freeze cream cheese frosting

Can You Freeze Cream Cheese Frosting? The Ultimate Guide

In sum, yes, cream cheese frosting can be frozen to extend its shelf life. The combination of butter and icing sugar in the frosting helps to maintain its texture and flavor when thawed, making it suitable for future use.

Smooth and silky, cream cheese frosting strikes the perfect balance between sweet, creamy, and slightly tangy. Popular as a topping on carrot cake and red velvet cake, cream cheese frosting is a favorite when it comes to decorating baked treats.

Unfortunately, it does not have a long shelf life due to the addition of the cream cheese, and making only the right amount to frost your cake seems almost impossible. 

Luckily, you can freeze leftover cream cheese frosting for later use. There are a few precautions you should take when you store cream cheese frosting in the freezer to ensure it stays creamy and tasty. We’ve got all the tips.

Here is what you need to know to successfully freeze cream cheese frosting.

Can Cream Cheese Frosting Be Frozen?

Yes, cream cheese frosting can successfully be stored in the freezer. Although cream cheese generally undergoes textural changes when frozen on its own, the combination of the butter and icing sugar minimizes the textural changes when it comes to freezing cream cheese frosting.

It is important to place it in the freezer within a day of making it to ensure you have a good, fresh product once thawed. For optimal preservation eliminate any contact with moisture or air when freezing by storing the frosting in air-tight packaging.


How To Freeze Cream Cheese Frosting

Step 1: Portion

Decide how you will be using the cream cheese frosting in the future. If you need a large batch for one cake, store it in one large resealable freezer bag or airtight container. 

If you are not yet sure what you will be using it for, it is best to divide the frosting into smaller portions so that you can only remove a small quantity from the freezer at a time and keep the rest preserved.

Step 2: Pack and Seal

Scoop the cream cheese frosting into resealable freezer bags, being careful to check for any holes, tears, or leaks. Press any excess air out of the bag before sealing it. Alternatively, use a freezer safe container.

Make sure you seal the bag tightly. Optionally you can wrap the bag in a double layer of plastic wrap for an extra measure of protection. This will help prevent the cream cheese frosting from absorbing freezer flavors and will prevent freezer burn. Contact with air and moisture can cause freezer burn which will ruin the flavor and texture of the frosting.

Step 3: Label and Freeze

Label the freezer bags with the date and place them on a baking sheet in the freezer. This allows the frosting to freeze evenly. Once frozen solid, remove the baking sheet and stack the freezer bags neatly in the freezer allowing you to save space and keep things organized.


How To Thaw Frozen Cream Cheese Frosting

Cream cheese should always be kept in the refrigerator to prevent the growth of bacteria and keep it from spoiling. The same rule applies to cream cheese frosting. The best way to thaw cream cheese frosting is by placing it in the fridge to thaw overnight or for several hours. Never defrost cream cheese frosting at room temperature.

Due to the high fat content, the cream cheese frosting may slightly change texture or consistency on thawing. You can easily fix this.

Empty the freezer container or freezer bag into a large mixing bowl. Use an electric mixer (on low speed) or hand mixer to blend the cream cheese frosting back to its original texture and fluffy, smooth consistency.

If it is too runny add powdered sugar. For cinnamon rolls, a runnier consistency is however desired.

If it is too thick or has a crumbly texture you can add milk or heavy cream a few drops at a time while mixing to soften it slightly.

Now is also the time to add flavor with additional ingredients such as vanilla essence or cocoa powder if you did not do that before freezing.

Types of Cream Cheese Frosting

Cream cheese frosting is a light and fluffy frosting made with butter, cream cheese, and powdered sugar. Plain cream cheese frosting generally also includes vanilla extract.

Cream cheese frosting can be flavored for icing different types of cakes. Popular variations include lemon, coconut, and even chocolate cream cheese frosting.


FAQs

Conclusion

Fluffy, sweet, and creamy, cream cheese frosting is the perfect indulgent way to finish off a cake or cupcake. Making the perfect amount of frosting when decorating baked goods can be an art in itself. 

If you have leftover cream cheese frosting, don’t worry because it can go straight into the freezer for effortless decorating next time around.

Make sure to keep the frosting safe from contact with air or moisture, and always thaw it in the refrigerator to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria.

Once thawed, simply give it a good whip with a mixer to get it back to its original consistency. You’ll be ready to decorate a new batch of delicious carrot cake and sweet treats in no time.

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