Stop Eating These Dessert Dips—Raw Cake Mix Can Be Harmful

We all know it’s risky to lick the batter off the spoon when baking, but the confusion arises when it comes to eating cake mix raw (without eggs or oil).

No, you’re probably not eating cake mix straight from the box with a spoon (if you are, please stop), but you might be unknowingly consuming raw cake mix, especially at the snack table.

Funfetti cake batter dips (or Dunkaroo dips) have become popular party treats for birthdays and gatherings, and boxed cake mix is a key ingredient. Simply combine the mix with cream cheese and Cool Whip, and you’ve got an easy, cute dessert that tastes like cake batter.

But just because these dips are delicious doesn’t mean they aren’t dangerous to eat.

If not prepared correctly, these no-bake desserts should be avoided, along with any other recipes that use raw cake mix. Here’s why.

Is It Safe to Eat Raw Cake Mix?

Unfortunately, the CDC says no, and the reason is the same as why you shouldn't eat raw cookie dough. Despite common belief, the risk isn’t from raw eggs—it’s from the flour.

Flour may not seem like a “raw” food, but it isn’t heat-treated before it hits your pantry shelves. This means it can be contaminated with pathogenic bacteria that cause serious foodborne illnesses like Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Salmonella.

These harmful bacteria can infect the wheat during cultivation and harvesting, or during the milling process, meaning they can end up on your beaters (or in your no-bake desserts).

Be cautious of misleading claims from online creators and recipe sites—it’s unsafe to consume cake mix or any product with untreated flour in its raw form. Even if some brands claim to have “updated” their mixes for safe raw consumption, be skeptical. They’re likely still a health risk.

In fact, the CDC recently reported a Salmonella outbreak linked to flour in raw doughs and batters, and in 2021, a concerning E. coli outbreak was traced back to cake mix.

So, does this mean you have to say goodbye to those tasty Funfetti dips forever? Not exactly, but we do recommend taking an extra precaution before preparing them.

How to Safely Eat Boxed Cake Mix

When raw flour is baked (as in a baked cake), the high heat eliminates any bacteria, making it safe to eat. To enjoy boxed cake mix without concern, simply heat it to a safe temperature of 160°F before consumption.

The simplest way to do this is by spreading the cake mix evenly on a baking sheet and baking it at 350°F for about 5 minutes. That’s it—the cake mix will be just as delicious and versatile, but now, it’s safe to consume.

So, the next time you come across a tempting 3-ingredient dessert online that uses boxed cake mix in a fun new way, be sure to include a heat-treating step in the recipe. Or, if you want to skip the hassle, try these easy (and safe) dessert dip recipes instead.