How Long Does Cream Cheese Frosting Last in the Refrigerator
Cream cheese icing is made with dairy products in it, which can reduce the shelf life of the leftover cream cheese frosting. How long does cream cheese frosting last in the refrigerator? In the details below, we are going to answer this question in addition to many others about the proper storage of the delicious frosting.
Cream cheese frosting is a delicious type of frosting often used on top of cinnamon rolls, red velvet cake, red velvet cupcakes, and especially carrot cake. It can also be used to finish off other layer cakes, as an alternative to buttercream frosting.
Type of Cream Cheese
One of the main dairy-based ingredients in cream cheese frosting, is of course cream cheese. By itself, plain cream cheese, such as Philadelphia cream cheese, usually lasts up to 10 days once the package is opened.
Before opening, a sealed package of cream cheese is likely the last much longer. To tell how long a sealed package of cream cheese lasts, your best bet is to reference the expiration date printed on the package.
Sources of Cream Cheese Frosting
There are also many different types of cream cheese frosting. The type of frosting may make a difference in how long the cream cheese frosting will last in the fridge.
The primary type of cream cheese frosting is leftover frosting from a project. Or it could be homemade cream cheese frosting that is made in advance.
Another variation of cream cheese frosting is cream cheese frosting on a piece of freshly-frosted cake. If both leftover frosting and frosted cakes are made with a homemade version of cream cheese frosting, they will likely last about the same amount of time depending on what type of cake it is.
Leftover frosting, homemade cream cheese frosting, and a frosted cake are all best enjoyed when fresh, or as soon as possible. However, they may last between 7 and 10 days, and in some cases even up to 14 days, when stored properly in the fridge.
The final type of cream cheese frosting is store-bought frosting, made from the cream cheese. To know how long the shelf-stable store-bought cream cheese frosting will last, you will want to reference the frosting packaging for the best-by date as well as storage instructions.
Storage Methods for Cream Cheese Frosting
When saving cream cheese frosting for later use, it’s important to store it properly, so that it lasts as long as possible.
In the Fridge
First, it’s important that cream cheese frosting be stored in the fridge. It should be stored in the fridge at 40°F or below for the best results.
Airtight Container
For any extra cream cheese frosting, it should be transferred to an airtight container, so that it can seal securely before placing it in the fridge. Sealing it in an airtight container will help prevent any unwanted bacteria growth, by lessening its exposure to the air.
Cream cheese frosting that has been securely sealed in an airtight container, then stored in the fridge at 40°F or below, will likely last between one and two weeks.
Covered with Plastic Wrap
Another way to store leftover cream cheese frosting is in a bowl, covered with plastic wrap.
Although plastic wrap is not as secure as sealing it in an airtight container, it will help to prevent it from extra air exposure. Covering cream cheese frosting with plastic wrap is a good alternative if you don’t have an airtight container available.
Plastic Bag
Another good alternative for storing your leftover cream cheese frosting is to use a plastic storage bag. Transfer the frosting to the storage bag, then seal securely before placing it in the refrigerator.
As long as the cream cheese frosting is sealed securely in the plastic storage bag, it would likely also last between one and two weeks when stored in the fridge at 40°F or below.
Storage of Cream Cheese Frosted Cake
A cake that is frosted with cream cheese frosting, should also be stored in the refrigerator. Even though the frosting is on the cake, the frosting is still perishable and needs to be kept in the fridge.
If you have a container large enough, the entire cake can be sealed in an airtight container and then refrigerated.
Otherwise, you can cut the cake into slices, then seal it in an airtight container and place them in the fridge. Likely, the cake that is frosted with cream cheese frosting will typically only last up to one week when stored properly in the fridge.
This is simply because the cake will become dry, not necessarily because the frosting goes bad.
How Long Does Cream Cheese Frosting Last in the Fridge
How long cream cheese frosting lasts in the fridge will depend on what type of frosting it is. Let’s look at the different types and how long they last in the fridge.
Types of Frosting
Leftover Frosting. Leftover, or extra cream cheese frosting that is stored in an airtight container, in the fridge at 40°F or below, will likely last between 10 and 14 days.
Cream Cheese Frosted Cake. A cake with cream cheese frosting must also be stored in the fridge. If possible, it’s best to store it in an airtight container, so that it stays fresh longer.
The cake is likely to last between 7 and 10 days when stored in an airtight container. This is because the cake will likely go stale after a long amount of time.
Store-Bought Cream Cheese Frosting. Sometimes, you can find a can of cream cheese frosting at your local grocery store. Store-bought cream cheese frosting is likely shelf stable.
To determine how long it lasts, and the best way to store it, you will want to reference the packaging for details. The cream cheese frosting may need to be stored in the fridge after it has been opened.
How Long Can Cream Cheese Frosting Last at Room Temperature
Cream cheese frosting at room temperature has a much shorter life span. Because of the warmer temperatures, bacteria grow at a much faster rate and make the frosting last not nearly as long.
Even if you feel like it is a cool room temperature, cream cheese frosting, no matter if it’s on the cake or not should be kept at room temperature for no more than two hours before it goes bad.
This rule of thumb applies when the room temperature is between 40°F and 90°F. If the room temperature is 90°F or above, then the cream cheese frosting should be kept at room temperature for no more than one hour before it goes bad.
In the Freezer
Cream cheese frosting itself, or a whole cake with cream cheese frosting can also be frozen for longer storage. You will want to first place the frosting or cake with frosting in a plastic freezer bag, or seal it securely in an airtight container to prevent freezer burn.
This will help prevent too much air from getting to the frosting and causing it to go bad in the freezer. Then place it into the freezer at 0°F or below for up to three months.
Signs of Spoilage
There are several different signs of spoilage you can watch out for with your cream cheese frosting. This applies to both cream cheese frosting by itself and cream cheese frosting on a cake.
Unpleasant Smell. First, smell the cream cheese frosting, to see if it smells sour, or if there is an unpleasant smell present. If the cream cheese frosting smells bad, then it has likely gone bad.
The Texture of the Frosting. You can also look at the texture of the frosting. If there is a slimy texture present, or if the frosting is oddly runny, then these are both signs that the cream cheese frosting has spoiled.
Odd Color. Another sign of spoilage with cream cheese frosting can be found when you examine the color of the frosting. If you see an unusual green, or gray color present in the frosting, this is likely a sign that the frosting has gone bad and should not be eaten.
You can also examine the cream cheese frosting, for signs of mold growth. If there is any mold growing on the frosting, do not eat it.
Expiration Date. Finally, if you are using store-bought frosting, check the expiration date on the packaging. If the expiration date has passed, this is another likely sign that the cream cheese frosting has spoiled.
Cream cheese frosting can be a breeding ground for harmful bacteria, which can be very hazardous to your health if eaten. If you consume cream cheese frosting that has gone bad, you could be at risk of food poisoning, or other sicknesses. Therefore, if you see any signs of spoilage on your cream cheese frosting, it’s best to not risk eating it, and instead throw it away.
Now that you know all about the best practices for cream cheese frosting storage, you might be wondering if there’s a good recipe you can follow to easily make your own homemade cream cheese frosting. Cream cheese frosting is surprisingly easy to make, and it tastes so good, you just can’t go wrong with it.
Simple Ingredients for Cream Cheese Frosting
Butter. We recommend using salted butter, although you can use unsalted, as an easy substitute by simply adding a little bit more salt.
Cream Cheese. A couple of blocks of cream cheese are an important ingredient to include in your cream cheese frosting. You can use full fat, or one-third less fat cream cheese depending on your preference.
Vanilla Extract. Vanilla extract is used to flavor the cream cheese frosting.
Salt. You can use your favorite type of salt, to enhance the overall flavor of the cream cheese frosting. Salt is completely optional, but we do recommend including it if you wish.
Powdered Sugar. Powdered sugar is an important ingredient to give the cream cheese frosting its body and sweetness.
Heavy Cream. Adding heavy cream to the cream cheese frosting is entirely optional, but it can make a delicious version of cream cheese frosting if you wish to include it.
Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting Variation
There is also an easy chocolate variation of this cream cheese frosting recipe. All you have to do is add a few tablespoons of cocoa powder to make your normal cream cheese frosting into a delicious chocolate variation.
Recommended Equipment
When making cream cheese frosting, we recommend using an electric mixer, such as a stand mixer with a mixing bowl, or a powerful hand mixer.
The Best Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe
The Bottom Line
The bottom line is that the cream cheese must be stored in the fridge in order for it to last. Cream cheese that is stored in an airtight container, in the fridge at 40°F or below, will likely last between 7 and 14 days in the refrigerator.
We hope this helps!
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