Does Cream Cheese Frosting Need To Be Refrigerated?

Here’s how to store your favorite carrot cake or red velvet cake recipe so it stays fresh longer.

Cream cheese frosting is a tasty topper for cakes and cupcakes, brownies and cinnamon rolls.

After all, the frosting has fresh dairy mixed right in.

dolloping cream cheese frosting on top of red velvet cake layers

Credit:Molly Bolton/Southern Living

The short answer is cream cheese frosting needs to be refrigerated if you want it to last.

Molly Bolton/Southern Living

What Is Cream Cheese Frosting?

Classiccream cheese frostingis made in a similar way asbuttercream frosting.

Its a mixture of softened butter and softened cream cheese with vanilla extract and powdered sugar.

The light tang makes a delicious counterpoint to extra-sweet desserts.

Leftover cream cheese frosting kept in the fridge will last up to two weeks.

Store it in an airtight container or zip-top plastic bag.

Store-bought, canned frosting typically does not need to be refrigerated.

Cakes topped with canned cream cheese frosting can be left out on the counter.

Yes, leftover cream cheese frosting can be saved.

Label it and mark it with a date.

Move it to the fridge to thaw when you’re gonna wanna use it.

Want tofreeze cakewith cream cheese frosting on top?

First, slice it and leave it uncovered in the freezer on a plate or baking sheet to set.