If your older Bisquick baking mix doesn't rise as much as it used to, the most likely reason is that the leavening agents in the mix (such as baking powder) have lost their potency over time. Leavening agents are responsible for creating bubbles of gas, which expand during baking, causing the dough or batter to rise. Over time, these leavening agents can lose their effectiveness due to exposure to moisture, air, or high temperatures, which is common in older baking mixes.
Here are some factors that could lead to a decrease in the rising ability of older Bisquick:
Expired product: Check the expiration date on the Bisquick box. If it has expired, the leavening agents may no longer be active, resulting in reduced rising ability.
Improper storage: If the Bisquick was not stored properly in a cool, dry place and was exposed to moisture or humidity, it could affect the effectiveness of the leavening agents.
Container not tightly sealed: If the original container or packaging wasn't sealed tightly after each use, moisture and air could have entered, degrading the leavening agents.
Long-term storage: Even if the Bisquick is within its expiration date, over time, the leavening agents can lose their potency, especially if the mix is stored for an extended period.
To address this issue, you can try the following:
Check the expiration date: If the Bisquick has expired, it's best to discard it and purchase a fresh box.
Test the leavening agents: If you suspect the mix is still within its shelf life, you can test the leavening agents' effectiveness before using the entire batch. To do this, mix a small amount of Bisquick with water or another liquid and observe if it rises as expected. If it doesn't rise, it's best not to use the mix for baking.
Adjust the recipe: If you want to use the older Bisquick despite its reduced rising ability, you may need to adjust the recipe by adding extra baking powder or baking soda to compensate for the weakened leavening agents. Keep in mind that this might not yield the same results as using a fresh mix.
However, for the best baking results, it's recommended to use a fresh box of Bisquick or any other baking mix that has not exceeded its expiration date. This way, you can ensure that the leavening agents are still active and your baked goods will rise properly.