Q: My sister insists you need to refrigerate a cake made with buttercream frosting (just the simple type with powdered sugar, butter and a splash of milk) because it contains butter.
Our mother never did that while we were growing up, and I’ve noticed that my sister’s cakes are dry because they have been refrigerated.
A friend said she was told at a bakery not to refrigerate cakes made with cream-cheese frosting if you plan to eat it the same day, because it will dry out the cake too much.
Can you help clear up which cakes need to be refrigerated and which don’t?
— Julie Scott, Pickerington
A: First, understand that it is perfectly safe to leave butter or margarine unrefrigerated, provided that it is at a room temperature of about 72 degrees. If the room is warmer, store butter or margarine in the refrigerator, or you might find them melting. Because butter and margarine can go rancid, leave out only what you would use within 24 hours.
With the buttercream frosting you described, the butter isn’t an issue, and — perhaps surprisingly — neither is the milk. The small amount of milk is stabilized by the large amount of sugar and considered safe at room temperature for two to three days.
Always refrigerate any cake with a frosting that contains eggs or egg whites, or one that has whipped-cream frosting or any type of filling — be it whipped cream, custard, fruit or mousse.
You won’t hurt a cake by refrigerating it, but the cold does dry it out. In the case of a carrot cake with cream-cheese frosting, however, my advice is to refrigerate it because of the cheese; Kraft, the maker of Philadelphia brand cream cheese, concurs. It is fine to leave a cake with cream-cheese frosting out for a short time before serving it to bring it to room temperature.
Ask a food or cooking question by writing Ask Lisa at The Dispatch, 34 S. 3rd St., Columbus, OH 43215; calling 614-461-5529; or sending email to labraham@dispatch.com, with “Ask Lisa” in the subject line. Include your name, address and phone number. (Initials are printed on request.)
FAQs
When butter and milk are used in frosting, they are often combined with sugar and other ingredients. The sugar acts as a preservative by reducing the water activity in the frosting, which helps inhibit the growth of bacteria and molds.
Can cake with buttercream frosting be left out? ›
How long can cake sit out unrefrigerated? If your cake is frosted with buttercream, it will last covered at room temperature for up to four days. However, it is best to refrigerate cakes with other frostings such as cream cheese or ganache. A fully covered unfrosted cake will last for up to 2 days at room temperature.
Does cake with milk in frosting need to be refrigerated? ›
No, even if you use milk in your icing. The small amount of milk is stabilized by the large amount of sugar and is considered safe at room temperature for two to three days. Always refrigerate any cake with a frosting that contains eggs or egg whites, or one that has whipped-cream frosting or any type of filling.
Does frosting made with buttermilk need to be refrigerated? ›
Prepare and store buttermilk frosting in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Beyond that, the flavor or texture may start to change. Soften at room temperature before using as desired.
Does buttermilk cake need to be refrigerated? ›
Does a cake made with buttermilk need to be refrigerated? Cakes made with buttermilk can be kept at room temperature for several days. However, if the cake is covered in a frosting with cream cheese, whipped cream or eggs, it will need to be stored in the fridge.
How long can a buttercream cake sit out without melting? ›
Cakes covered with buttercream in cool conditions, can be kept for several days at room temperature but warm humid weather will create a melted mess.
How do you store a cake with buttercream icing overnight? ›
Buttercream cakes can be stored at room temperature for up to three days as long as they are properly covered using an airtight container. This will prevent the cake from drying out. It is OK to store a buttercream cake in the fridge if the kitchen is going to be too hot or humid.
Does a cake frosted with buttercream frosting need to be refrigerated? ›
Will cake with buttercream icing last 2 days refrigerated? From a safety perspective, you don't need to refrigerate this at all. It'll last for a week or two with NO refrigeration. But to prevent it drying out, covering and keeping cool is best.
Can buttercream with milk be left out? ›
American buttercream (buttercream made with butter, milk and confectioner's sugar) can usually be kept at room temperature, in an airtight container, for 2-5 days as long as the temperature isn't too warm.
Should a cake be refrigerated before frosting? ›
"Prepare, bake, and cool the cake completely. Then, wrap each cake layer in cling film, nice and tight, and place in the fridge for at least two hours," he says. That's right, you won't be frosting your cake at room temperature; a chilled cake is essential before applying any frosting. "This step is the most important.
Leaving a cake with buttermilk frosting out of the refrigerator for an extended period is generally not recommended due to the perishable nature of dairy products in the frosting.
How long can buttermilk sit out? ›
The buttermilk has been at room temperature for over 2 hours. In general, dairy products like buttermilk can't be left out or they'll spoil. If you've accidentally left your buttermilk out, but it's been less than 2 hours, just get it in the fridge immediately and plan on using it as soon as possible.
Can you leave buttermilk frosting out overnight? ›
It's generally safe to leave buttercream frosting at room temperature for up to 3 hours, but it's best to use it as soon as possible for best quality. If you need to store it for longer, it should be refrigerated. When refrigerated, buttercream frosting can last for up to 1 week.
What kind of frosting doesn't need to be refrigerated? ›
For stability purposes, especially if the ambient temperature is rather warm, American buttercream or ermine frosting, or the half buttercream/half chocolate (as suggested above) are all great choices that will hold their shape and have no risk of spoilage for many hours or even days.
What frosting can be left at room temperature? ›
According to Kitchn, buttercream frostings do not need to be stored in the refrigerator — at least not right away. The cooking site explains that if you plan on using it within a couple of days, you should feel free to store it in an air tight container on your countertop.
How do you store buttermilk frosting? ›
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. Put your buttercream frosting in the fridge for up to 1 week.
How long does cake with buttercream frosting last? ›
Here's a simplified guide for how long different types of cakes might last in the fridge: Plain Cake (like unfrosted Moist Vanilla Cake): About 5-7 days in the fridge. Cake with Buttercream, Whipped Cream or Custard (like Moist Chocolate Cake with Fluffy Chocolate Frosting): 4 days, since dairy spoils quicker.
Why doesn't buttercream frosting need to be refrigerated? ›
Its major ingredients are vanilla extract, milk, butter, and sugar. The high sugar amount is critical in inhibiting bacteria growth and similar microorganisms, meaning storing American buttercream frostings in a cool, dry area is enough. There is no need for refrigeration.
Can I leave a frosted cake out overnight uncovered? ›
Frosting acts as a protective barrier for the cake, so there's no need for plastic wrap here. Cover it with a cake keeper or an overturned bowl to protect it from dust, pet hair, and other things in the air. A frosted cake can be kept at room temperature for four to five days.
