Last Updated on April 13, 2023 by Shari Mason
Since the pandemic, many people have started baking as a new hobby. And the most common ingredient in pastry is frosting because it not only adds a sweet taste to the cupcake but also appealing decorations and designs.
Frostings are made of sweet ingredients with longer shelf life, but do you have to refrigerate frosting after opening? If you want to know the answer, read on.
Page Contents
Should You Refrigerate Frosting After Opening?
Yes, you have to refrigerate frosting after opening it if you’re not going to use it in the next two hours.
Frosting types, like buttercream, can only be left at room temperature for about three hours before it melts.
Putting the frosting in the fridge adds shelf life and helps maintain its quality and consistency. Some frosting melts, and some dry out when exposed to air.
It is also recommended to refrigerate frosting after opening to avoid contamination.
Read: How To Make Store-Bought Frosting Less Sweet?
Why Should You Refrigerate It
It is Perishable
Frostings are mostly made of sugar, milk, or butter that should be refrigerated after use because they can go bad quickly at room temperature.
Frosting like buttercream, whipped cream, and glaze can quickly melt at a hot temperature. Frosting is also prone to contamination. Its shelf life also decreases once exposed to warm air.
It Could Melt
Because frosting is a mix of sugar, egg, powder, and chocolate, it could quickly melt if left for a couple of hours at room temperature.
The melted or dried-out frosting is a nightmare for most pastry chefs because there is no perfect cake without perfect icing.
Also, exposure to air and heat could affect the consistency and quality of the frosting. If it liquefies in heat, it won’t form a shape.
It May Form Molds
The frosting must be stored in the fridge properly to prevent mold growth. If you let whipped cream or cooked frosting sit on your baking table without a proper cover, the humidity in the air might cause molds to form in the cream.
Bacteria are everywhere, and all food should be kept out of Danger Zone or room temperature above 90 degrees, which can quickly spoil food and grow bacteria. [1]
How to Store Frosting in Refrigerator After Opening
If you have leftover frosting that you won’t use soon and want to maintain its quality, you should transfer it to an air-tight glass or plastic container and cover it adequately.
You can also put the frosting in a piping bag as long as it is sealed correctly before putting it inside the fridge. There are types of frosting that dry in extended air exposure.
Storing your frosting in the fridge in a sealed container helps to extend its shelf life and maintain consistency and flavor quality so you can use it on your subsequent pastries without worrying about spoilage.
Read: How To Make Store-Bought Chocolate Frosting Better?
How Long Should You Refrigerate It?
Frosting like buttercream could last in the fridge for up to seven days if stored in an air-tight container.
You can also extend its life by freezing it, and it can still be suitable for up to three months. It is still safe to eat, but there will be some changes in the quality.
How long a frosting could last in the fridge depends on its ingredients; a frosting made of shortening and oil doesn’t have to be kept in the refrigerator and could still last up to two weeks at your coolest room temperature.
How To Tell If Refrigerated Frosting Has Gone Bad
Texture
If the frosting is stored for so long in the fridge, it can also go bad. Some frosting might turn into bits and dry out because of too much refrigerating.
If the frosting surpasses the storing period in the fridge and you’re still not using it, the sugar in its ingredients might crystallize, and it would be difficult to apply or spread on your cupcakes.
Read: How To Thicken Store-Bought Frosting?
Appearance
A spoiled frosting in the fridge will have a change in color. Likewise, mold could develop in frosting if it is not appropriately sealed and humidity enters the container.
Once you see molds on your frosting, throw them away immediately to avoid food poisoning.
Smell
If the frosting has gone wrong, its smell might become sour. It is because the bacteria have attacked the composition and contaminated it. If you smelled your frosting differently, it is better not to use it.
FAQs
How long can frosting stay out of the fridge?
Frosting can stay out of the fridge for two hours. Room temperature is a significant factor in spoiling frosting. It is advisable to use it immediately after taking it out of the fridge.
How long is frosting good for after opening?
A frosting made of shortening and oil is good for at least one week after opening at room temperature. Whipped cream and buttercream are only suitable for a couple of days and should be consumed immediately.
In Summary
All kinds of frosting should be appropriately kept in the fridge after opening and using it. It is advisable to store them in cool and dry places to avoid contamination and to extend their shelf life.
Reference:
- https://www.fsis.usda.gov/food-safety/safe-food-handling-and-preparation/food-safety-basics/danger-zone-40f-140f
- Author
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Shari Mason
Co-Founder & Senior Writer at Eat Pallet
Hey, I'm Shari! After more than a decade in the restaurant industry, I've decided to share my experience online with you here. Learn more about us here or you can contact me directly [emailprotected].
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Greetings, baking enthusiasts and confectionery aficionados! I am deeply immersed in the realm of culinary delights and possess a wealth of knowledge in the art of baking and pastry creation. My expertise extends to various aspects of baking, including the intricate world of frostings, which play a pivotal role in elevating the taste and aesthetics of cupcakes and other pastries.
Now, let's delve into the concepts presented in the article by Shari Mason, dated April 13, 2023, regarding the refrigeration of frosting after opening.
1. Perishability of Frosting: The article emphasizes that frostings, often composed of sugar, milk, or butter, are perishable and can quickly go bad at room temperature. This is due to the ingredients' susceptibility to bacterial growth and degradation when exposed to warm air. The recommendation to refrigerate frosting after opening is rooted in the need to preserve its quality and extend its shelf life.
2. Melting Potential: Frosting, a delicate amalgamation of sugar, egg, powder, and chocolate, is susceptible to melting if left at room temperature for an extended period. The explanation provided is that exposure to air and heat can alter the consistency and quality of the frosting. Refrigeration is proposed as a solution to maintain the desired texture and prevent the nightmare of dealing with melted or dried-out frosting.
3. Mold Formation: The article cautions against leaving whipped cream or cooked frosting uncovered, as the humidity in the air may lead to mold growth. Proper storage in the refrigerator is advocated to prevent the formation of molds and to counter the omnipresent bacteria that thrive at room temperature, particularly above 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
4. Storage Techniques: Proper storage techniques are highlighted, such as transferring leftover frosting to an air-tight container or sealing it in a piping bag before refrigeration. This helps maintain the quality, consistency, and flavor of the frosting, ensuring it remains suitable for subsequent use without concerns of spoilage.
5. Shelf Life and Duration of Refrigeration: The article provides insights into the shelf life of refrigerated frosting, with buttercream cited as lasting up to seven days in an air-tight container. Freezing is also mentioned as a method to extend the life of frosting for up to three months, though some changes in quality may occur. The duration of refrigeration is noted to depend on the ingredients, with a distinction made for frostings made with shortening and oil, which can last up to two weeks at room temperature.
6. Indicators of Spoilage: The article guides readers on how to identify spoiled frosting by examining changes in texture, appearance, and smell. These indicators include crystallization of sugar, changes in color, the development of mold, and a sour smell, signaling bacterial contamination.
7. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): FAQs address common queries, such as the recommended duration frosting can stay out of the fridge (two hours) and the post-opening shelf life of different frosting types. These insights aim to guide readers in optimal frosting handling practices.
In conclusion, the article by Shari Mason serves as a comprehensive guide for baking enthusiasts, offering valuable information on the proper storage and handling of frosting to ensure a delightful and safe baking experience.
