Cream cheese frosting is a delicious icing that goes well with many desserts like cakes, cupcakes, and cookies. It has a sweet, tangy flavor from the cream cheese that pairs nicely with chocolate, vanilla or fruit flavors. Cream cheese frosting holds its shape well when piped or spread, making it a great choice for decorating. However, since it contains dairy products like cream cheese and butter, proper storage is important to maintain its quality and prevent bacterial growth.
Should You Refrigerate Cream Cheese Frosting?
Yes, it is recommended to refrigerate cream cheese frosting if you will not be using it right away. Here are some guidelines on refrigerating cream cheese frosting:
- Refrigerate the frosting if it will sit at room temperature longer than 2 hours before using. Bacteria grow rapidly at room temperature.
- Store the frosting in an airtight container in the refrigerator to prevent it from absorbing fridge odors.
- Allow refrigerated frosting to come to room temperature before piping or spreading, about 30 minutes. This allows it to soften for better pipping control.
- Refrigerate for up to 5-7 days for best quality and flavor.
- Do not freeze cream cheese frosting as this can cause separation and texture changes.
Refrigerating the frosting helps slow down bacterial growth from the dairy ingredients. It also helps the frosting maintain its consistency and makes it easier to handle for decorating. Softened, room temperature frosting spreads and pipes much better than cold, fridge-hard frosting.
Does Refrigeration Affect Cream Cheese Frosting?
Refrigerating cream cheese frosting does lead to some changes in its appearance and texture, but does not affect the flavor. Here is how refrigeration impacts cream cheese frosting:
- It becomes thicker and more firm at cold temperatures.
- The color lightens slightly to an off-white hue.
- The texture changes from smooth and creamy to dense and gritty.
- It is stiff and difficult to spread straight from the fridge.
- The flavor remains unchanged.
- Softens quickly when left out at room temperature.
These changes are reversible by letting the chilled frosting sit out to warm up before decorating. The texture returns to a soft, smooth and pipeable consistency at room temperature. So be sure to pull the frosting out of the fridge about 30 minutes before using.
How Should You Store Cream Cheese Frosting?
Follow these tips for proper storage of cream cheese frosting:
- Store in an airtight container, jar or piping bag sealed tightly.
- Ensure the frosting is properly sealed to prevent drying out.
- Refrigerate for up to 1 week for best quality and freshness.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.
- Do not freeze as frosting will not hold its texture.
- Keep refrigerated until ready to use.
- Let chillled frosting soften at room temperature before decorating.
An airtight container prevents the frosting from absorbing odors from the refrigerator. Tight sealing also prevents moisture loss. Always refrigerate the frosting after each use rather than leaving it out at room temperature.
How Long Does Refrigerated Frosting Last?
The shelf life of properly stored cream cheese frosting is:
- Room Temperature: 2 hours
- Refrigerator: 5-7 days
- Freezer: Not recommended
The perishable dairy ingredients like cream cheese and butter limit the shelf life of refrigerated frosting. Always refrigerate any leftovers for no more than 5-7 days.
Signs that refrigerated frosting has gone bad include:
- Lumpy, uneven texture
- Separation of liquids
- Mold growth
- Sour smell
Discard refrigerated frosting if it develops any mold or sour, unpleasant odors during storage.
Can You Freeze Cream Cheese Frosting?
It is not recommended to freeze cream cheese frosting. The texture changes considerably after freezing and thawing. Here’s what happens when cream cheese frosting is frozen:
- Loses its smooth, creamy texture
- Becomes grainy and frosted after thawing
- Can curdle or separate after thawing
- Hardens and is difficult to spread or pipe
- Loses pipping stability
The fats in the cream cheese and butter change structure during freezing, causing an irreversible texture change after thawing. It also makes the frosting watery. Due to these drawbacks, frozen storage is not recommended for cream cheese frostings.
Can Refrigerated Frosting Be Rewhipped?
Yes, it is possible to rewhip refrigerated cream cheese frosting to restore its texture. Follow these tips for rewhipping chilled frosting:
- Let the frosting come to room temperature before rewhipping.
- Use a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment on medium speed.
- Whip for 2-3 minutes to redistribute any separated liquid.
- Add some more powdered sugar or milk if needed to reach desired consistency.
- Do not overbeat or the frosting can become runny.
Rewhipping incorporates any separated liquids and makes the texture smooth and pipeable again. Make sure the frosting is at room temperature before rewhipping for best results.
Tips for Refrigerating Cream Cheese Frosting
Follow these best practices when refrigerating cream cheese frosting:
- Always cover tightly before refrigerating.
- Seal in an airtight container to prevent drying out.
- Allow refrigerated frosting to come to room temperature before using.
- Soften refrigerated frosting for 30 minutes at room temperature.
- Rewhip if needed to restore texture.
- Refrigerate for up to 1 week for freshness.
- Do not freeze the frosting.
- Discard if any mold, oozing liquids or off smells develop.
Properly storing cream cheese frosting in the refrigerator prevents premature spoilage and maintains its flavor and decorative piping qualities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does cream cheese frosting need to be refrigerated?
Cream cheese frosting needs refrigeration to inhibit bacterial growth and spoilage. The dairy ingredients provide an environment for bacteria to grow if left at room temperature. Refrigeration keeps the frosting fresh and safe to eat.
Can you use refrigerated cream cheese frosting without softening?
It is not recommended to use refrigerated cream cheese frosting without softening it first. Straight from the fridge it will be too firm and difficult to spread or pipe evenly. Allowing it to soften at room temperature improves the texture.
How do you soften refrigerated frosting quickly?
To quickly soften refrigerated frosting, you can microwave it in short 10 second bursts, stirring in between until it reaches a smooth spreading consistency. Keep a close eye as microwaving can make the frosting too soft. Another option is to place the container in a warm water bath until softened.
Can you fix broken cream cheese frosting?
Yes, cream cheese frosting can be fixed if it becomes broken. Simply rewhip the frosting on medium speed for 2-3 minutes until smooth again. You may need to add a bit more confectioners’ sugar or milk to reach the right consistency.
What happens if you don’t refrigerate cream cheese frosting?
Leaving cream cheese frosting at room temperature for too long allows bacteria to grow and shortens shelf life. Warm conditions cause the frosting to thin out and lose structure. For food safety and quality, it is important to refrigerate the frosting if not using soon.
Conclusion
Refrigerating cream cheese frosting before piping or decorating is recommended for food safety and maintaining the ideal smooth, pipeable consistency. Simply store the frosting in an airtight container in the fridge, allowing time to soften at room temperature before using. With proper refrigerated storage, cream cheese frosting can last 5-7 days. Be sure to discard any frosting that develops off colors, smells or textures. Following these tips will keep your cream cheese frosting fresh and ready to swirl into beautiful dessert decorations.