Ask Lisa: Can you fix an expired cake mix? (2024)

FAQs

Ask Lisa: Can you fix an expired cake mix? ›

There is nothing harmful about using an outdated cake mix, but it may not taste as good as you want it to, or may not raise the way you would like it to. (This also will depend on how old the mix is.

That expired mix might not have the active leavening agent it needs. No worries! I usually add a little baking soda or extra baking powder (or even both, as suggested on the box of cake mix) to give my cake a better lift.

Does It Go Bad advises that you can use an expired cake mix up to six months after the expiration date, and it'll probably work just fine (but you can't always trust it). The ingredients themselves, however, are dried and sealed so they can last up to two years after the expiration date.

Even once "expired," many snack cakes are still safe to eat to the point where some may be sold by salvage stores and bakery outlets such as Entenmann's.

Sell-By Date: Refers to the last day a retailer can display a product for sale; typically a food is safe to eat for 10 days after the Sell-by Date if refrigerated properly. Use-By Date: Refers to the last day a product will maintain its optimum freshness, flavor, and texture.

When It's Safe to Use After Expiry. Expired baking mixes are often safe to eat if they are only a few months past the indicated expiry date and have been stored in a cool, dry place. The mix might still be usable, particularly in recipes where the leavening is not essential.

Cake Shelf life – the bestsellers box is cellophane wrapped and will last for up to two weeks if kept in an airtight container, can also be frozen.

If you're not planning on eating your cake right away, you can store it in the box it came in and wrap the box with plastic wrap. This will keep the cake moist for up to three days. Just be sure to bring the cake to room temperature before serving, as cold cake can be harder to cut and less enjoyable to eat.

How to doctor up boxed cake mix? ›

Baking condiments like baking powder, 6 months unopened and 3 months after opening; cakes, brownies and bread mixes, 12-18 months unopened and follow the package used by date after opening. For a variety of foods, including meat and poultry, see Shelf Stable Food Safety.

On those egg cartons, if an expiration date appears, it can be no more than 30 days after the pack date. "As long as they're kept properly refrigerated at 40°F or lower, fresh eggs are safe to eat four to five weeks beyond the carton's Julian date," Maloberti says.

Plain Cake (like unfrosted Moist Vanilla Cake): About 5-7 days in the fridge. Cake with Buttercream, Whipped Cream or Custard (like Moist Chocolate Cake with Fluffy Chocolate Frosting): 4 days, since dairy spoils quicker.

While there aren't many health risks associated with consuming the product after the best-by date (assuming mold hasn't grown), it is not recommended. If your pancake mix has passed the best-by date on the box or has been opened for more than six months, throw it out and purchase a new mix.

How to Tell When Baking Powder Goes Bad. Baking powder won't have an off smell or taste—unless it's been contaminated with something else. And it is safe to use past its expiration date, even if it isn't as effective. You'll just end up with a flatter, denser baked good than you would if you used fresh baking powder.

Is it safe to consume expired brownie mix? As long as the mix doesn't display signs of spoilage and is stored correctly, it can be safe to use after the expiration date. However, its quality and consistency may be affected.