Does Buttercream Need To Be Refrigerated?

Buttercream is an essential ingredient used in baking. Whether you are decorating a birthday cake, cookies or some other dessert, the question that comes to mind is: does buttercream need to be refrigerated?

You can store some buttercream at room temperature Depending on different factors. It depends on the ingredients involved as well as the time of storage.

In this post, I will discuss the various categories, the conditions that require the use of refrigerators, and how to store the delicious frost to enhance its longevity.

What Happens When You Leave Buttercream For Too Long

When you leave buttercream at room temperature, it will lead to several factors. American buttercream can be left at room temperature for 2 to 5 days. But if we leave it at room temperature for longer, there are chances of bacteria growing in it, especially in a warm environment.

If the buttercream contains cheese, eggs, milk, etc, then it may not last for more than a few hours. Buttercream left at room temperature for a long time can go bad. So always check it before using it.

Signs Of Bad Buttercream

If the taste of buttercream is sour, it is a common sign that your buttercream may be spoiled. Secondly, if the colors change, like if your buttercream turns yellow or dark, it means your buttercream is not fresh. If the taste changes, it is a sign that you should not use it anymore. 

Can I Use Old Buttercream On a Cake?

I would not at all recommend you to use old cream. If your buttercream shows any of the signs that I have told you about, then do not use it in any baking item. If the buttercream looks OK but you have kept it for a long time without refrigerating it, then do not use it in any cake. Old buttercream tends to produce bacteria. 

Keeping your safety and health measurements in mind, I would recommend always using fresh buttercream.

What’s the Best Way to store Buttercream For a Long Time

Follow this procedure if you want to store buttercream for the long term, then.

Pack the buttercream in an airtight container. With this method, you can store it in the fridge for a week. But wrap its top in a plastic cover. By following the exact instructions, it will not dry for a year.

If you want to store it for a long then freezing is a good option. Put the buttercream in an airtight container and keep it in the freezer. You can easily store it in the freezer for 3 months. I would recommend you divide the buttercream into small portions and store it in the freezer. Don’t forget to add the date on the freezing bag or container. 

Thawing Buttercream Process

Whenever you want to use frozen buttercream again, take it out of the freezer and keep it in the refrigerator. And then keep it at room temperature and mix it well.

Which Type of Buttercream Needs to be Refrigerated Quickly?

Some creams can be kept for some time without refrigerating. But some buttercreams need to be refrigerated immediately. Some of them are:

German Butterscotch or crème mousseline that involves egg yolks or custard. Once these items are opened, it’s best to keep them in the fridge right away to keep them fresh for longer. 

Buttercream made with whipped cream, heavy cream or cream cheese should be stored in the refrigerator at all times.

American Buttercream consists of butter and sugar, so it can be left at room temperature for 2-5 days because the amount of sugar prevents bacterial spores from creating. It should be consumed within three days, but it can last up to one week if refrigerated.

What’s The Best Way to Stop Buttercream From Forming Air Bubbles?

Whenever you use buttercream, keep these factors in mind:

Always blend buttercream at low speed. This way, too much air will not enter the buttercream, and no bubbles will form in it.

Never overmix buttercream. Mix only till the ingredients are mixed. Overmixing also creates bubbles.

After blending in the mixer, mix the cream gently with the help of a spatula. If bubbles have formed, they will disappear if combined with the spatula.

Can I refrigerate the buttercream frosting Before piping it?

I always refrigerate the buttercream before piping. Storing at a cold temperature helps in preserving the freshness and quality. Before using the frosting, let it come to room temperature after removing it from the refrigerator. It will definitely ensure a fluffy texture and make it easier to pipe. 

Once the cake is frosted, you can leave it at room temperature for up to two days since the frosting is only needed for a short time. No need to worry about refrigeration, but it it needs to sit longer, it will need to be refrigerated to prevent spoiling.

See also: What Is the Best Bread Baking Temperature?

FAQs: 

Where should I keep whipped cream or cream cheese buttercream?

In the fridge, so that it stays fresh.

What is American buttercream made of?

Only butter and sugar, that’s why it doesn’t spoil for long.

What happens if I Do not Refrigerate the buttercream frosting?

American buttercream can be kept without refrigeration for a few days. If it has to be kept long term then it is necessary to keep it in the refrigerator. Secondly, other creams which contain eggs or cheese cannot be stored at room temperature.

Conclusion

Buttercream doesn’t need to be kept in the refrigerator if you use it immediately. To store for several hours or in high temperatures, it’s best to refrigerate to prevent spoiling. When you want to use it again you simply let it reach room temperature and mix it to achieve the right consistency. 

I would recommend that you keep the buttercream in the refrigerator before piping. With this method, your cream remains fresh and the texture also remains smooth. 

You can store some buttercream at room temperature. But there are some creams that we cannot store at room temperature, especially that include egg yolks and cheese.