Last Updated on April 27, 2023 by Lori Walker
As bakers, you never want to run out of frosting, especially when decorating your cake. This is where the importance of knowing the proper way of storing your frosting comes in.
Read on and find out the answer to the query “how long does frosting last in the fridge?” and discover how you can store it properly to prolong its usefulness and preserve its quality.
How Long Will Frosting Last in the Fridge?
When kept in the fridge, buttercream frosting can last up to 1 month, whipped cream frosting lasts 4 – 5 days, and cream cheese frosting lasts 1 – 2 weeks.
But how long does chocolate cake stay fresh in the fridge?
Factors To Consider
Homemade
Homemade frosting can last for about a week in the fridge and approximately a month in the freezer.
However, this still depends on what type of frosting you’ll make (buttercream, whipped, cream cheese, etc.) [1]
Store Bought
Store-bought frostings could last 3 – 4 weeks in the fridge and 2 – 3 months in the freezer. This is ideal if you have a pastry business since this lasts longer than homemade frostings.
Left Over
The shelf life of your leftovers also depends on the type of frosting you use. This may range from 2 days up to approximately a week.
Store it properly before putting it in the refrigerator, and check for signs of spoilage before using it again.
Type
Buttercream Frosting
Buttercream frosting could last in the fridge for about a month, up to 3 months in the freezer, and approximately 2 days at room temperature.
Find out how long buttercream can stay fresh in the refrigerator here.
Whipped Cream Frosting
Homemade whipped cream frosting can last up to 2 days. Meanwhile, stored properly in an airtight container, stabilized whipped cream could last 4 – 5 days. But how do you thaw cool whip quickly?
Cream Cheese Frosting
Cream cheese frosting tends to spoil easily and can only be left at room temperature for about 8 hours. In the fridge, it could last for about 3 days, and up to a month in a freezer.
Swiss Meringue Frosting
Swiss Meringue Frosting can only last up to 3 – 5 days in the fridge and about a week in the freezer. Before reusing, ensure to put it at room temperature and re-whip it before piping.
Ganache
Storing leftover ganache could prolong its shelf life by up to 2 days at room temperature, 2 weeks in the fridge, and 3 months when frozen [2].
Read: How Do You Fix Messed-Up Icing On A Cake?
How To Properly Store Frosting In The Fridge
Put your frosting first in an airtight container before putting it in the fridge to prevent it from crusting.
“The type of chocolate used for making ganache is as important as the type of the cream.”
– Tereza Alabanda, Professional Pastry Chef
Also, do not place the frosting near pungent foods such as onions, fish, and meat, as you don’t want them to taste “off”. But how can you store the cinnamon rolls with cream cheese frosting?
Can You Freeze It To Last Longer?
Yes, you can. When properly stored, frosting could last for about a month or more in the freezer. Just remember to put it at room temperature and re-whip it before reusing it.
Also Read: Is It Possible To Freeze Carrot Cake With Cream Cheese Frosting?
How Do You Know If Refrigerated Frosting Has Gone Bad?
Some signs that your frosting has gone bad include a pungent smell, a change in flavor or appearance (discoloration), and molds that have started to appear.
Read: What Frosting Pairs Best With Funfetti Cake?
FAQs
Does frosting need to be refrigerated?
Yes, especially when you will not use them within 2 hours. For instance, buttercream frosting can only be left for 3 hours at room temperature before it melts.
Will frosting go bad at room temperature?
It depends on the type of frosting. Buttercream frosting can last at room temperature for up to 2 days, unlike cream cheese frosting, which lasts only 8 hours.
Check out how long will fresh whipped cream last here.
How to soften refrigerated frosting?
To soften refrigerated frosting, put it in a metal bowl over hot or warm water until it reaches room temperature. Additionally, you can swirl it regularly to heat it evenly.
Can you get sick from old frosting?
It depends.
You can’t get sick from eating old frosting unless it’s in the phase of spoilage where molds are already present, it is past its expiration date, or there is a significant change in its appearance.
How long does frosting take to expire?
Frosting can expire within days when left at room temperature, weeks when stored in the fridge, and about a month in the freezer.
Let’s Sum It Up
Storing frosting in the fridge could help extend its shelf life. Just keep in mind the following:
- Transfer leftover frosting to an airtight container and store them properly
- Avoid placing them near meat or fish to prevent them from tasting “off”
- Check carefully for any signs of spoilage before using them
You may also store them in the freezer if you plan to use them for longer periods.
References:
- https://www.thespruceeats.com/frosting-types-481233
- https://www.insider.com/guides/kitchen/what-is-ganache
- Cottage Bread vs White Bread: What’s the Difference? (2023) - May 27, 2023
- How To Make Pillsbury Cinnamon Rolls Better: Full Guide - May 27, 2023
- What Frosting Goes With Lemon Cake? Our 5 picks (2023) - May 26, 2023