Last Updated on December 5, 2022
Does buttercream frosting need to be refrigerated? Buttercream is one of the most popular frosting choices. Its creamy, rich and delicious taste pair great with many desserts. However, many people are concerned about the following: does buttercream frosting have to be refrigerated and how long does it last at room temperature?
It is important to know how to properly store buttercream to help keep it fresh and safe to eat. Not only does properly storing buttercream keep it fresh and at the right consistency, but it also keeps it safe from growing harmful bacteria.
Does Buttercream Frosting Need to Be Refrigerated: Key Ingredients in Buttercream
Buttercream is known for its thick, creamy texture and rich sweet flavor. There are several different types of buttercreams, such as American, Italian, French, German, and Swiss.
American buttercream is the most common buttercream and it is the richest, creamiest, and most fluffy of all buttercreams. All buttercreams include butter and some form of sugar. Swiss and Italian buttercreams include egg whites and French and German include egg yolks.
Does Buttercream Frosting Have to be Refrigerated?
There is no straight answer to this question, but overall most buttercream frostings do not need to be refrigerated. In certain circumstances, buttercream does need to be refrigerated to maintain freshness and safety. This helpful Youtube tutorial shows you ways to store your buttercream in the fridge.
American Buttercream
American buttercream is typically made with butter, confectioners’ sugar, vanilla extract, and milk. American buttercream does not need to be refrigerated right away after making it. It can, however, be stored in the fridge for up to two weeks and in the freezer for two months.
When not stored in the fridge, American buttercream should be stored in a container in a cool, dry area. If the buttercream is out in the heat it will begin to melt.
Swiss and Italian Buttercream
Swiss buttercream is typically made with butter, egg whites, granulated sugar, and vanilla. Italian buttercream is typically made with egg whites, butter, vanilla, and sugar syrup. These buttercreams do not need to be refrigerated immediately after making them.
As long as these frostings are made correctly, there should be no safety hazard from the egg whites. If you are concerned about salmonella, you can use pasteurized egg whites or meringue powder. These buttercreams can be stored for up to a week in the fridge and for two months in the freezer.
Does Buttercream Frosting Need to Be Refrigerated: German and French Buttercream
German buttercream generally contains butter, egg yolks, custard, vanilla extract, and powdered sugar. French buttercream is typically made with butter, egg yolks, granulated sugar, and vanilla extract. Since these buttercreams contain egg yolks, they should be refrigerated.
Due to health risks from the egg yolks and the stability of the frosting, these frostings should be stored in the fridge at all times. They can be stored in the fridge for a week or in the freezer for three months.
Buttercreams That Have Been Stored in the Fridge
If you have been storing your buttercream in the fridge, it will likely need to be re-whipped before using, as it will have separated. Before decorating with buttercream that has been in the fridge, you should allow it to reach room temperature. Cold buttercream is not easy to decorate with and will not hold the shape as well as room-temperature buttercream.
How Long Does It Last at Room Temperature?
It depends on the type of buttercream on how long it can last at room temperature. Though most buttercreams don’t need to be refrigerated right away, there is a recommended amount of time they can safely be left at room temperature before needing refrigeration. After this point, the buttercream will start to lose its consistency and freshness.
Due to the large amount of confectioners’ sugar and the small amount of milk in American buttercream, it is safe to leave it out for up to three days. After three days, any frosted items should be stored in the fridge to maintain freshness and texture.
Since Swiss and Italian buttercreams contain egg whites, they must be prepared properly. As long as these buttercreams are made properly, they can be left out covered for up to three days at room temperature.
German and French buttercreams are unique because they contain egg yolks. These buttercreams must be made correctly to avoid any foodborne illnesses. Since these frostings contain egg yolks, they should be used within six hours or stored in the fridge.
Buttercreams Versus the Heat
Due to containing butter, buttercream frostings do not hold up well in warm temperatures. If in the heat, the fat in the buttercream begins to separate and the frosting melts. If you are having a frosted item outdoors in the summer, leave it indoors or in a fridge as long as possible before bringing it out in the heat.
Italian and Swiss buttercream will eventually start separating in the heat due to the egg whites. German and French buttercreams should not be out in warm temperatures because the egg yolk-based frosting will not hold up.
Choosing the Best Buttercream for Your Baked Goods
No matter what buttercream you make, it will be delicious. However, some buttercreams may work better for your needs than others.
If you are looking for a classic and easy-to-make buttercream, American buttercream is your best choice. It has a rich and creamy taste and only takes a few minutes to make. American buttercream is also a good choice since it can be left out at room temperature.
German buttercream has a delicious light taste. If you are looking for a frosting that is not as rich, this is a great choice. However, this buttercream can be tricky to make, but the result will be worth it.
Swiss buttercream has a lighter texture and taste than American buttercream. This frosting does take some practice to make, but it will leave you wanting more. Swiss buttercream holds up well in warm weather compared to other buttercreams.
This YouTube tutorial shows the difference between American and Swiss buttercream, which are two of the most popular buttercreams.
Italian buttercream is light, fluffy, and super stable. This is due to the sugar syrup. It makes a great cake filling and is easy to work with.
How Long to Thaw Buttercream From Fridge?
When it comes to storing buttercream, the best place to store it is either the refrigerator or the freezer. However, you can not use buttercream straight from either of these places. Before using buttercream, you should ensure that it reaches room temperature.
If you have chosen to freeze your buttercream, it should last around 3 months. It’s best to place your buttercream from the freezer in the fridge and leave it to thaw overnight for best results.
Whether it thaws from the fridge or the freezer, your buttercream will need re-whipping to avoid lumps or clumps; and to make it smooth again.
How Long Does Buttercream Take to Set in the Fridge?
If you’re wondering how long it takes for the buttercream to set, it shouldn’t take more than around 20-30 minutes. Around 20 minutes for a crumb coat, and slightly longer if you’re setting the second layer of buttercream. If you’re running short of time, you may want to chill in the freezer for a short period instead.
Does Buttercream Sweat in the Fridge?
If stored in an airtight container and it hasn’t yet been placed onto a cake, your buttercream will not sweat in the fridge. However, if you place buttercream onto your cake and then put it in the refrigerator, sweating may become an issue. This is when the moisture from the fridge comes into contact with your cake and will cause the colors of the icing to run, and make the buttercream soft and unappealing.
It’s also important to let your buttercream come to room temperature gradually and should be left to come to this temperature on its own, rather than using heat. The more natural the process, the less chance of your buttercream sweating.
Will Buttercream Crack in the Fridge?
Working with buttercream can be temperamental. The temperature of the icing is usually the problem you need to focus most on. Most of the time when buttercream cracks, it’ll usually be because it’s either too hot or too cold.
If this happens, you can try to change the temperature gradually. Whether too hot or too cold, this can help. Also, to prevent buttercream from cracking in the fridge, you can try adding a few drops of white vinegar when you’re making the buttercream.
How to Make Dog Treats With Yogurt Icing?
Making yogurt icing for your dog treats, couldn’t be easier! All you need to do is place 4oz of plain Greek yogurt into a bowl and add flavoring such as sugar-free peanut butter (around 2-4oz). Now mix the ingredients and gradually add canola oil, until it thins out to an icing consistency.
If it isn’t thick enough, you can add a sprinkling of cornstarch. Your yogurt icing is ready to spread onto your dog treats. Leave it to harden before giving it to your dog.
Can Dogs Have Lemon Frosting?
Dogs do not usually like the flavor of lemon because it’s sour and it can cause digestive issues. For that reason, we would avoid giving dogs lemon frosting, or only offering lemon frosting in moderation. The frosting isn’t toxic to dogs in small amounts, but just ensure it’s given as a rare treat.
Storing Your Buttercream
It is important to make sure you properly store your buttercream frosting. This allows it to have the best quality and freshness.
Please comment if you enjoyed this article or have any remarks regarding this article!
It is important to remember when storing buttercreams:
- American, Swiss and Italian buttercreams can be stored for three days at room temperature and then in the fridge for one to two weeks.
- German and French buttercreams should be stored in the fridge after use and can be stored for up to a week in the fridge.
Karen is a passionate pastry chef who loves to create delicious baked goods. She has been in the culinary arts for over 10 years, honing her skills and perfecting her craft. Karen is known for her creativity and attention to detail, creating unique desserts that bring a smile to everyone’s face. She is always looking for ways to challenge herself and come up with new recipes that are both tasty and visually appealing. Karen loves to experiment with different flavors and textures, and she is committed to providing the highest quality of products to her customers.
