Boxed cake mix can be a quick and convenient solution to any last-minute party needs or an easy way to satisfy a sweet craving without leaving the house. It’s easy to stock up on a few different flavors, so you have options when the time comes, and even easier to add in extra ingredients to take your boxed cake mix up a notch — but do those forgotten boxed mixes ever go bad? Food Republic spoke to Deana Karim, owner and founder of Good Dee’s, to get the inside scoop.
The truth is, boxed cake mix doesn’t really go bad, but that doesn’t mean you should use expired mix without a few considerations. According to Karim, “Cake mix doesn’t spoil quickly, but the leavening agents degrade over time. It’s safe to use up to 6 to 12 months past the date if stored in a cool, dry place.” Note that leavening agents are things like baking powder and soda, which make cookies and cakes better when mixed together, giving them a fluffy texture.
But, when using expired cake mix, Karim said, “You may notice less rise, duller flavor, and slightly stale or ‘flat’ texture” because your leavening agents won’t properly activate. However, if your cake mix is past its best-by date, never fear. There are ways you can properly revive it with some basic kitchen staples.
Reviving boxed cake mix
While your boxed cake mix is likely fine, you still need to inspect the contents of any expired product before you dive into your favorite recipe. According to Deana Karim, there are signs that a mix may be beyond saving or too old to use, including a “musty or rancid smell, clumping (moisture exposure), [or an] off color.” These are most likely to occur if the packaging has been opened or damaged, so be sure to inspect any out-of-date mixes thoroughly before baking. It’s best to err on the side of caution, and do as Karim advised: “If it smells off or feels greasy/clumpy — toss it.”
Once satisfied with your inspection, the cake mix may be safe, but that doesn’t mean it will produce a good cake — not without some helpful meddling. To do so, Karim said to “add fresh baking powder (½ to 1 teaspoon per box), and consider a dash of vanilla or extra egg to help boost texture and flavor.” Since the most noticeable flaw will be a flatter consistency, adding moisture back in is key, which could also be an opportunity to get creative.
You could try reviving the boxed mix with ice cream for a moist and creamy ingredient swap that will also add to the overall taste of the cake. You can mix and match flavors for something, literally, out of the box, which will help bring the cake mix back to life. In the end, though, it’s all about making sure your ingredients are safe to use and double-checking the cake mix’s quality.
