Buttercream, also known as butter icing or frosting, is a versatile confection used for filling, coating, or embellishing cakes. Its primary components are butter and sugar, often infused with vanilla or other flavors like chocolate and fruit extracts
But without proper freezing, the silky texture can become grainy and stiff, ruining that perfect pipeable flair.
So Can You Freeze Buttercream Frosting, And If Yes Then How Do We Freeze It?
Yes, you can freeze buttercream frosting for up to three months. Store it in an airtight container, label it with the freezing date, and freeze. Thaw in the refrigerator and re-whip before using for best results.
How to Freeze Buttercream Frosting?
Freezing buttercream frosting is a fantastic way to save leftover frosting for future sweet creations. Whether you have excess frosting after decorating a cake or you want to make frosting ahead of time, follow these steps to freeze it effectively:
- Cool It Down: Allow the freshly made buttercream frosting to cool completely. Warm frosting can form condensation when frozen, affecting its texture.
- Portion Control: Divide the frosting into manageable portions. Small airtight containers or silicone ice cube trays work well for this.
- Wrap It Securely: If using containers, ensure they’re airtight. For silicone trays, cover them with plastic wrap or foil to prevent freezer burn.
- Label and Date: Don’t forget to label each container with the frosting type and date of freezing. This helps you keep track of freshness.
- Freeze Quickly: Place the containers or trays in the freezer. The faster you freeze the frosting, the better it preserves its texture and taste.
- Store Properly: Store the frozen frosting for up to 2-3 months in a consistently cold freezer.
- Thaw Gently: When you’re ready to use it, transfer the frozen frosting to the refrigerator to thaw slowly. Avoid microwaving, as it can cause separation.
- Re-whip if Necessary: After thawing, give the frosting a gentle mix to restore its creamy consistency.
How to Store Buttercream Frosting for Longer?
To extend its freezer life even longer, buttercream can be stored in convenient portions:
- Scoop it into ice cube trays and freeze individual cubes. Pop out the frozen cubes and store them in freezer bags. Thaw what you need as you go.
- Pipe buttercream into bite-sized pieces on a parchment-lined sheet pan. Freeze until solid then transfer to bags or containers.
- Portion frosting into disposable piping bags, seal, and lay flat in the freezer. Stand up the bags once frozen. Clip off the tip of the bag when ready to decorate.
- Divide into disks on sheets of wax paper and stack the frozen disks with wax paper layers. Unwrap needed amounts for cupcakes.
How Do You Defrost Buttercream?
Properly thawing frozen buttercream is important for preserving texture. Here are some tips:
- For the fastest thawing, place the frosting in the refrigerator overnight. Then let it sit at room temperature for 1-2 hours until completely thawed and smooth.
- To quickly thaw a small amount, place the frozen buttercream in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 10-second bursts, stirring in between, until softened enough to use.
- For piping frosting, you can microwave just until slightly softened then pipe designs onto the cake and let finish thawing on the cake at room temperature.
- Avoid defrosting buttercream at room temperature alone. This can cause condensation leading to a soggy texture.
- Once thawed, use the buttercream as soon as possible. Avoid refreezing any leftovers.
How To Use Frozen Buttercream Frosting?
Frozen buttercream is perfect for:
- Cupcakes – Just thaw what you need for each batch of cupcakes. Frost while still chilled for easier spreading.
- Piping designs – Microwave frozen buttercream briefly until soft enough to pipe but still firm. Finish thawing on the cake.
- Cake filling – Thaw what you need for each layer of filling. Use immediately once spread onto the cake.
- Frosting layer cakes – Thaw frosted layers in the refrigerator before stacking and frosting the outside.
- Decorating sugar cookies – Thaw a small bowl of buttercream. Dip cookies directly into the bowl for easy decorating.
- Adding detail – Use handy frozen buttercream cubes anytime you need just a little extra frosting.
How To Tell If Buttercream Frosting Gone Bad?
Check buttercream that has been frozen for signs it should be discarded:
- Strong rancid odor, sour smell, or off-flavor
- Excess moisture, weeping, or separated oils
- Dry, stiff, or gritty texture
- Discoloration or unnatural colors
- Ice crystals, freezer burn marks, or dried-out patches
- Mold growth anywhere on the frosting
- Expired date from initial freezing
When in doubt, remember the old saying “When frozen goods go bad, they go very bad.” Rancid buttercream can make people sick. Always use your sense of sight, smell, and taste to check before serving.
Freezing is a handy way to keep leftover frosting fresh for future use. With proper storage and handling, buttercream can retain its delicious taste and creamy texture for months after freezing. Just be sure to label, seal, and freeze promptly. Follow safe defrosting and food safety guidelines, and your frozen buttercream will be ready when you need it.
F.A.Q
Q1. How do you store buttercream in the freezer?
A1. Place buttercream in an airtight container or freezer bag, smoothing the top before freezing. Buttercream can be frozen for 2-3 months.
Q2. Should you put buttercream frosting in the fridge or freezer?
A2. For short-term storage, refrigerate buttercream. For the longer term, freeze it. Buttercream can last 2-3 months frozen.
Q3. How long does homemade buttercream frosting last in the fridge?
A3. Properly stored in an airtight container, homemade buttercream will last 2-3 weeks refrigerated before spoiling.
Q4. How do you store leftover buttercream?
A4. Leftover buttercream can be refrigerated for 2-3 weeks or frozen for 2-3 months. Seal air-tight before storing.
Q5. What frosting is best for freezing?
A5. Buttercream and cream cheese frostings freeze very well for 2-3 months without texture changes when thawed.
Q6. Can buttercream frosting be made ahead of time?
A6. Yes, buttercream can be made up to 1 month in advance when properly refrigerated or frozen until ready to use.
