Can You Freeze Cream Cheese Frosting?

Cream cheese frosting is a popular cake ingredient with a high-fat content. If say, you made too much cream cheese frosting, how do you keep the leftovers? Can you freeze cream cheese frosting? Although cream cheese frosting is high in fat – which makes it a delicate product to freeze – it freezes perfectly well!

Of course, there are certain steps you need to take to freeze cream cheese frosting properly. Otherwise, you will get a watery, useless mess once the product has been defrosted!

Image used under Creative Commons from Sheila Sund

You see, freezing cream cheese frosting improperly could alter the texture of the frosting. The change could cause the cream cheese frosting to become crumbly, watery, or funky-smelling. Cream cheese frosting seems to absorb freezer flavors so well. That’s why it’s equally important to pack the product properly prior to freezing.

When kept in the fridge, cream cheese frosting will stay fresh for only 3 to 5 days. But when kept in the freezer, its shelf life is extended to 3 months. Now let’s take a look at how can you freeze cream cheese frosting below:

Cupcakes with frosting
Image used under Creative Commons from Tim Sackton

How to Freeze Cream Cheese Frosting?

Freezing Unopened Cream Cheese Frosting

For store-bought, unopened packs of cream cheese frosting, there is no need to transfer the product to a different container. Just stick the cream cheese frosting into the freezer and you’re done.

Freezing Leftover Cream Cheese Frosting

For leftover cream cheese frosting, you need to transfer the product to a resealable plastic bag or an airtight plastic container. Just scoop the frosting into the plastic bag and squeeze the air out before sealing. Write the storage date and stick in the freezer. Store the bags of cream cheese frosting flat to save space in the freezer.

If you’re using a freezer-safe plastic container, scoop the product into the container but do not overfill it. Once you’re done, place a layer of cling wrap on top of the container before covering with the airtight lid. The cling wrap serves as an extra layer of protection against freezer burns. Write the storage date with a permanent marker then stick in the freezer.

Cupcakes with cream cheese frosting-2
Image used under Creative Commons from F_A

How to Defrost Frozen Cream Cheese Frosting?

Thawing frozen cream cheese frosting is easy, just transfer the container from the freezer to the fridge. Leave the product to thaw for several hours to overnight. Never thaw the cream cheese frosting at room temperature. The drastic changes in temperature will cause the product to go rancid.

Re-Whipping Thawed Cream Cheese Frosting

Once the cream cheese frosting is thawed completely, it might take on a watery consistency. This is fine, there is a way to restore its original consistency. Scoop the cream cheese frosting into a large mixing bowl and get a whisk. Beat the cream cheese frosting until it’s nice and smooth again. If the cream cheese frosting is drying out as you whisk, add a little milk to loosen the consistency. If you have an electric mixer, beat the cream cheese frosting for a minute or two until the desired consistency is achieved.

If the cream cheese frosting is drying out as you whisk, add a little milk to loosen the consistency. If you have an electric mixer, beat the cream cheese frosting for a minute or two until the desired consistency is achieved.

Never beat cream cheese frosting that’s only partially defrosted. The dairy product has to be thawed completely prior to whisking otherwise; the consistency will be a little off.

Summary

Nothing like a cake covered in yummy cream cheese frosting! There is something about cream cheese frosting that makes any dessert even more special. Now that you know how can you freeze cream cheese frosting, go ahead and store leftovers in the freezer for future baking!