You just finished frosting a cake and are wondering if it needs to go in the fridge overnight. Or you have leftover frosting and are not sure whether it goes back in the cabinet or the refrigerator. Does frosting need to be refrigerated?
The short answer: It depends on the type. Store-bought canned frosting is pantry-stable until opened, then needs the fridge. American buttercream made with just butter and powdered sugar can sit at room temperature for up to two days. Cream cheese frosting must go in the refrigerator immediately. Whipped cream frosting must be refrigerated and used within days. Knowing which frosting you have changes everything about how to store it.
For a full overview of how pantry staples and perishable foods compare on shelf life, visit our Complete Food Storage Guide.
Key Takeaways
Canned store-bought frosting (unopened): pantry-stable. No refrigeration needed.
Canned store-bought frosting (opened): refrigerate. Use within 3 to 4 weeks.
American buttercream (butter and powdered sugar): room temperature up to 2 days; refrigerate for up to 2 weeks.
Cream cheese frosting: refrigerate immediately. FDA 2-hour rule applies. Use within 2 weeks.
Whipped cream frosting: refrigerate immediately. Use within 1 to 3 days.
A cake’s refrigeration needs are determined by its frosting, not the cake itself.
The Quick Guide: Does Your Frosting Need the Fridge?
Frosting Type
Refrigerate?
How Long It Lasts
Canned frosting (unopened)
No — cool, dark pantry
12 to 18 months
Canned frosting (opened)
Yes — refrigerate promptly
3 to 4 weeks
American buttercream (butter + powdered sugar)
Not urgent — up to 2 days room temp
2 days room temp; 2 weeks refrigerated
Cream cheese frosting
Yes — within 2 hours
Up to 2 weeks refrigerated
Whipped cream frosting
Yes — immediately
1 to 3 days refrigerated
Swiss or Italian meringue buttercream (egg whites)
Yes — within 1 to 2 days
Up to 1 week refrigerated
Royal icing (fully dried on cookies)
No — room temperature airtight
Several weeks once fully set
Why Cream Cheese Frosting Always Needs the Fridge
The 2-Hour Rule Applies
Cream cheese is a soft dairy product with significant moisture content, making it a food safety concern at room temperature. The FDA advises refrigerating any food made with cream cheese after 2 hours, and America’s Test Kitchen confirms this applies to cream cheese frosting. That 2-hour window includes the time spent making the frosting.
This applies to homemade cream cheese frosting, store-bought cream cheese frosting once opened, and any cake or cupcakes frosted with cream cheese frosting. If your celebration cake with cream cheese frosting has been sitting out for a dinner party, it should be returned to the fridge after serving rather than left on the counter overnight.
Cream cheese frosting keeps well in the refrigerator for up to two weeks in a sealed container. Bring it to room temperature for 30 to 60 minutes before spreading, as it stiffe
