You never want to run out of frosting when decorating your layer cake. But that means you're often left with too much. Here's what to do with leftover frosting.
When it comes to frosting, there’s no such thing as too much. Even if you have leftovers after you’re done baking, don’t throw them away! Whether you make frosting and graham cracker sandwiches or eat it with a spoon (we won’t tell!), frosting is worth keeping.
The One Thing You Need to Try with Leftover Frosting
While there’s a wide array of ways to use up leftover frosting, one of our favorite tricks is to pour the leftovers over ice cream! (Don’t have leftovers? Here’s a recipe for buttercream frosting that only takes 10 minutes.) Just zap the frosting in the microwave until it gets runny, then pour over your favorite ice cream flavor.
How Should I Store Leftover Frosting?
When you’re done piping or spreading your frosting, put the leftovers in an airtight container to prevent it from crusting over. We don’t recommend storing the frosting in your piping bags because they’re not as airtight as a glass or plastic container. If it’s store-bought frosting, just pop the lid back on. And, here are several different ways to make store-bought frosting better.
Editor’s Tip: Don’t store the frosting near fragrant foods in the fridge, like fish, meat or onions. You don’t want your frosting tasting fishy!
There’s actually a right way and a wrong way to store your foods—here are our best tips.
How Long Does Leftover Frosting Last?
Most frostings can be stored in the fridge or freezer. Store-bought frosting can last in the fridge for three to four weeks and in the freezer for two to three months. Homemade frosting will last up to a week in the fridge and about one month in the freezer. As always, watch for signs of spoiling, like a darker color, thicker texture or bad smell.
Here’s how long other leftovers will keep in the fridge.
When you’re ready to use up the leftovers, transfer the frosting from the freezer to the fridge the night before so it can thaw. Let it come to room temperature before use. You may need to stir the frosting to get the right consistency.
As an expert in the culinary arts with a particular focus on baking and dessert preparation, I can confidently delve into the nuances of frosting, its storage, and creative ways to repurpose leftovers. My extensive experience in the kitchen, coupled with a passion for experimenting with ingredients, enables me to provide insightful and practical advice on making the most of your frosting.
Let's break down the key concepts addressed in the article:
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Leftover Frosting Utilization:
- The article suggests that there's no such thing as too much frosting, emphasizing the value of not wasting any leftovers.
- It recommends pouring leftover frosting over ice cream as a creative and delicious way to repurpose it. The method involves microwaving the frosting until it becomes runny and then drizzling it over your favorite ice cream flavor.
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Storage of Leftover Frosting:
- After piping or spreading frosting, the article advises placing the leftovers in an airtight container to prevent crusting. It discourages storing frosting in piping bags due to their lack of airtightness.
- For store-bought frosting, sealing the original container with the lid is recommended. The article warns against storing frosting near fragrant foods in the fridge to avoid undesirable flavors.
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Duration of Leftover Frosting:
- Different types of frosting have varying shelf lives. Store-bought frosting can last in the fridge for three to four weeks and in the freezer for two to three months.
- Homemade frosting has a shorter lifespan, lasting up to a week in the fridge and about one month in the freezer. Signs of spoilage, such as changes in color, texture, or smell, should be monitored.
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Thawing and Consistency Adjustment:
- When ready to use leftover frosting, the article recommends transferring it from the freezer to the fridge the night before for thawing. Bringing it to room temperature before use is crucial.
- Stirring the frosting may be necessary to achieve the desired consistency after thawing.
By integrating these concepts, individuals can not only avoid wasting frosting but also elevate their dessert experiences through inventive applications and proper storage practices. Whether you're a novice baker or a seasoned chef, these insights contribute to a more enjoyable and resourceful approach to working with frosting in the kitchen.
FAQs
You can repurpose leftover cake icing by spreading it on cookies, cupcakes, or even toast. Alternatively, use it as a filling for sandwiches, or swirl it into yogurt for a sweet twist.
What to use leftover frosting for? ›
You can repurpose leftover cake icing by spreading it on cookies, cupcakes, or even toast. Alternatively, use it as a filling for sandwiches, or swirl it into yogurt for a sweet twist.
What can I do with refrigerated frosting? ›
If your frosting is in the refrigerator, take it out and leave the unopened container or piping bag on the counter for at least one hour to let it soften and come close to room temperature. Transfer the frosting to the bowl of a stand mixer and mix it for about a minute to “re-fluff” it — good as new!
What to eat with leftover cream cheese frosting? ›
Top your favorite sweet breakfast foods.
Drop a spoonful of frosting on top of warm waffles or pancakes for a delicious morning treat. You can also spread a layer across scones, muffins, or plain or sweet bagels for some added indulgence.
Can you reuse frosting? ›
You'll be able to use it to cover cakes or use the leftovers for other fun things. What is this? Well, it really is possible to freeze leftover frosting. You can freeze the leftovers, or you can just make buttercream ahead of time and freeze it for later.
Can you save leftover buttercream? ›
In general, American buttercream can last up to a week in the fridge when stored in an airtight container. How do you store buttercream frosting overnight? Make sure the buttercream is in an airtight container and if it's American buttercream, it can be stored at room temperature or in the fridge overnight.
Can I freeze frosting? ›
It's incredibly versatile as you can add in a variety of extracts and flavors (see some ideas below), and any leftovers can be frozen for another use (or it can be frozen right on a cake or some cupcakes).
How to tell if buttercream has gone bad? ›
Buttercream should be ok for a couple weeks, covered tightly, in the refrigerator. If it changes color, or doesn't smell fresh after that, it has become rancid, and cannot be safely consumed. Any other ingredients, such as vanilla extract, will affect color and smell, too.
Does buttercream frosting dry hard? ›
The buttercream will harden, but not enough to stack or safely transport cookies. However, it won't be sticky when you touch it and will be perfect for cookie trays.
Does frosting go bad overnight? ›
The thick, sugary paste may look imperishable, but the frosting will melt or develop bacteria that can make you ill if left out for more than two hours, according to the USDA. On the flip side, if you don't open your can at all, it'll last you up to 18 months in the pantry.
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. Food is often at its best when it's served fresh, but if circ*mstances dictate that you have to save your buttercream frosting for later, then the fridge is a good starting point.
Can I freeze frosting with cream cheese in it? ›
Leftover cream cheese frosting can be saved. Cream cheese frosting can be stored in an airtight container or freezer bag in the freeze up to 3 months. Label it and mark it with a date. Move it to the fridge to thaw when you need to use it.
Will cream cheese frosting go bad overnight? ›
At room temperature, cream cheese frosting only lasts two hours, which is why it needs to be refrigerated if you don't want to waste leftovers. Cream cheese frosting will usually last in the refrigerator for up to a week, which gives you plenty of time to use it on various baked goods.
Can I freeze frosting for later? ›
Did you know you can freeze it? Simply scoop the frosting into a freezer bag, carefully squeeze all the extra air out of it, and seal. You can store it in the freezer for up to 3 months.
How long does frosting last in the fridge? ›
Opened cans of store-bought frosting can last in the fridge for up to four weeks, so you can bring them back out if you get a second wind to make a cake or another baked good. If you're not baking anytime in the next month, you can keep your leftover frosting in the freezer, where it will last up to three months.
How long does leftover icing last? ›
You can store freshly created royal icing made with meringue powder in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. Before using it on another dessert, all you need to do is beat it well in a mixing bowl at low speed.
