How to Store Buttercream Frosting

Co-authored by Maha Mohamed

Last Updated: December 16, 2022 References

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

1
Place the buttercream frosting in a container that’s airtight. 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]
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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]
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3
Keep it away from fragrant foods while in the fridge. This is to avoid spoiling its scent. The last thing you want is your buttercream frosting smelling like fish.^{[3]
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4
Remove the buttercream frosting and let it settle before use. 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]
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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]
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- 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]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Storing It with Baked Goods

1
Leave your cake at room temperature if you’re serving it within 3 days. 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]
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Research 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.
2
Refrigerate your cake if you’re going to serve it within a week. 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]
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3
Use the freezer if your fridge doesn’t have enough space. As with the refrigerator, leave the cake unwrapped and then put it on a tray before placing it in the freezer.^{[9]
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Research source} The buttercream frosting will remain good, but keep in mind that some cakes can become dry.
4
Don’t leave your cake out on a hot day. 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]
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Community Q&A

Question

How long can you keep buttercream frosting at room temperature?

wikiHow Staff Editor
Staff Answer
This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

wikiHow Staff Editor

Staff Answer

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.
Question

Can you make buttercream frosting ahead of time?

wikiHow Staff Editor
Staff Answer
This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

wikiHow Staff Editor

Staff Answer

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.
Question

Can I store buttercream frosting in a piping bag?

wikiHow Staff Editor
Staff Answer
This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness.

wikiHow Staff Editor

Staff Answer

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.