Last Updated on February 10, 2023
How long does cream cheese frosting last and does it need to be refrigerated? The answer is indeed a yes; let’s take a closer look. In addition to that, you have to refrigerate within two hours after you created it.
Does Cream Cheese Frosting Have to be Refrigerated?
Yes, it would help if you refrigerated cream cheese frosting. Also, make sure to remove only the slices you intend to serve from the fridge. Do this instead of the whole cake with cream cheese frosting because individual slices will warm up faster. Also, it minimizes food safety risks.
Uses of Frosting in Decorating
Piping
It works excellently when cream cheese frosting is stiff and fluffy. However, if it is getting exceedingly soft from the warmth of your hands, chill it down in the refrigerator. With that, ensure to chill it for a bit until it is easier to work with. Also, since cream cheese frosting has powdered sugar, it will indeed crust over while it dries.
Under Fondant
Keep in mind that it functions great under fondant. With that, chill it down in the refrigerator as you prepare the fondant. Do this, especially after you frosted the cake smoothly. After that, lay it on top. Then, smooth it out. Afterward, trim away the excess.
Tinting
For starters, tint the frosting with a few drops of gel paste food coloring. Do this in the final frosting. Remember that liquid color is not a good option because it can water down the cream cheese frosting.
How Long Can Cream Cheese Frosting Sit Out?
Essentially, cream cheese frosting can sit out for about two hours. Again, it would be best if you refrigerated cream cheese frostings for food safety reasons. Also, make sure to put a baked good frosted with cream cheese frosting in the fridge.
How Long Does Cream Cheese Frosting Last?
Keep in mind that cream cheese frosting can last for approximately 1 to 2 weeks in the fridge. However, it can last longer in the freezer. Take note that cream cheese frosting freezes excellently. With that, make sure to defrost it overnight in the fridge. After that, ensure to soften at room temperature. Do this before piping or adding onto cakes.
Storing Cream Cheese Frosting
Remember, you have to refrigerate cream cheese frosting. The main reason is that the frosting can spoil at room temperature. That is why when serving, make sure to thaw on the counter for about ten to fifteen minutes. As a result, both the cream cheese frosting and the cake will soften.
Moreover, ensure to freeze any leftover cakes and cupcakes. Afterward, thaw entirely before serving them.
Keep in mind that cream cheese frosting will indeed harden in the refrigerator. That is why you can pop it in the fridge for approximately thirty minutes to harden up. Make sure to do this when your frosting is too soft to pipe once beaten.
If you refrigerated the cream cheese frosting overnight, know that it will be incredibly hard to pipe. Because of that, ensure to let it soften at room temperature. After that, re-whip till fluffy. Then, use it for cakes and cupcakes.
74 PCs Piping Bags and Tips-48 Numbered Piping Tips & Pastry bags with Pattern Chart & EBook
What Should I Do With Leftover Cream Cheese Frosting?
For the most part, you can store leftover cream cheese frosting in the refrigerator or freezer for later use. However, if you do not have cake or cupcakes available, you can utilize it on something else.
In this regard, you can spread it on delectable homemade cookies. Likewise, fill cookie cups. Or you can use it as a dip for graham crackers, pretzel sticks, strawberries, and other fruits.
Furthermore, you can utilize it on cinnamon rolls instead of icing. With this, make sure to add frosting to it as soon as you take it out of the oven. Doing this makes it melt into all the crannies, layers, and nooks.
Tips for Cream Cheese Frosting
At room temperature, cream cheese frosting softens instantly. However, it can sit out for some hours without having a meltdown. Because of this, it is best to refrigerate it at all times. Make sure to do this before you are ready to serve it, especially during summer.
Moreover, you can add about a half cup of cornstarch to the cream cheese frosting mixture to thicken. Do not worry, because it won’t affect the frosting’s taste.
Also, you can add food color to the cream cheese frosting. With that, make sure to use gel food coloring. The main reason is that it is the easiest option to work with. Besides that, it will not add as much liquid to your cream cheese frosting.
If you have a lumpy cream cheese frosting, you can always use softened butter. Afterward, beat it together with vanilla, lemon juice, and cream cheese. Do it until it becomes very smooth before putting in the powdered sugar.
Achieve the Perfect Ratio of Cream Cheese Frosting
To attain the perfect cream cheese frosting, you need even parts of cream cheese and butter. Likewise, you need sufficient powdered sugar to sweeten both into a whipped and swirl-able frosting. As a result, it will taste distinctly tangy.
Moreover, it would be best if you had a one-to-one proportion of cream cheese to butter. Because of this, it will make the cream cheese frosting easier to blend. In addition to that, it will have a balanced taste.
Also, you do not have to stress too much about the flavor. It will not taste any less cream cheesy. Likewise, it will not have an exceedingly large amount of butter. Because of this, the butter-to-cream cheese ratio is what makes it so much easier to spread.
How Do You Fix an Overbeaten Cream Cheese Frosting?
It would be best to fold in more powdered sugar if you have runny cream cheese frosting due to overbeating. Doing this stiffens it up. However, you may risk making the frosting too sweet.
Moreover, you can always put more tapioca flour or cornstarch to thicken the cream cheese frosting. But, too much can change the cream cheese frosting’s taste.
Additionally, you can modify the frosting’s taste by putting powdered freeze-dried fruits or cocoa powder. Doing this thickens the cream cheese frosting.
How Long Does Homemade Cream Cheese Frosting Last in the Fridge?
When you make your own cream cheese frosting, if stored correctly, it will last around 1-2 weeks in the fridge. It should be kept sealed tightly, in an airtight container.
Cream Cheese Frosting Shelf Life
The shelf life of cream cheese frosting all depends on how and where you’re storing it. If your cream cheese frosting is at room temperature, it won’t last more than two hours before it begins to spoil. If your cream cheese frosting is in the fridge, it’ll last 1-2 weeks. And finally, if you freeze your frosting, it can last anywhere from 3-6 months.
Should Cupcakes With Cream Cheese Frosting Be Refrigerated?
Absolutely. If your baked goods contain any kind of cream cheese frosting, they should always be kept in the refrigerator; if not being consumed within two hours.
Can I Leave Cream Cheese Frosting Out Overnight?
Some people claim that you can leave cream cheese frosting out overnight if you live in a cool, dry environment. However, we do not recommend this and the FDA state that items containing cream cheese should be kept in the fridge after two hours, to avoid spoilage.
How Can You Tell if Cream Cheese Frosting is Bad?
There are many signs to look out for to tell if your cream cheese frosting has gone bad. Some of the tell tale signs are:
- color. If it has patches of mold, or it’s turned slightly yellow in color, it should be discarded immediately.
- texture. If it’s not creamy, it has already spoiled and should be discarded.
- smell. If there’s a sour odor coming from your cream cheese frosting, it’s likely gone bad.
Cream Cheese Frosting Recipes
There are many ways to make the best cream cheese frosting. Whether you’re looking for a traditional cream cheese frosting, or a chocolate cream cheese frosting, we’re here to help. Let’s take a closer look.
Traditional Cream Cheese Frosting
For this recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 16 oz softened cream cheese
- 3/4 cup softened butter
- 10 cups confectioners’ sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
Now all you need to do is:
- Grab a bowl and add the following ingredients: butter and cream cheese. Beat well until fluffy.
- Gradually add the confectioners’ sugar to the bowl, mixing as you go. Once smooth, add the vanilla extract and mix well.
- If your frosting is too thin, add more powdered sugar. If your frosting is too thick, add a splash of milk.
- Once fluffy, your frosting is ready. Serve and enjoy!
Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting
For this recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 8 oz softened cream cheese
- 1/2 cup softened butter
- 3 1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
Now all you need to do is:
- Add the butter and cream cheese to a bowl. Beat for a few minutes until fluffy.
- Pour in the vanilla extract and salt. Mix well until combined.
- Gradually add the confectioners’ sugar and cocoa powder; mixing and scraping the sides of the bowl as you go.
- Once light and fluffy, your frosting is ready. Serve and enjoy!
Conclusion
I hope this post has helped to answer the question: how long does cream cheese frosting last? And given you an idea of the best storage tips when it comes to cream cheese frosting. Do you have any tips or tricks when it comes to the storage of this frosting? If so, please feel free to let me know in the comments below. And remember, sharing is caring!
Cream Cheese Frosting Recipes
Ingredients
for the cream cheese frosting
- 16 oz softened cream cheese
- 3/4 cup softened butter
- 10 cups confectioners' sugar
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
for the chocolate cream cheese frosting
- 8 oz softened cream cheese
- 1/2 cup softened butter
- 3 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar
- 1/2 cup cocoa powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
for the cream cheese frosting
- Grab a bowl and add the following ingredients: butter and cream cheese. Beat well until fluffy.
- Gradually add the confectioners' sugar to the bowl, mixing as you go. Once smooth, add the vanilla extract and mix well.
- If your frosting is too thin, add more powdered sugar. If your frosting is too thick, add a splash of milk.
- Once fluffy, your frosting is ready. Serve and enjoy!
for the chocolate cream cheese frosting
- Add the butter and cream cheese to a bowl. Beat for a few minutes until fluffy.
- Pour in the vanilla extract and salt. Mix well until combined.
- Gradually add the confectioners' sugar and cocoa powder; mixing and scraping the sides of the bowl as you go.
- Once light and fluffy, your frosting is ready. Serve and enjoy!
Zarah is an experienced pastry chef whose creations have delighted countless customers. With a passion for baking, Zarah has developed a unique style that combines classic techniques with modern flavors. Her desserts are consistently crafted with the finest ingredients, and her attention to detail is evident in the stunning and delectable results. Zarah has a wealth of experience in the pastry kitchen, and loves to share her knowledge with others. Whether it is teaching a class or creating a custom cake for a special occasion, Zarah is committed to making sure every customer is satisfied.
