How to Store Buttercream Frosting

If you're saving your buttercream frosting for later use or applying it to your baked goods for a future occasion, there are a few different ways to ensure it lasts as long possible. Whether you’re planning on storing it for tomorrow, next week, or even next month, you can still keep it in good condition. The best part is that it’s easy to do.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Refrigerating Your Buttercream Frosting

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Making sure your buttercream frosting is nicely sealed before putting it in the fridge will ensure its longevity. A simple plastic container will do the job as long as the lid stays on firmly.^{[1]XResearch source}
2
Put your buttercream frosting in the fridge for up to 1 week. Food is often at its best when it’s served fresh, but if circumstances dictate that you have to save your buttercream frosting for later, then the fridge is a good starting point. This technique is best used if you need to use the buttercream frosting later in the week.
- Refrigerated buttercream frosting can last up to two weeks, but for the sake of freshness it’s better to make use of it within one.^{[2]XResearch source}
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This is to avoid spoiling its scent. The last thing you want is your buttercream frosting smelling like fish.^{[3]XResearch source}
When you remove the buttercream frosting from the fridge, give it a moment to return to room temperature, that way it will retain its original consistency. Stirring it will also help.^{[4]XResearch source}
5
Use the freezer for long-term storage up to 2 months. Your buttercream frosting can be stowed in the freezer for far longer than the fridge if you want to hold onto it for an extended period of time. Much like the fridge, seal the buttercream frosting in an airtight container and place it in the freezer for no more than two months.^{[5]XResearch source}
- When you’re ready to use the buttercream frosting, take it out of the freezer a day early and transfer it to the fridge so that it can thaw overnight.^{[6]XResearch source}

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Storing It with Baked Goods

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If you decide not to refrigerate your cake, you can leave it at room temperature for three days before it becomes unsafe to eat. .^{[7]XResearch source} Leaving it on the kitchen counter is fine but consider covering it with something akin to a round mesh food cover to keep flies away.
To refrigerate a decorated cake topped with buttercream frosting, keep it unwrapped and put it in the fridge. If the buttercream frosting has already been kept in storage before it was applied to the cake, consider how long it has been and adjust the storage time of your cake accordingly.^{[8]XResearch source}
As with the refrigerator, leave the cake unwrapped and then put it on a tray before placing it in the freezer.^{[9]XResearch source} The buttercream frosting will remain good, but keep in mind that some cakes can become dry.
If your cake is left out above room temperature, the buttercream frosting can actually slide off the cake due to the fat and the whey being separated. As a rule of thumb, it’s best to always be wary of leaving food out on the counter.^{[10]XResearch source}

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How long can you keep buttercream frosting at room temperature?
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This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
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Most buttercream frostings can be safely left out for 2-3 days in a cool, dry place, such as in your pantry in a temperature-controlled kitchen. However, if your frosting is cream cheese based, you need to refrigerate it to keep it from going bad.
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Can you make buttercream frosting ahead of time?
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This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.
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Yes, you can make your frosting a few days before you intend to use it and store it in the fridge. It’s easier to work with at room temperature, so take it out of the fridge and let it warm up a bit before using it. You can also use a whisk to mix it up and make it soft and fluffy.
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Can I store buttercream frosting in a piping bag?
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It will keep for a few days in a piping bag in the fridge. Just squeeze out any air and seal the bag tightly with a clip or rubber band to help the frosting keep longer and prevent it from drying out. You may need to knead it or re-whip it to soften it up.
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Tips

It’s worth noting that there is a slight difference between frosting and icing. Icing is typically runny, while frosting is thick. They ought to be treated uniquely to avoid mix ups.
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