How Long Does Buttercream Last? (Buttercream Frosting Shelf Life Guide)

If you’ve ever made a big batch of frosting and asked, “how long does buttercream last?” you’re not alone. Buttercream is one of the most popular frostings for cakes and cupcakes, but its shelf life depends on how you store it (room temperature, refrigerator, freezer) and what type of buttercream frosting you make (American buttercream, Swiss meringue buttercream, Italian meringue buttercream, cream cheese buttercream, and more).

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Quick answer: Buttercream shelf life chart (room temp, fridge, freezer)

If you need an immediate answer, use this quick guideline:

• How long does buttercream last at room temperature?
  Typically 1–2 days if covered and your kitchen is cool.

• How long does buttercream last in the fridge?
  Usually 5–14 days, depending on ingredients.

• How long does buttercream last in the freezer?
  Commonly 2–3 months for best quality (sometimes longer if sealed well).

Important: Buttercream with cream cheese, pastry cream, fresh fruit puree, or whipped cream should be treated as more perishable and kept refrigerated.

What counts as “buttercream”? Buttercream types that change how long it lasts

Not all buttercream is the same. Ingredients determine how stable it is and whether it needs refrigeration.

American buttercream (ABC)

Made from butter + powdered sugar, plus vanilla and sometimes milk or cream. This is the most common “buttercream frosting” people make at home. It’s generally more stable than custard-based frostings but still sensitive to heat.

Best for: cupcakes, quick cakes, crusting buttercream designs

Swiss meringue buttercream (SMBC)

Egg whites and sugar are warmed, whipped into a meringue, then mixed with butter. It’s silky and less sweet than American buttercream, but needs proper temperature control after chilling.

Best for: smooth finishes, wedding cakes, advanced piping

Italian meringue buttercream (IMBC)

Similar texture to Swiss, but made by whipping hot sugar syrup into egg whites. It’s stable and elegant, but still behaves differently after refrigeration/freezing.

French buttercream / German buttercream / Ermine frosting

These may include egg yolks, pastry cream, or cooked milk/flour bases. Because these recipes contain more perishable elements, refrigeration is often recommended sooner.

Cream cheese buttercream

Once cream cheese is involved, treat it like a refrigerated frosting. It softens quickly at room temperature and generally shouldn’t sit out long.

How long does buttercream last at room temperature?

Many bakers keep buttercream out short-term especially if it’s a classic American buttercream (butter + powdered sugar).

How long can buttercream sit out?

Most buttercream frosting can sit at room temperature for about 1–2 days if:

• it’s covered (airtight container, plastic wrap touching the surface, cake dome)

• your kitchen is cool

• there are no highly perishable add-ins (like cream cheese, custard, whipped cream)

Can buttercream be left out overnight?

Yes, in many cases, buttercream can be left out overnight if it’s covered and your kitchen isn’t hot. However, if you used cream cheese or you’re in warm/humid conditions, refrigeration is the safer choice.

How long does buttercream last on a cake at room temperature?

A buttercream-frosted cake can often sit out 1–2 days when covered. If the cake has perishable fillings (custard, whipped cream, fresh fruit fillings), you should refrigerate it.

How long does buttercream last in the fridge?

If you’re not using the frosting right away, refrigerating is the most practical option.

How long does buttercream last in the refrigerator?

For many buttercream frostings, a common range is 5–14 days in the fridge when stored properly. A good “best quality” target is within 7 days, especially if you need a smooth, pipeable texture.

How to store buttercream frosting in the fridge (best method)

1. Scrape frosting into an airtight container.

2. Press plastic wrap directly on the surface to reduce crusting.

3. Seal tightly and store away from strong odors.

How long does buttercream last in a piping bag?

It can be stored in a piping bag short-term, but you’ll get better freshness if you store it in a container and refill the bag when needed. Piping bags expose more surface area to air, which can dry the frosting.

How long does buttercream last in the freezer?

Freezing is ideal for make-ahead baking and cake decorating prep.

How long can you freeze buttercream frosting?

For best texture and flavor, aim to use frozen buttercream within 2–3 months. If it’s sealed extremely well, it may last longer, but quality often declines over time.

Best way to freeze buttercream

• Freeze in small portions (so you thaw only what you need)

• Use airtight containers or heavy freezer bags

• Press out air, label, and date

• Keep it away from strong-smelling foods (buttercream absorbs odors)

Does buttercream frosting need to be refrigerated?

This depends on ingredients and timing.

Buttercream that may not need refrigeration right away

• Standard American buttercream (butter + powdered sugar) used within 1–2 days in a cool environment

Buttercream that should be refrigerated

• Cream cheese buttercream

• Buttercream with custard/pastry cream

• Buttercream with fresh fruit puree

• Frosting with whipped cream

• Cakes with perishable fillings

When in doubt especially if you’re serving to guests, transporting long distances, or storing more than a day refrigeration is the safer and more consistent choice.

How to store buttercream frosting properly (so it lasts longer)

Use an airtight container + plastic wrap contact

This prevents:

• crusting on top

• drying out

• absorbing fridge odors

Store away from heat and light

Heat softens butter and changes texture quickly. If your kitchen is warm, storing at room temperature becomes a risky choice.

Avoid contamination

Don’t scrape used frosting (with crumbs) back into the main batch. Crumbs introduce moisture and bacteria and can shorten shelf life.

How to thaw frozen buttercream (and rewhip it smooth again)

If you freeze buttercream, texture recovery is everything.

How to thaw buttercream frosting

1. Move it from freezer to fridge overnight.

2. Bring it to room temperature until soft.

3. Rewhip with a mixer until fluffy and smooth.

How to rewhip buttercream after refrigeration/freezing

• Beat on medium speed until it turns creamy

• If it looks separated, keep mixing (temperature and time usually fix it)

• If it’s too stiff, let it warm longer

• If it’s too soft, chill briefly and rewhip again

How to tell if buttercream has gone bad (signs of spoiled buttercream)

Here are the most common warning signs:

Smell

• rancid butter smell

• sour or “off” dairy odor

• strong fridge smell that won’t go away

Appearance

• mold spots

• unusual discoloration

• watery separation that doesn’t fix after mixing

Taste/texture

• bitter or stale taste

• grainy texture that wasn’t there before

• greasy mouthfeel (sometimes from heat, but can also signal age)

If you’re unsure, it’s safest to discard it.

FAQs: How Long Does Buttercream Last? (People Also Ask)

Can you freeze buttercream frosting?

Yes. Freeze it airtight in portions, then thaw and rewip buttercream to restore texture.

How long does buttercream last in the freezer?

For best quality, use within 2–3 months.

How do you thaw frozen buttercream?

Thaw overnight in the fridge, bring to room temp, then rewhip until smooth.

How can you tell if buttercream frosting has gone bad?

Look for rancid smell, mold, discoloration, and off taste. When in doubt, throw it out.