Does Cream Cheese Frosting Need to Be Refrigerated? | Cook's Illustrated (2024)

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Does Cream Cheese Frosting Need to Be Refrigerated? | Cook's Illustrated? ›

Does cream cheese frosting need to be refrigerated? Per the USDA (US Food and Drug Administration), all cream cheese-containing desserts must be refrigerated within 2 hours.

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.

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.

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.

Cover and refrigerate leftover frosting up to 30 days.

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.

The most stable of the buttercreams, Italian buttercream is made from a meringue made bystreaming hot sugar syrup into egg whites as they're being whisked.

Buttercream frosting can be made up to two weeks ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Just make sure you bring it to room temperature before frosting your cake.

The small amount of milk is stabilized by the large amount of sugar and is considered safe at room temperature for two to three days. Always refrigerate any cake with a frosting that contains eggs or egg whites, or one that has whipped-cream frosting or any type of filling.

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.

Can you leave cinnamon rolls with cream cheese frosting out overnight? ›

The judge is out on how long cream cheese can sit out at room temperature, but most sources say between 2-4 hours. With that in mind, you might be shocked to think about cream cheese frosting sitting out for a day or two. But that's exactly what Cinnabon recommends!

You can tell when your opened can of store-bought cream cheese frosting has gone sour by checking to see if there is mold growth or if the smell or color is off.

For best results, keep whipped cream frosting in the refrigerator when not in use. Refrigerated in an airtight container, this frosting can be stored for up to 2 days.