What is the best way to store and freeze leftover buttercream frosting?

Leftover buttercream frosting might be difficult to preserve and freeze. It may become dry and crumbly if not properly preserved. In this post, I’ll go through how to preserve and freeze leftover buttercream icing. The most often asked question was whether you could freeze buttercream icing.

In general, leftover buttercream frosting may be frozen in a freezer bag or an airtight container. To prevent taste loss, freeze the frosting while it is still fresh. Frozen frosting may be stored in the freezer for up to three months. When ready, defrost it overnight in the fridge and re-whip it in a mixer.

Continue reading to learn how to properly freeze and store buttercream frosting to keep it fresh and tasty. I’ll also address some of the most often asked questions about keeping buttercream frosting, so be sure to read all the way to the end to learn all you need to know!

Section I: 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
  • Can You Make Frosting Ahead of Time?
  • Can I Freeze Cupcakes with Buttercream Frosting?
  • Can You Freeze Buttercream Icing with Whipped Cream?
  • Can You Freeze Buttercream Icing with Ganache?

Although I like doing my mixing by hand, I greatly prefer using a stand mixer. I just posted an article on the 3 Best Stand Mixers for Bakers at Every Stage of Their Baking Journey. After an examination of many stand mixers, the KitchenAid Artisan Tilt-Head Stand Mixer was named the Best Overall Mixer. This stand mixer is available on Amazon!

*See the table below for a breakdown of how long buttercream frosting lasts in each storage method!*

How Should You Keep Leftover Buttercream Frosting?

The fridge or freezer are the best places to keep leftover buttercream icing. If you want to use the frosting within two weeks, place it in an airtight container or freezer bag and store it in the refrigerator. The frosting may be stored in the freezer for up to three months.

Here’s a brief rundown of how long buttercream keeps in various storing 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 just published an article on All The Ways To Preserve Buttercream Frosting To Keep It Fresher For Longer. This article explains how to preserve buttercream frosting appropriately in each sort of storage technique. This article may be found here!

While keeping your buttercream frosting in the fridge, keep it away from any scented items, such as fish. The fat in the icing rapidly absorbs scents.

Cover the container tightly with plastic wrap to avoid this!

While keeping your buttercream frosting in the freezer, make sure it is firmly packed so that no air gets into the container or bag and produces condensation, which might result in a terrible texture when thawed later.

How Long Does Room Temperature Buttercream Last?

Buttercream frosting may be stored at room temperature for up to two days. It may stay a day or two longer if it has been whipped with cream. Frosting may be kept in an airtight container for up to a week. As mold begins to develop on the icing, it has spoilt.

You may make it stay longer at room temperature by sprinkling it with confectioners sugar or corn syrup. This keeps air out of the frosting, causing it to deteriorate quicker than normal.

*By the way, I just published an essay titled Why Your Buttercream Frosting Is So Runny. This post will teach you how to thicken runny frosting. This article may be found here!

How Long Does Buttercream Keep in the Refrigerator?

Buttercream frosting can keep in the fridge for 2-4 weeks if properly preserved. Fill an airtight jar halfway with the remaining frosting and seal it tightly before storing it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to use it, use a mixer to re-whip the frosting until it’s frothy again.

I’ve had some buttercreams survive up to a month in the fridge, but I suggest using it within two weeks since they may start to taste bad beyond that.

Good fridge storage is placing it in an airtight container with a tight cover, ensuring sure there is no condensation inside when you shut the top.

Keep it away from items that absorb scents, such as fish or garlic!

To avoid condensation on the interior of the container, I attempt to choose the appropriate size container for the quantity of frosting that I have. Filling a container completely will assist to eliminate any potential condensation.

*As an aside, I recently published an essay on Why Your Buttercream Frosting Is So Glossy. This article discusses ways to make sparkly frosting less greasy. This article may be found here!

How Long Can Frozen Buttercream Frosting Be Stored?

When properly maintained in the freezer, frozen buttercream frosting should last two to three months on average. Fill an airtight container or freezer bag halfway with frosting, allowing some space for expansion. Place the frosting in the fridge overnight to thaw.

For longer-term preservation, I suggest putting your frosting in an airtight container with a tight-fitting lid on top to prevent air from getting in and causing freezer burn.

You should also use a moisture barrier between the lid and the icing to prevent condensation from forming on top.

Maintain the freezer’s temperature as consistently as possible!

You may freeze buttercream in plastic wrap, freezer bags (with a zipper is preferable), or airtight containers with food-specific lids, such as Tupperware or Rubbermaid storage containers.

*As a side note, I just published an article on How to Freeze Leftover Fondant Icing. This article discusses how to properly freeze and thaw fondant icing to ensure that it lasts. This article may be found here!

What Happens When Frosting Is Freezed?

When buttercream frosting is frozen, the liquid molecules inside the frosting begin to freeze, causing the texture to solidify and the frosting to last longer. The texture of the frosting may alter somewhat as it thaws, depending on how well it was kept and what sort of frosting it is.

If you freeze it well, there should be no issues with the texture of the icing.

But, if there is any condensation on the container or bag, your frosting will be somewhat wetter than when it was originally frozen. Just whisk it in a mixer until the required consistency is obtained, and it should be as good as new.

*Side Note: I just published an article titled Why Your Buttercream Frosting Is Grainy. This article explains how to make grainy frosting smooth again. This article may be found here!

Poor freezing may also cause the icing to crumble more than it did when it was originally frozen. If this occurs, add a tablespoon of milk or cream to the frosting until the required consistency is achieved.

In my experience, beating frosting before freezing it ensures that it retains its texture and taste when used later. This ensures that the ingredients are equally distributed and that the thawed product is not as thick or dry.

You should also remove all of the air from the freezer bag or container in which you are keeping the frosting. Otherwise, condensation may form, affecting the texture and taste of your frosting.

Can Frosting Decorations Be Freezed?

As a general rule, you can freeze icing decorations without damaging them. It is easiest to accomplish this by first freezing them on parchment paper and then putting them in a freezer bag or airtight container for freezer storage.

It is critical to lay the ornaments on parchment paper first because they will cling together if placed close to one other without anything between them.

You may then freeze them for up to three months and they should be OK when you thaw them out later.

I’ve seen some survive even longer, so it’s worth a go if you want to save time by preparing numerous batches at once. Please keep in mind that not all decorations will stay as long as others, so double-check before using them again.

*By the way, I just published an essay on All The Various Baking Mixing Techniques. This article discusses the ten distinct mixing methods available for producing baked products. This article may be found here!

What Is the Best Way to Thaw Frozen Buttercream Frosting?

Place your frozen buttercream frosting in the fridge at least 24 hours before you need it to defrost. This enables it to gently thaw and avoids it from becoming excessively soft or runny when used. After completely thawed, re-whip it using a mixer.

Let the frosting to defrost in the refrigerator overnight before using. Then, in a mixer, re-whip it until it’s light and fluffy.

If the frosting is too thick, add a tablespoon of milk or cream until it reaches the required consistency.

Depending on whether you have a KitchenAid mixer, you may use an OXO Good Grips 11-Inch Balloon Whisk or a KitchenAid K45WW Wire Whisk Attachment for Tilt-Head Stand Mixer. If you prefer to whisk, both of these gadgets are available on Amazon!

If you’re in a hurry, you may defrost the frozen frosting in the microwave in tiny chunks of time until it’s soft enough to use. But be careful not to overcook your frosting in the microwave since it will taste strange if all of the moisture is cooked out.

You may alternatively defrost your frosting in warm water, however this is not recommended since it might cause the buttercream to become excessively soft and difficult to deal with.

If you choose to use this approach, pour some water into a dish or container and submerge the frozen frosting, still in its freezer bag, in it. If the water is excessively hot, it will create a temperature shock.

Let it to soak for approximately 20 minutes, then take it from the water, wring out any excess moisture, and set it aside at room temperature until soft enough to use.

If your buttercream was frozen in a container with insufficient space on top of the lid to enable air circulation, you may need to thaw it at room temperature before using it since the lid will prevent moisture from evaporating off the buttercream as it defrosts.

Is it possible to freeze a cake with buttercream on top?

As a general rule, a cake with buttercream on top may be frozen without losing its texture. The simplest method to accomplish this is to completely wrap the cake in plastic wrap before putting it in a freezer bag or airtight container for freezing.

It is critical to cover the whole cake in plastic wrap many times to completely seal it from any air contact. While preserving anything, oxidation is usually a terrible thing!

The plastic wrap will help avoid freezer burn on the buttercream cake.

Let the cake to cool fully before freezing it. Place it in an airtight container or freezer bag after frosting. Freeze it for up to three months, then defrost it overnight in the fridge before serving.

*As a side note, I just published an article titled How to Make and Frost a Square Cake from Scratch. This post will walk you through the whole process of making a square cake, as well as how to properly cover it with buttercream icing and fondant. This article may be found here!

What Is the Advantage of Freezing Buttercream Frosting?

The main advantage of freezing buttercream frosting is its ease of use. It may be prepared ahead of time and frozen for up to two months, eliminating the need to make a new batch every time you need icing for your cake or cupcakes.

The following are some advantages of freezing buttercream frosting:

It saves you time in the kitchen: You know how long it takes to create fresh buttercream frosting? You really don’t have time for that sometimes, particularly if your cake is due soon.

It saves money: If you’re low on funds and can’t afford to purchase the materials for creating buttercream frosting right now but have a cake due tomorrow, freezing your frosting will come in handy!

You can make it ahead of time: Instead of having to create a new batch every week or so, just freeze what is left over after preparing a big batch and save yourself some time. This will also allow for greater experimentation with other materials.

There’s no need to be concerned about your frosting going bad: If you’re anything like me, you’ve undoubtedly experienced instances when your buttercream frosting went bad before you could finish it. If you freeze it, it will never happen again.

FAQs:

Is it possible to make the frosting ahead of time?

In general, you can create buttercream frosting ahead of time and store it properly. Preparing frosting ahead of time can save you time and hassle in the kitchen since it will be ready to use when you need it.

Nevertheless, you should keep the frosting carefully in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to two months. Just defrost it in the fridge overnight before using it to ensure that it is not too soft or runny when you want to decorate your cake or cupcakes.

Can I Freeze Buttercream Frosted Cupcakes?

As a general rule, cupcakes with buttercream icing may be frozen. Wrap each cupcake in plastic wrap and store in a freezer bag or airtight container for up to two months. This will keep them from sticking together in the freezer.

*By the way, I just published an essay titled Whether You Can Freeze Muffins in Liners. This article explains in detail how to properly freeze muffins. This article may be found here!

Is it possible to freeze buttercream icing with whipped cream?

As a general rule, buttercream frosting with whipped cream may be frozen. Make sure the whipping cream is at room temperature before adding it to the frosting to prevent it from going bad while in the freezer.

The most crucial thing to do is to ensure that there is no trapped air in the storage bag or container you are using. This will help prevent ice crystals from forming and the frosting from turning frosty in texture.

Is it possible to freeze buttercream icing with ganache?

As a general rule, ganache-infused buttercream frosting can be frozen. Let it to come to room temperature before adding the ganache to allow any trapped air to escape. This will guarantee that there is no trapped air in the storage container you are utilizing.

Make sure the ganache is at room temperature before mixing it into the frosting because if it’s too cold, it will solidify and produce lumps in the frosting. Isn’t it unappealing?

Last Thoughts

Buttercream frosting is simple to preserve and freeze. You may store it in the freezer for up to two months using a zip-top bag, plastic wrap, or an airtight container. Following the suggestions I’ve provided above, you’ll be able to get the most out of your frosting while keeping it fresh!