Does Cream Cheese Frosting Need to Be Refrigerated? (2024)

And can you put it in the freezer?

By

Sarra Sedghi

Sarra Sedghi has more than 10 years of experience as a food writer. She covers cooking, restaurants, and food culture, as well as travel, design, and lifestyle.

Published on November 18, 2021

Does Cream Cheese Frosting Need to Be Refrigerated? (2)

When you need to create some contrast in a cake, nothing gets the job done like cream cheese frosting. The creamy, tangy topping complements both sweet and spiced cakes and makes the entire dessert all-around delicious.

Unfortunately, cream cheese frosting is susceptible to becoming a breeding ground for bacteria, and leaving a cake with cream cheese frosting out overnight is an easy way to ruin it. Brush up on the best ways to store cake with cream cheese frosting in the fridge and freezer.

Does Cream Cheese Frosting Need to Be Refrigerated?

Yes, cream cheese frosting needs to be refrigerated because it is prone to spoiling. However, cream cheese frosting can last up to two hours at room temperature, so you don't have to worry about eating cold cake.

According to the FDA, cream cheese frosting and icing, as well as other foods that contain cream cheese, need to be refrigerated within two hours.

Can You Freeze Cream Cheese Frosting?

One of the benefits of cream cheese frosting is that it freezes quite well. Freezing baked goods, such as cakes with cream cheese frosting, will require a preliminary freezing to ensure that the frosting sets.

First, let the frosted or decorated cake sit in the freezer uncovered for at least one hour. Once the frosting is in place, wrap the cake tightly with plastic wrap at least two times and then wrap in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn or absorbing random freezer smells. Place the triple-wrapped cake in an airtight container or zip-top bag (if you don't have either, an extra layer of foil will do), and label it clearly. Freeze for up to six months.

How Long Does Cream Cheese Frosting Last?

  • At room temperature: Up to two hours in an airtight container.
  • In the fridge: Up to two weeks in an airtight container.
  • In the freezer: Up to six months, when properly wrapped.

Hungry for more? Check out our collection of cream cheese frosting recipes.

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Does Cream Cheese Frosting Need to Be Refrigerated? (2024)

FAQs

Does Cream Cheese Frosting Need to Be Refrigerated? ›

From Paula's Pumpkin Bars to Giada's Spiced Apple-Walnut Cake With Cream Cheese Icing to the classic Red Velvet Cake, it's hard to escape cream cheese frosting's creamy goodness. So does it need refrigeration? Food Network Kitchens: Yes, you should always refrigerate any cake or cupcake that has cream cheese frosting.

How long can cream cheese frosting sit out? ›

At room temperature, cream cheese frosting only lasts two hours, which is why it needs to be refrigerated if you don't want to waste leftovers. Cream cheese frosting will usually last in the refrigerator for up to a week, which gives you plenty of time to use it on various baked goods.

Do cinnamon rolls with cream cheese icing need to be refrigerated? ›

Do you need to refrigerate cinnamon rolls? Unfrosted cinnamon rolls do not need to be refrigerated and will keep best at room temperature. Iced cinnamon rolls, and especially rolls with cream cheese frosting, should be stored in the fridge.

Can cream cheese be left out overnight? ›

Cream cheese should not be left out longer than two hours at room temp (or higher than 40 degrees F) because it then becomes a playground for nasty bacteria like salmonella. No one wants a trip to the emergency room over the carrot cake. If it's been out for longer than two hours, toss it—better safe than sorry.

Can you eat frosting that wasn't refrigerated? ›

But whatever you do, make sure you don't store it on the counter. The thick, sugary paste may look imperishable, but the frosting will melt or develop bacteria that can make you ill if left out for more than two hours, according to the USDA.

What kind of frosting doesn't need to be refrigerated? ›

American buttercream recipes (made from whipped butter, heavy cream, and confectioner's sugar) are technically not shelf stable, but they can be kept at room temperature in an airtight container.

Is it OK to leave frosting out overnight? ›

According to Kitchn, buttercream frostings do not need to be stored in the refrigerator — at least not right away. The cooking site explains that if you plan on using it within a couple of days, you should feel free to store it in an air tight container on your countertop.

Does cream cheese frosting get hard in the fridge? ›

Will cream cheese frosting harden in the fridge? Yes, this frosting will harden in the fridge. So if your frosting is too soft to pipe once beaten, you can pop it in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to harden up.

How do you store a cream cheese frosted cake overnight? ›

If the cake is covered with a dairy-based icing such as buttercream, cream cheese frosting or mascarpone, or has a fresh fruit filling, store in an airtight container in the fridge. The plastic wrap will help stop the cake absorbing the other flavours in the fridge.

Does Betty Crocker cream cheese frosting need to be refrigerated? ›

Rich Cream Cheese Style Icing

Ready to spread Each tub contains enough icing to cover and fill an 8″ cake (serves 12) or cover up to 27 cupcakes. Store in a cool, dry place before opening. Once opened seal and refrigerate any remaining icing for up to 30 days for future creations!

Does carrot cake with cream cheese frosting need to be refrigerated? ›

Due to the cream cheese in the frosting which has a high moisture content, this cake needs to be refrigerated. The good news is that since the cake layers are made with oil (not butter), they will remain soft even when cold. Cover the cake well and store in an airtight container in the fridge.

Does a bagel with cream cheese need to be refrigerated? ›

Usually 4-5 days for the cream cheese. The bagels don't need to be put in the fridge. You can freeze the bagels and they will last longer.

Is cheese still good if left out for 4 hours? ›

How long can hard cheese sit out at room temperature? Hard cheeses can sit out for longer than the standard two hours without becoming unsafe, but quality and taste may differ - it is not recommended to leave hard cheese unrefrigerated for longer than 4 hours.

Is it safe to eat unrefrigerated cream cheese frosting? ›

How Long Can Cream Cheese Frosting Sit Out? The U.S. Food and Drug Administration advises refrigerating any food made with cream cheese after 2 hours (that includes time spent making the food). The same typically goes for frostings made with other perishable foods such as whipped cream, egg whites, or egg yolks.

Does Pillsbury cream cheese frosting need to be refrigerated? ›

Food Network Kitchens: Yes, you should always refrigerate any cake or cupcake that has cream cheese frosting. But that doesn't mean you need to serve a cold, hard cake.

How to tell if icing is bad? ›

You'll know it's bad if you open it and it has puffed up a lot (bacteria growth) and/or it smells sour. If you're using pasteurized egg whites or fresh egg whites in your royal icing recipe, shelf life is generally lowered by about 50% for countertop, and 25% for fridge, and remains the same for freezer.

How long can heavy cream frosting sit out? ›

At room temperature (below 75F/24C) I wouldn't leave it out for more than an hour or two. Can I use whipped cream frosting under fondant? Unfortunately I don't recommend it. If you have a cake that you'd like to use fondant with, I would recommend using my classic buttercream frosting or cream cheese frosting instead.

Does store bought cream cheese frosting go bad? ›

As long as you cover and refrigerate their cream cheese frosting it can be good for up to 30 days.

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