any sugar at all, you might want to consider using an expired box cake mix instead. For best results, store your cake mix in a cool, dry area such as a pantry. Signs to look for include changes in color and texture of the cake mix especially if it has become clumpy. Well, rather I should say the best by date since cake mixes do not have expiration dates. Why waste your cake calories on a bad-tasting cake? Do you like this article? Most healthy people will not have any adverse effects from eating cake mix that has gone bad, even when mold is present. But expired cake mix that has gone bad and has the presence of mold can if youre allergic to mold. How long does cake mix last after the expiration date? You can add some baking powder if you have doubts after the expiration date. Typically, a cake can last up to four days without going bad or stale. Heads up, folks! What happens if you eat expired cake mix? Unfortunately, the block mix does not terminal forever. I accept been a lover of sweets since day one. As a reference librarian at an academic institution, I have the ability to search through many research databases. WebProperly stored, a package of cake mix will generally stay at best quality for about 12-18 months at room temperature. Rather, it refers to the peak time to eat the cake for assured flavor and texture. Individual ingredients in the cake mix, like flour and sugar can be stored in a Mylar bag for up to 20 years. Just remember to add in a leavening agent for the best results. Leavening agents are the main reason cake mixes let us down after the best by date. A lot of people are asking if they can use expired cake mix in their recipes. Here are a few favorite leftover cake mix recipe ideas. Required fields are marked *. Replenish the leavening agent (typically baking soda, baking powder, or a mixture of both) into the cake batter for the best results. Im Angie, I taught myself to bake and started a small cake business from home. The nurse called the paramedics and they were there in 3 minutes and worked on the boy all the way to the hospital. With so many people scratching the bottom of the pocket and of course the pantry shelves. be aware of the warning given below! At present, people rave about my delectable treats, whether information technology'southward a chocolate cake or a strawberry crepe. You can use Betty Crocker cake mix after the expiration date. Ive eaten cake mixes that have been months past their best-by date and its been perfectly safe! You may need to add some baking powder or baking soda, as the leaving agents will lose potency over time. If you have an expired cake mix, you may wonder how long cake mix lasts. table decoration There are only straight seams but many pieces. 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. Snopes and the Snopes.com logo are registered service marks of Snopes.com. While some acidic foods, such as canned tomatoes, are only good for a year and a half, most canned goods (even meats) can last for years. This warning especially applies to any person(s) with mold allergies. In many cases, its also found in seafood. "Dear Abby." 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. If a product has already been opened, it will not last as long as usual. The good news is, store-bought cake mixes are pretty cheap, so you wont be out a ton of money if your cake mix has gone bad. She told him to go to the nurse immediately and proceeded to call school and alert the nurse. Expiration date is a specific day or time that foods must be stored in a designated area before they must be eaten. If so, you can still use it. So when she asked me if cake mix goes bad and how long it lasts, I knew I had to hunt for the answer. Sometimes these ingredients may need to be replaced if they are rancid. Then lets be social. With proper storage, cake mixes can easily last up to five months beyond the best by date on the package. 1. How to Read the Expiration Date on Duncan Hines Cake Mix? Easy and Flavor-filled Strawberry Pound Cake Using Cake Mix, How Much Does A Cup Of Salt Weigh? The same is not true for homemade cake mixes. You snatch your favorite flavor for sure. How long is a cake mix good after expiration date? Expired baking powder loses its potency after its use-by date, usually 18 to 24 months after manufacture. An unopened package of cake mix has a long shelf life when compared to an opened mix. are safe indefinitely. Here are a couple of frequently asked questions that might pique your interest. These cake mix manufacturers are unlikely to give us the thumbs up about using their cake mix past the recommended date. If youre gung-ho to make a tasty cake this evening, only to realize your cake mix is expired, you might think youre all out of luck. But if youre considering using it in a recipe, there are a few things to keep in mind. Your email address will not be published. WebPantry Fridge Freezer; Past Date: Past Date: Past Date: Bakery Cake lasts for: 1-2 Days: 2-4 Days: 2-4 Months: Cake with fresh fruit lasts for: 1-2 Days: 2-4 Months: Cake with whipped September 2001 (pp. Moisture can also interact with the dry ingredients reducing their efficacy. Once you bake them, brownies last for about 3 to 4 days at room temperature or up to 6 days in the fridge. This will help ensure that it has a proper rise and a wonderful texture. Absolutely! Because cake mix contains sugar and artificial preservatives, it is capable of lasting quite a long time. I wish you lots of luck with your baking. Pillsbury dough can be used up to 2 weeks after the expiration date. Like all fresh or frozen produce, Pillsbury dough will eventually go bad, or at the very least not taste its best when eaten. Let's look at the different types in a bit more detail to get the full facts. Does Pillsbury Dough Expire Or Go Bad? Again, its because cake mix doesnt go bad. To freeze a frosted cake, let it sit in the freezer for one hour uncovered to let the frosting freeze. Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Unfortunately, it isnt an exact science. Block mix tin can easily become in the fridge for several months across the expiration date (best by engagement). You know, all of the things that will degrade cake mix. We hear so often about discarding prescription and over-the-counter medications after their expiration dates, but I don't recall warnings about packaged items in the pantry. If the baking powder you used will expire in 3 months, that will also be the date to best use the cake mix. However, its recommended to make a few changes for the best results. I would say its not really worth the costs and risks. It simply indicates when the item will be at peak freshness, but it's still safe to eat after this date. Read more about me, why I created this site, and what youll learn here. A couple of months ago I decide to use one, I checked the expiration date and found it past, all the boxes were passed the expiration date. The long answer to this question would take too much time, so we will just say that it is safe to eat Betty Crocker cake. A five-year-old mix needs more help than a cake mix just a year old. The issue with using old cake mix is that it wont work. And when you are finished baking your cake, read my article about how long cake lasts. With proper storage, cake mixes can hands last upward to five months across the all-time by date on the package. If so, please ask any questions regarding the cake mix in the comment section down below. As for moisture, no one wants mold growing in their favorite cake mix box! Apparently, the mold that forms in old mixes can be toxic! There are many different flavors available such as vanilla, chocolate, red velvet, Funfetti, lemon, pumpkin, and many more. P.S. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. by Jean-Karlo Lemus, Mar 3rd 2023. Can you use expired Duncan Hines cake mix? What happens if you eat expired cake mix? According to the USDA, the best by dates have nothing to do with purchase or safety dates. Now, people rave about my delectable treats, whether its a chocolate cake or a strawberry crepe. Don't worry I've found some frequently asked questions for you to indulge in. They can be saved in the freezer for 2-3 months. How to Store Block Mix Keep in mind that it really Sifting your cake mix will make it easier to see if there are any texture changes or the presence of mold. You can store an open item for four days at 4 degrees C or 40 F. Items older than four days or not My husband, a volunteer firefighter and EMT, heated up some water, and we had my son lean over the water so the steam could clear his chest and sinuses. You want to avoid storing it in a warm, moist environment that could potentially lead to mold growth. During the baking process, these ingredients release gasses which cause the batter to expand and, ultimately, your cake to rise. The average box of cake mix contains 4 cups. Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. How long is a cake mix good afterwards expiration date? Especially when it comes to opened boxes with half a packet of cake mix left. Further, depending on how you store the cake mix, it can last longer. I always thought that "old" mixes that were past their expiration date would just not rise/bake correctly. Expired Pancake Mix Can Reportedly Kill YouSo Always Make Sure To Check The Date This is seriously scary. He failed to respond to resuscitative efforts and was pronounced dead. Two Sided Fashionable Stand Doubles as Five Section Serving Tray, Perfect Taker Caddie for Travel (Seafoam Green). We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. 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 why many foods are actually still edible past their expiration dates. But if you plan to store the mixes for over a year, which type of cake mix flavors last a longer time? They also serve as a we told you so warning if you consume the food or drink after the date and it has gone bad. I gave him his allergy pill, had him sit on the sofa and told him to relax. This led me on a self-taught baking journey starting at the age of 13. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Eating after use by products after their date could pose health risks. The active ingredients may have The first is that some mixes can sit around for a long time without causing any harm. If cake mix has mold, moisture, or signs of pests, discard immediately. This material may not be reproduced without permission. Generally, they will have a best-by date that is between 12 to 18 StillTasty: Your Ultimate Shelf Life Guide - Save Money, Eat Better, Help The Environment Home The product must be used by the expiration date, and cannot be used after that date. There was a death, and it had been due to ancient pancake mix. Frosting can hide a multitude of (cake) sins, and it might be your best fix for expired cake mix. After two years, the ingredients will likely still be safe, however, the flavor may not be as strong and the cake may not rise. The general consensus is that the average cake mix has a shelf life of between 6 months to a year. Kept in the fridge, cake with buttercream or ganache topping will last for 3-4 days. What will happen, though, is plenty of disappointment. However, it comes with a best by date. Boxed cake mix is almost always less than $5, if not cheaper. Cake Mixes & Toxins- **PLEASE READ** Pass this on to ALL in your address book. You may also be interested in my post about how long cake batter lasts. Merely check the manner it looks and smells earlier using it to ensure a good outcome. Mylar bags protect food from light, moisture, and oxygen. At that place's a reason for this diction. Firstly, the frosting may have gone bad and may not be safe to use. In these circumstances, I highly recommend waving goodbye to your cake mix as you toss it in the garbage. Privacy Policy. However, before baking it, you want to check for any signs that it has gone bad. What is the shelf life of cake mix? Betty Crocker boxed cakes feature expiration dates and can be used past their expiration, though the company does not guarantee the best results in baking. According to the Betty Crocker Cake Mix website, the cake mix should be consumed within 3 months of its expiration date. If you use an erstwhile block mix and your chocolate cake mix tastes like a sour nightmare, yous're not going to be happy about it! Check the expiration dates on packages like pancakes and cake mixes that have yeast which over time develop spores. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. May not rise well. If there is one thing thats true about boxed cake mix, its this: it is very convenient. General Mills recommends extended use-by dates to Feeding America. You can also keep your cake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to seven days for the best results.if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'cakedecorist_com-leader-1','ezslot_11',185,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-cakedecorist_com-leader-1-0'); Cakes also freeze well, which allows you to plan. How to Store Block Mix Keep in mind that it really comes down to how you store the cake mix. That is over 20 years before those best before dates came into effect. Thank you for supporting us. Mostly cake mixes come with best before the date, which can be from 4 to 18 months. Q2. And using a kitchen scale for precision. It had been mold, and nothing but. A strawberry cake mix also contains natural and artificial flavors and artificial coloring. But more importantly, this could lead to mold growth. It is even safe to use cake mix two years after its exploration date. My name's Michelle, and I love baking cakes. We know this to be so because it has happened before, and the resultant death was documented. Its also worth mentioning that a best by date is very different from a use by date. Michelle. Duncan Hines cake mixes have a best by date. Though the mold isn't likely to cause major harm to anyone, those with allergies could experience adverse effects from consuming the cake, as per Snopes. Most people who store cake mixes for their home food storage find that a cake mix will only last up to 1 year past the expiration date in a Mylar bag with an oxygen absorber. Only those who have allergies to mold are at risk, and even then, for the pancake mix to pose a hazard it has to contain mold spores, not just be over the hill. If there is a use by date on any food product, this means that it needs to be eaten by this exact date. The shelf life of cake mix is roughly 4-5 months beyond the best before date stamped. Use By This refers to the last date recommended by the manufacturer for use of the produce while at peak quality. Its worth noting that its important to look for any changes to your cake mix that may mean its not suitable for eating. The preservatives in boxed cake mixes allow it to extend a few months, if not years, beyond the expiration date. It is safe after that date, it just may not taste quite as good! The leavening agent (baking soda/baking powder) will eventually expire and be rendered useless. You need to be aware of two important things that impact your cakes shelf life: Cake mixes contain leavening agents like baking powder and baking soda. in 3 reviews Location & Hours Suggest an edit 1855 E Cochran St Simi Valley, CA 93065 Get directions You Might Also Consider Sponsored Amazon Fresh 6.1 miles away from Vons Throw away ALL OUTDATED pancake mix, brownie mixes, Bisquick, cake & cookie mixes, etc., you have in your home. For mixes that are above 2 years, use up to 3 teaspoons. Nothing. Boxed cake mix contains all the dry ingredients you need to make a cake. Yes, provided it is properly stored and the package is undamaged - commercially packaged cake mix will typically carry a " Best By," "Best if Used By," "Best Before", or "Best When Used By" date but this is not a safety date, it is the manufacturer's estimate of how long the cake mix will remain at peak quality. When making your own baking powder equivalent, you will need to use it immediately as it doesnt store well. Check the expiration dates on packages like pancakes and cake mixes that have yeast which over time develop spores. Because cake mix contains sugar and artificial preservatives, it is capable of lasting quite a long time. Same thing. WebCheck out the food score for Betty Crocker Favorites Yellow Cake Mix from EWG's Food Scores! While eating the packaged stuff won't necessarily send you to the hospital, it's important to understand what happens once it expires and whether it is safe to use. He came so close to dying. Frozen cake lasts longer but is best consumed after 2 to 3 months in the freezer. Why? You want to be certain that no moisture can get in. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Welcome to BakingHow.com. The good news is, using old cake mix is not going to hurt you. Regular flour has a shelf life of 6 to 8 months from the date of printing, while whole wheat flour is usually only good for 4 to 6 months. A student at HBHS (high school) had pancakes this week and it almost became fatal. baking goods and cereals. If the packaging is damaged, the contents may have been exposed to moisture. Duncan Hines has even said their cake mixes are safe to use beyond the best by date. Using expired cake mix is typically safe to do as long as it is unopened and has been properly stored. Share with your friends on Facebook. So, while you lot can bring a very old cake mix to life by adding a leaver, I don't necessarily recommend information technology. If you do open the bag, store the mix in an airtight bag or container. First, expired cake mix can sometimes change colors and look different than fresh cake mix. It's been over 10 years since the start of my baking adventures, and Ive learned a lot along the way. There is truth in this tale, yet its inherent warning is overblown. What does all this mean? So how long does cake mix last? Read more about Easy and Flavor-filled Strawberry Pound Cake Using Cake Mix. In fact, on their website, Tastefully Simple states that while there is an Enjoy by Date on all of their cake mixes, theyre usually okay for around 12 months after that. Technically, Duncan Hiness cake mixes are said to be good indefinitely (which is the case for other kinds of cake mixes, too). Read more about me, why I created this site, and what youll learn here. If so, then a warning should be placed on the box for people like me. Expired cake mix wont kill you. In high doses, Phosphorus can actually be dangerous for some people because it can increase the risk of kidney stones and other health problems. Are yous as impressed as I was when I found out? Eggs are safe for 3 to 5 weeks after the sell-by date. Some cake mixes can be stored up to two years after the expiration date, while others have a shelf life of only six months. The USDA advises that most shelf-stable foods and packaged products (like dry mixes, cereal, etc.) If you find a good sale on cake mixes, you want to stock up. It needs be kept in mind there is nothing inherently toxic about pancake mix that has passed its freshness date; the product's aging does not transform it into a poison, nor does the growth of mold within opened boxes of flapjack powder turn it into something that will fell all who ingest it. According to Sana Mujahid, Ph.D., manager of food-safety research at Consumer Reports, the best way to know whether a perishable food has spoiled is simply Here are a few quick storage tips: Leave Although they will not harm you, they will definitely impact the taste of your cake. Need the scoop on cooling a cake? However, some people have been concerned about the health of this cake. Cake is decorated as shown with Happy Birthday cake topper. Seriously. Especially if it hides in there for a year or more. After all, most boxed cake mixes will have a best-by date rather than an expiration date. According to the Betty Crocker Cake Mix website, the cake mix should be consumed within 3 months of its Since leavening agents lose their potency over time, you want to make up for it to ensure your cake will still rise. He said that they tasted "funny," but ate them anyway. SUE IN WYANTSKILL, N.Y. DEAR SUE: Thank you for the warning. Its better to err on the side of caution and ensure youre making a grand cake everyone will enjoy. The nurse called the paramedics and they were there in 3 minutes and worked on the boy all the way to the hospital. The minute you open the plastic lining, the raw cake mix is exposed to oxygen. For premade block mixes, the shelf life increases by upward to five months. That doesnt mean you should use them, though. Duncan Hines cake mix is popular and often considered a safe choice after expiration date. Did yous know how long cake mix lasts? However, the ingredients you need to add will vary by brand and type of cake. Bennett, Allan and Kim Collins. You do not want to risk any illness by eating a cake that is not good. If you can, why not buy a new box of cake mix? Homemade cake mix has a much shorter shelf life, around 7 days in the pantry and three months in the fridge. 1995 - 2023 by Snopes Media Group Inc. Betty Crocker recommends using expired cake mixes in dessert recipes that feature cake mixes but arent specifically cake, so that any deterioration in volume or taste is not as evident. Otherwise, you could end up with a flat and dull cake lacking flavor. This is scary! If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. 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. Cake mix is safe to eat for several months if not years beyond the expiry date. But if its expired, you might be curious whether or not you can still use it. Im interpreting that as a thumbs up. Brownies are a popular dessert, and many people like to make them using expired brownie mix. This may lead you to wonder, can you use a cake mix that expired 2 years ago? Continue with Recommended Cookies. Just like Mom taught you. With so many people shopping at warehouse-type stores and buying large sizes of pancake mix, I hope your readers will take the time to check the expiration date on their boxes. Can you use Betty Crocker cake mix after expiration date? She wants to share her experience with others in hopes they can make the most delicious baked goods. Q3. So, keep your dry cake mixes in a dry area. Mixes must remain dry. About 10 minutes later, he began having difficulty breathing and his lips began turning purple. The answer is a little more complicated and can be determined by smelling or tasting the flour. This raises the question of whether or not these dates are accurate. American Journal of Forensic Medicine & Pathology. If the product is opened before its option expires, it can still be used as is, but it may have different consequences depending on the product. Homemade cake mix has a much shorter shelf life, around 7 days in the pantry and three months in the fridge. In 2001, two pathologists practicing in Charleston, South Carolina, reported on an unnamed 19-year-old who died in such a manner. P.S. With proper storage, cake mixes can easily last up to five months beyond the best by date on the package. Welcome to BakingHow.com. All rights reserved. However, the mix will degrade in quality after its best by date has passed. Can You Use Cake Mix Expired 2 Years Ago 1. However, Ive found that when food products say best before or best by, they are often safe for a while after the date. While some of the fabrics may be repeats, the Layer Cake features at least one. The more important thing to look for is the best by date. This will provide a colorful and fun cake with an added flavor component. But dont worry. How long is Duncan Hines cake mix good after expiration date? When your cake mix is exposed to direct sunlight or high temperatures over a prolonged period, the heat, humidity, or light may create an environment where bacteria can thrive. The truth is, there is both good news and bad news about consuming cake mix that has seen better days. Properly stored, a package of cake mixwillgenerally stay at best quality for about 12-18 months atroomtemperature. Oh, you love pre-made cake mixes. are safe if consumed past their expiration date, assuming they were handled and stored correctly. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Thank you!!! I couldnt resist asking my mom what they did before the expiry date appeared. What happens if you consume expired cake mix? Let'southward larn nearly cake mix, people! Cakes can generally keep in the freezer for six months to one year. I havent found any conclusive proof either way. Add baking powder or use in alternate recipes. Even though cake mix can be used beyond the best by date, it doesnt always mean its safe to consume. Typically, cake mixes have a shelf life of 6 to 12 months; however, you can safely use them for months (or even years) after the best-by date on the label. I have been a lover of sweets since day one. How long can you keep cake mix in fridge? They also affect the texture of the cake.