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Leftover buttercream frosting can be a bit of a challenge to store and freeze. If not stored properly, it can become dry and crumbly. In this article, I will discuss the best way to store and freeze your leftover buttercream frosting. The most popular question I wanted to answer was can you even freeze buttercream frosting?
In general, you can freeze leftover buttercream frosting in a freezer bag or an airtight container. Freeze the frosting while it is still fresh so it doesn’t lose its flavor. Frozen frosting can last up to 3 months in the freezer. When ready, thaw it in the fridge overnight and re-whip it in a mixer.
Continue reading as I dive deeper into how to properly freeze and store buttercream frosting so that it remains fresh and flavorful. I will also answer other frequently asked questions on storing buttercream frosting so be sure to read through the end and learn everything you need to know!
Table of Contents
- How to Store Leftover Buttercream Frosting
- How Long Does Buttercream Last At Room Temperature
- How Long Does Buttercream Last In The Fridge
- How Long Will Frozen Buttercream Frosting Last
- What Happens If You Freeze Frosting
- Can You Freeze Frosting Decorations
- How Do You Thaw Frozen Buttercream Frosting
- Can You Freeze A Cake That Has Buttercream On It
- What are the Benefits of Freezing Buttercream Frosting
- FAQs
While I like to do my mixing by hand, I much rather prefer using a Stand Mixer instead. I recently wrote an article that talks about the 3 Best Stand Mixers that bakers can buy in each stage of their baking journey. After reviewing a few stand mixers, the Best Overall Mixer was the KitchenAid Artisan Tilt-Head Stand Mixer. You can check out this stand mixer on Amazon!
*Below, you can find a table breaking down how long buttercream frosting lasts in each storage method!*
How to Store Leftover Buttercream Frosting?
The best way to store leftover buttercream frosting is in the fridge or freezer. Scoop the frosting into an airtight container or freezer bag and put it in the fridge if you plan to use it within two weeks. Store the frosting in the freezer and it can be frozen for up to three months.
Here’s a quick breakdown of how long buttercream lasts in different storage methods:
| Counter Top | Sealed Container | Refrigerator | Freezer |
| Can last up to 2 days at room temperature | Can last up to 1 week | Can last about 2 to 4 weeks | Can last up to 3 months |
*Side Note: I recently wrote an article that talks about All The Ways To Store Buttercream Frosting To Keep It Fresh Longer. This article breaks down exactly how to properly store buttercream frosting correctly in each type of storage method. You can check out this article here!
When storing your buttercream frosting in the fridge, you want to make sure to keep it away from any fragrant foods such as fish. The fat in the frosting can absorb odors easily.
Wrap the container well in plastic wrap to prevent this from happening!
When storing your buttercream frosting in the freezer, you want to make sure it is tightly sealed so that no air gets into the container or bag and causes condensation which could result in a bad texture of your frosting when thawed out later on.
How Long Does Buttercream Last At Room Temperature?
On average, buttercream frosting lasts for up to two days at room temperature. If it has been whipped with cream, it might last a day or two longer than that. Frosting will last for up to a week when stored in an airtight container. The frosting has spoiled when there are signs of mold growth.
You may make it last longer at room temperature by covering it with a thin coating of confectioners sugar or corn syrup. This prevents air from getting into the frosting and causes it to spoil faster than usual.
*By the way, I recently wrote an article that talks about Why Your Buttercream Frosting is So Runny. This article talks about how to fix runny frosting by making it thicker. You can check out this article here!
How Long Does Buttercream Last In The Fridge?
On average, buttercream frosting will last for 2-4 weeks in the fridge once properly stored. Fully fill an airtight container with the leftover frosting and seal it shut before placing it in the fridge. When you’re ready to use it, re-whip the frosting using a mixer until it is fluffy again.
I have had some buttercreams last up to a month in the fridge, however, I recommend using it within two weeks because after that point they may start to taste off.
Proper storage in the fridge basically involves putting it into an airtight container with a tight lid, making sure there’s no condensation inside when you close the lid.
Store it away from any foods that could absorb odors such as fish or garlic!
To make sure that the inside of the container doesn’t accumulate any condensation, I try to pick the right size container for the amount of frosting that I have. Filling up a container all the way will help prevent any room for possible condensation to occur.
*Side Note: I recently wrote an article that talks about Why Your Buttercream Frosting is So Shiny. This article talks about how to fix shiny frosting by making it less greasy. You can check out this article here!
How Long Will Frozen Buttercream Frosting Last?
On average, frozen buttercream frosting should last anywhere between two to three months once properly stored in the freezer. Fill an airtight container or freezer bag with the frosting while leaving some room for it to expand. Thaw the frosting by placing it in the fridge overnight.
For longer-term storage, I would recommend keeping your frosting in an airtight container with a lid on top of it that fits tightly so no air can get in there and cause freezer burn.
You also want to make sure that there is some type of moisture barrier between the lid and frosting so no condensation forms on top.
Keep the temperature of the freezer as consistent as possible!
You can freeze buttercream in plastic wrap, freezer bags (a zipper is best for this), or airtight containers with lids made specifically for storing food items such as Tupperware or Rubbermaid storage containers.
*Side Note: I recently wrote an article about How To Freeze Leftover Fondant Icing. This article talks about the right way to freeze and thaw fondant icing to make it last. You can check out this article here!
What Happens If You Freeze Frosting?
When buttercream frosting is placed in the freezer, the liquid molecules inside the frosting will begin to freeze causing the texture to harden making it last longer. once the frosting thaws, the texture might slightly change depending on if it was properly stored and what type of frosting it is.
If you freeze it well, there should not be any problems with the frosting’s texture.
However, if there is any condensation on the container or bag, it will cause your frosting to be a bit wetter than when you first froze it. In this case, just whip it up in a mixer until desired consistency is reached and it should be good as new.
*Side Note: I recently wrote an article that talks about Why Your Buttercream Frosting is So Grainy. This article talks about how to fix grainy frosting by making it smooth again. You can check out this article here!
Improper freezing may also make the frosting a bit crumblier than when it was first frozen. If this happens, you can add a tablespoon of milk or cream to the frosting until desired consistency is reached.
In my experience, the best way to freeze frosting so it maintains its texture and flavor when you use it again is by whipping it before storing it. This ensures that the ingredients are evenly distributed and it won’t be as thick or dry when you thaw it out.
You also want to remove all the air in the freezer bag or container you are storing the frosting in. Otherwise, it could cause condensation which will affect the texture and flavor of your frosting.
Can You Freeze Frosting Decorations?
As a general rule, you can freeze frosting decorations in the freezer without ruining them. It’s best to do this by first freezing them on parchment paper and then placing them into a freezer bag or airtight container for storage in the freezer.
The reason why it is important to put the decorations onto parchment paper first is that they will stick together if placed next to each other without anything between them.
You can then store them in the freezer for up to three months and they should still be good when you thaw them out later on.
I have had some last even longer than this though so it is worth trying if you want to save time by making multiple batches at one go. Just remember not all decorations will last as long as others so always check before using them again.
*By the way, I recently wrote an article about All The Different Mixing Methods in Baking. This article talks about the 10 different mixing ways you can use when making your baked goods. You can check out this article here!
How Do You Thaw Frozen Buttercream Frosting?
The best way to thaw your frozen buttercream frosting is by placing it in the fridge at least 24 hours before you need it. This allows it to defrost gradually and prevents it from becoming too soft or runny when you try to use it. Make sure to re-whip it with a mixer once fully thawed.
When you’re ready to use the frosting, let it thaw in the fridge overnight. You can then re-whip it in a mixer until it’s light and fluffy.
If the frosting is too thick, add a tablespoon of milk or cream until desired consistency is reached.
You can do this by either using an OXO Good Grips 11-Inch Balloon Whisk or by using a KitchenAid K45WW Wire Whisk Attachment for Tilt-Head Stand Mixer depending on whether you have a KitchenAid mixer or not. Either way you choose to whisk, you can check out both of these tools on Amazon!
If you are in a hurry, you can place the frozen frosting in the microwave and thaw it on low power for short increments of time until it’s soft enough to be used. Just make sure that you don’t overdo it with the microwave because it can make your frosting taste funny if you cook out all of its moisture content.
You can also use warm water to thaw out your frosting, but I do not recommend this because it can cause the buttercream to get too soft and become difficult to work with.
If you want to go ahead with this method, pour some water in a bowl or container and put the frozen frosting, still it in its freezer bag, in the water. Make sure the water is not too hot or it will cause a temperature shock.
Leave it in the water for about 20 minutes and then remove it from the water, squeeze out any excess moisture, and let sit at room temperature until it has softened enough to be used.
If your buttercream has been frozen in a container that doesn’t have enough room on top of the lid to allow air circulation, you may have to thaw it out at room temperature before using it because the lid will prevent any moisture from evaporating off of the buttercream as it defrosts.
Can You Freeze A Cake That Has Buttercream On It?
As a general rule, you can freeze a cake that has buttercream on it without ruining its texture. The best way to do this is by fully wrapping the cake in plastic wrap and then placing it into a freezer bag or airtight container for storage in the freezer.
It is very important to loosely wrap the entire cake in plastic wrap multiple times to fully seal it from any air contact. Oxidation is always a bad thing when storing anything!
The plastic wrap will also prevent the buttercream cake from getting freezer burn.
Before freezing the cake, you want to let it cool completely. Frost it and then put it in an airtight container or freezer bag. Freeze it for up to three months, and then thaw it in the fridge overnight before serving.
*Side Note: I recently wrote an article about How to Bake & Frost a Square Cake from Scratch. This article gives you a complete how-to guide about baking a square cake as well as how to cover it with buttercream frosting and fondant the right way. You can check out this article here!
What are the Benefits of Freezing Buttercream Frosting
The major benefit of freezing buttercream frosting is its convenience. It can be made ahead of time and stored in the freezer for up to two months, so you do not have to worry about making a fresh batch every time you need some icing on your cake or cupcakes.
Here are some benefits to freezing buttercream frosting:
It saves you time in the kitchen: You know how much time it takes to make a fresh batch of buttercream frosting. Sometimes, you just don’t have the time for that, especially if your cake is due soon.
It saves money: If you’re running short on cash and can’t afford to buy some ingredients needed for making buttercream frosting right now but have a cake due tomorrow, then freezing your frosting is definitely going to save the day!
You can make it ahead of time: Instead of having to make a fresh batch every week or so, you can simply freeze what’s left over after making one large batch and save yourself some stress. This will also allow more creativity with different
No need to worry about your frosting going bad: If you’re like me, then you’ve probably had some incidents where your buttercream frosting has gone bad before you could finish using it. This will never happen again if you freeze it.
FAQs:
Can You Make Frosting Ahead of Time?
Generally speaking, you can make buttercream frosting ahead of time if you store it correctly. Making frosting ahead of time will save you a lot of time and frustration in the kitchen by having it ready to use when you need it.
However, you want to properly store the frosting in the fridge for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to two months. Just make sure that you thaw it out in the fridge overnight before using it so that it is not too soft or runny when you go to frost your cake or cupcakes.
Can I Freeze Cupcakes with Buttercream Frosting?
As a general rule, you can freeze cupcakes with buttercream frosting in the freezer. Wrap the cupcakes individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag or airtight container for up to two months. This will prevent them from sticking to each other while in the freezer.
*By the way, I recently wrote an article talking about If You Can Freeze Muffins in Liners. This article discusses in-depth how to properly store muffins in the freezer. You can check out this article here!
Can You Freeze Buttercream Icing with Whipped Cream?
As a general rule, you can freeze buttercream icing that has whipped cream in it. Make sure the whipping cream is at room temperature before mixing it into your frosting so that it doesn’t go bad while being stored in the freezer.
The most important thing to do is make sure the storage bag or container you’re using doesn’t have any trapped air in it. This will help prevent the frosting from developing ice crystals and becoming icy in texture.
Can You Freeze Buttercream Icing with Ganache?
As a general rule, you can freeze buttercream icing that has ganache in it. Make sure to let it sit at room temperature before adding ganache so that it releases any trapped air inside. This will ensure that there isn’t any trapped air in the container you’re using for storage.
You’ll also want to make sure that the ganache is at room temperature before you mix it into your frosting because if it’s too cold, it will harden and form chunks in your frosting. Not very appealing, right?
Final Thoughts
It is easy to store and freeze buttercream frosting. You can use a zip-top bag, plastic wrap, or airtight container for storage and freeze it in the freezer for up to two months. Using the tips I outlined above will help you make the most out of your frosting while keeping it fresh!
