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

Cream cheese frosting is a decadent treat in the world of baking, but once you’re done making it for the first time, you’ll be asking a crucial question: Does cream cheese frosting need to be refrigerated?

In short, yes, cream cheese frosting needs to be refrigerated. This food safety rule applies to both cream cheese frosting in a bowl and any baked good that might have cream cheese frosting, such as a red velvet cupcake or a carrot cake bundt cake. To avoid any risk of foodborne illness, if you’re done munching on that cream cheese frosting treat, it should go straight back into the fridge.

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  • Does Cream Cheese Frosting Need to Be Refrigerated?
  • Does Store-Bought Cream Cheese Frosting Need to Be Refrigerated?
  • How Long Does Cream Cheese Frosting Last?

Does Cream Cheese Frosting Need to Be Refrigerated?

Cream cheese frosting should always be stored in the refrigerator. Cream cheese is a perishable food, and per FoodSafety.gov, perishable foods should not sit in room temperatures for longer than two hours. This is especially true for soft cheeses like cream cheese, which contains a lot of moisture and can become a potential breeding ground for dangerous bacteria when kept unrefrigerated.

Does Cream Cheese Frosting Need to Be Refrigerated? (1)

Does Store-Bought Cream Cheese Frosting Need to Be Refrigerated?

Store-bought cream cheese frosting is a little more complicated when it comes to refrigeration, but, ultimately, there is no cream cheese frosting that doesn’t need to be refrigerated. If you want to play it safe, soft cheese of any kind should be kept in the refrigerator.

However, some store-bought cream cheese frosting can last a little longer at room temperature than the homemade version, and each brand will have its own storage instructions. But when in doubt, keeping cream cheese frosting refrigerated is your best guarantee that the frosting won’t go bad.

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

How Long Does Cream Cheese Frosting Last?

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.

And if you want to keep your cream cheese frosting for an extra long time, it will stay safe in the freezer for around 30 days — just be sure it’s in a tightly sealed container.

Does Cream Cheese Frosting Need to Be Refrigerated? (3)

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So, does cream cheese frosting need to be refrigerated? Absolutely yes, and that goes for store-bought and homemade cream cheese frosting. As cute as those frosted cupcakes look sitting on your kitchen counter, you need to pop them into the fridge to ensure they’re safe to eat the following day.

For even more ways to explore your favorite foods, check out other experiences happening on Cozymeal.

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

FAQs

Does Cream Cheese Frosting Need to Be Refrigerated? ›

While the addition of butter and powdered sugar does help to stabilize it, cream cheese frosting should only be left out at room temperature for two hours before it needs to be put in the fridge.

How long can cream cheese frosting be left unrefrigerated? ›

While the addition of butter and powdered sugar does help to stabilize it, cream cheese frosting should only be left out at room temperature for two hours before it needs to be put in the fridge.

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

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!

Should cream cheese frosting be refrigerated before piping? ›

However, you can pipe it using a piping tip on top of cupcakes or make simple swirls to decorate cakes. If you fill the pastry bag with a piping tip and refrigerate the frosting for 15 – 30 minutes, it will be sturdier for simple piping.

Do cinnamon rolls with cream cheese frosting 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.

What happens if you eat cream cheese frosting that has been left out? ›

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.

Is cream cheese still good if left out overnight? ›

The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends all foods that should generally be refrigerated spend no more than two hours out of refrigeration before you use them, and that includes cream cheese.

What happens if you don't refrigerate frosting after opening? ›

The answer to this question is yes and no. 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.

Will runny cream cheese frosting set in the fridge? ›

Add the cream cheese and work it in – don't beat it in, just slowly mix with a wooden spoon. Depending on how soft the mixture is, you may want to put it in the fridge for 10 mins at this point. If it's runny, it will firm up again. It should be spreadable and not run off the cake.

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

If your cake is frosted with cream cheese or ganache, make sure to cover it and keep it in an airtight container in the fridge. Covering your cake prevents the air from making it dry.

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.

How to stop cream cheese frosting from going runny? ›

Cream cheese should always be full fat and should be used cold from the fridge. Always use full fat ingredients such as butter, milk and cream cheese as lower fat/margarine versions have a much higher water content which can make the frosting runnier.

Does cream cheese frosting get hard in the fridge? ›

If you have followed the recipe to the T, used the right amount of icing sugar, the consistency of butter and cream cheese was right, not beaten the sugar for long, added lemon juice little at a time and your frosting is still runny then simply pop the bowl into the refrigerator for a couple of minutes and it should ...

Does Pillsbury cream cheese frosting need refrigeration? ›

How should I store any remaining frosting left in the can? Cover and refrigerate any remaining frosting for up to two weeks.

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

Cover and refrigerate leftover frosting up to 2 weeks.

Does buttercream need to be refrigerated? ›

Most types of frosting, including buttercream frosting, don't technically have to be refrigerated right away, so storing extra frosting at room temperature is a great option if you plan on using it within the next day or so.

How long can heavy cream frosting sit out? ›

I recommend keeping it chilled. 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.

Does frosting go bad if not refrigerated? ›

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. However, if you do not have any immediate needs for the frosting, you might want to put it in the fridge.

How long can frosted cake sit out unrefrigerated? ›

How long can cake sit out unrefrigerated? If your cake is frosted with buttercream, it will last covered at room temperature for up to four days. However, it is best to refrigerate cakes with other frostings such as cream cheese or ganache. A fully covered unfrosted cake will last for up to 2 days at room temperature.

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