You have bought a box of cake mix to use later.   So you are wondering how long you can store it or if the mix goes bad.

Quick Answer

Yes, Cake Mix can go bad. Cake Mix can’t spoil like milk, but it can get moldy or turn sour. It may not make you sick, but it will not rise during baking or be dense and unappetizing.  Cake Mix can last 4-5 months after the best by date printed.  Cake mix should never be refrigerated or frozen unless made into a batter.

There is only one way to best store Cake Mix, which is in the pantry or cabinet.  Cake Mix needs to be stored in a cool, dry area away from heat sources.

Does Cake Mix Go Bad? How long does Cake Mix last?

Yes, Cake Mix can go bad.   Cake Mix can have a best-by date that is a helpful gauge when you want the best quality.

How Long Does Cake Mix Last in Pantry

You want to store Cake Mix in a place where they are in a cool, dry area.  The pantry or cabinet away from heat sources is the best option to maintain the freshness.

Best by date plus 4-5 months:  The best-by date plus 4-5 months is the best time to use Cake Mix.  The leavening agents in the mix will preserve enough to sustain a great baking quality.

Beyond 5 months: An unopened Cake Mix box can last for 1-2 years in the pantry.  The problem is that the Cake Mix will no longer be fluffy and as delicious as it usually would.  It will not necessarily make you sick unless there is mold or bacteria is present.

Storing Cake Mix in the pantry or cabinet is the best method to extend shelf-life.

How Long Does Cake Mix Last in the Fridge

Storing Cake Mix in the refrigerator is not an option.  Cake Mix is a dry ingredient and will not sustain in the fridge unless prepared into a batter.

Mix:  Storing Cake Mix in the Fridge does not extend its shelf life.  The active ingredients of the leavening agents are activated with condensation from refrigeration.  Moisture will prevent your cake from rising and make it dense and not as tasty.

Batter:  Cake batter can be stored in the refrigerator.  Prepare the cake batter as suggested on the side of the box.  You can leave the cake batter, including the bowl, in the fridge for a couple of days.  Cover with plastic wrap or store in a sealed storage bag.  Stir again before placing it in a pan and baking.

How Long Does Cake Mix Last in the Freezer

Cake mix also does not belong in the freezer for the same reason it should not be refrigerated.  You can make the mix into a batter and store it in the freezer.

Mix:  Storing Cake mix in the Freezer does not extend its shelf life.  The freezer will prevent the mix from being of any use.

Batter:  Freezing Cake batter can help you prolong its usefulness for up to 3 months.  You can freeze them in a muffin pan or quart-size freezer bags.

The best way to store Cake Mix for immediate use is in the pantry.   Refrigerating or freezing Cake Mix is not useful at all.

How to Tell if Cake Mix is Bad? How to Tell if Cake Mix is Fresh?

It can be hard to tell if Cake Mix is no longer any good.  It would be best to look for mold or a smell that is not ordinary when dealing with Cake Mix.

Mold:  Always check the package of Cake Mix for mold before use.  It is time to discard if they have any mold growth because of moisture.

Smell:  Give a quick sniff test before use.  If it smells off or sour, this is a clear indication that the mix is no longer any good.

If none of these signs are present, you should be able to continue to use Cake Mix for baking.

How to Store Cake Mix?

The best way to store Cake Mix is in a cool, dark spot like a pantry.  You could keep it other ways, but there are pros and cons to these methods.

Counter/Pantry: Ensure the Cake Mix is stored in a cool, dark area away from any heat sources. If it has never been opened, it can last up to 2 years stored here.

Fridge/Freezer:  Cake Mix should never be stored in the refrigerator or the freezer.  The low temperatures will create condensation that will cause the cake not to rise.  It can also speed up the process of bacteria growth and mold.

Can You Freeze Cake Mix? How?

No, you cannot freeze Cake Mix. Because it is a dry ingredient storing cake mix in the freezer will not be helpful.

Mix: Cake mix should never be put in the freezer.  It is a dry ingredient and needs to be stored in a dry environment.

Batter:  You can freeze cake batter made from Cake Mix. First, follow the package’s instructions to create the batter. Freeze the entire batter by pouring the batter into a storage bag, removing all air, and sealing tight. The batter will keep up to 3 months frozen.

How to Thaw Cake Mix?

Since Cake Mix does not freeze, it cannot be thawed.

Mix:  There is no method for freezing and thawing cake mix.

Batter:  You can thaw cake batter made from the Cake mix in the refrigerator.  After it is thawed, stir it a couple of times before baking.  You can also add a little fresh batter to help with the rising of your mix when heating.

Frequently Asked Questions

Besides cake, what else could I make with Cake Mix? There are many creative ways to utilize Cake Mix.  You can make waffles, donuts, cookies, ice cream sandwiches, pancakes, pie, and cake pops, just to name a few.

Will eating old Cake Mix make you sick? No, eating old Cake Mix will not make you sick. Although it will not make you sick, your cake will be dense, hard to eat, and possibly not taste the best.

How can you make Cake Mix moist?  Add two extra egg yolks with the eggs that the recipe asks for.  The eggs will give your Cake Mix extra richness and moistness.

Wrap Up

Cake Mix can go bad. The best way to store it is in a cool, dark pantry away from any heat source. The pantry will ensure the can last for 4-5 months after the best by date if unopened. You cannot refrigerate or freeze Cake Mix. You can turn the mix into batter and store it in the fridge or freezer.  It will keep for a couple of days in the refrigerator and up to 3 months in the freezer.