Does Cream Cheese Frosting Need To Be Refrigerated?

Cream cheese frosting is a tasty topper for cakes and cupcakes, brownies and cinnamon rolls. Made with cream cheese, this variation of buttercream frosting has a light and creamy texture with a delicious balance of sweet and tangy flavor. But when you frost a red velvet cake, carrot cake, or even a batch of pumpkin cookies with cream cheese frosting, can your treats sit out on the counter? After all, the frosting has fresh dairy mixed right in.

The short answer is cream cheese frosting needs to be refrigerated if you want it to last. Learn just how long cream cheese frosting can stay out at room temperature (hint: it’s not very long) and when it’s time to put it in the fridge.

What Is Cream Cheese Frosting?

Classic cream cheese frosting is made in a similar way as buttercream frosting. It’s a mixture of softened butter and softened cream cheese with vanilla extract and powdered sugar. Because of the luscious texture, cream cheese frosting is ideal for topping cakes, cupcakes, soft cookies, and brownies. The light tang makes a delicious counterpoint to extra-sweet desserts.

Does Homemade 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 putting it in the fridge. If you’re baking a cake with cream cheese frosting, it’s best to frost the entire cake and dish it up immediately, or leave it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve it.

Leftover cream cheese frosting kept in the fridge will last up to two weeks. Store it in an airtight container or zip-top plastic bag.

Should Canned Cream Cheese Frosting Be Refrigerated?

Store-bought, canned frosting typically does not need to be refrigerated. If it’s found in the store on the shelves out at room temperature, it can be left the same way at home. Because it uses artificial flavoring and does not contain real cream cheese, the frosting can be stored in your pantry. Cakes topped with canned cream cheese frosting can be left out on the counter.

How To Serve A Refrigerated Cake

If you’ve frosted a cake or cupcakes with cream cheese frosting and put it in the fridge, you may not be interested in serving it cold. To best enjoy the cake, pull it out of the fridge one hour before you plan to serve it. That will give it time to come to room temperature for slicing and serving, without any risk of the cream cheese frosting being left out too long.

How To Freeze Cream Cheese Frosting

Leftover cream cheese frosting can be saved. Cream cheese frosting can be stored in an airtight container or freezer bag in the freezer up to three months. Label it and mark it with a date. Move it to the fridge to thaw when you need to use it.

Want to freeze cake with cream cheese frosting on top? First, slice it and leave it uncovered in the freezer on a plate or baking sheet to set. Once the frosting is frozen, wrap each piece in plastic wrap, and place the cake back in the freezer to store.