Do Fondant Expire? How to Store Fondant Properly?

Fondant can dry out, crack, or turn sticky if it isn’t stored properly. Whether you’re saving leftover fondant, prepping decorations ahead of time, or keeping a fondant-covered cake fresh, knowing the right storage method makes all the difference. This guide explains how to store fondant at room temperature, in airtight containers, in the fridge, and in the freezer, along with tips for storing decorations and preventing common issues like sweating or hardening.

How to Store Cupcakes Overnight Without Drying Out

Ideal Conditions for Storing Fondant

Temperature and Humidity

Fondant should be stored at cool room temperature, ideally between 18–24°C (64–75°F). Avoid exposure to heat or excessive cold. Humidity should be low to moderate — high humidity can cause fondant to become sticky or develop condensation, while extremely dry environments may lead to cracking or hardening. Never store fondant near ovens, stoves, or sunny windows.

Light and UV Exposure

Direct sunlight or prolonged exposure to strong artificial light can cause fading or discoloration of colored fondant. For best results, keep fondant in opaque or dark containers, or store it in a cupboard away from light sources.

Air and Moisture Control

Air exposure dries fondant quickly. To prevent cracking or crusting, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it inside an airtight container. For decorations, ensure moisture control to prevent softening or mold growth — especially if stored long-term.

How to Store Fondant

How to Store Fondant at Room Temperature

Room temperature is the best and safest way to store most fondant. Fondant stays soft and pliable longest when it is kept cool, dark, and dry.

Ideal conditions:

• Temperature: 20–24°C (68–75°F)

• Humidity: below 50%

• Light: keep away from sunlight to prevent fading

Steps:

1. Shape fondant into a ball to minimize surface exposure.

2. Coat it lightly with shortening to lock in moisture.

3. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap until no air pockets remain.

4. Place the wrapped fondant into an airtight container or zip bag.

5. Store it in a cool pantry or cupboard, not near the oven or window.

Shelf life at room temperature:

• Rolled fondant: 1–2 months

• Marshmallow fondant: 2–6 weeks

• Poured fondant: Up to 1 month

How to Store Fondant in an Airtight Container

Air is the enemy of fondant—exposure causes drying, cracking, and hard edges. Using a proper airtight container prevents moisture loss.

How to prepare fondant before storing:

• Wrap fondant in two layers of cling film.

• Press the plastic wrap tightly against the fondant surface.

• Apply a thin layer of shortening before wrapping to improve elasticity.

Best containers:

• Hard plastic food-safe containers

• Snap-on lid containers

• Thick zip bags (air squeezed out completely)

Why airtight storage matters:

• Keeps the texture soft & flexible

• Prevents dust and odor absorption

• Extends shelf life significantly

How to Store Fondant After Opening

Once a fondant package is opened, it begins to dry out quickly. Immediate proper storage makes a big difference.

How to store opened fondant:

1. Knead with a bit of shortening to refresh moisture.

2. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap.

3. Place into a double-sealed zip bag or airtight container.

4. Label the container with the date opened.

Tip: If the fondant starts to firm up over time, microwave it for 5–7 seconds and knead again.

How to Store Fondant Decorations

Fondant decorations must be stored completely dry before sealing, otherwise moisture can cause stickiness or color bleeding.

Drying time:

• Small shapes: 24–48 hours

• Medium pieces: 2–3 days

• Large toppers: up to 1 week

Storage method:

• Place decorations in a dry, ventilated box (cake box, cardboard box).

• Line the box with parchment paper.

• Store in a cool, dark cupboard.

• For fragile decorations, use paper towel/microfiber cloth to cushion.

Never store dried fondant decorations in airtight containers — moisture can get trapped and soften them.

How to Store Fondant Figures

3D figures need special care to keep their structure and color.

Steps:

1. Allow complete drying (2–7 days depending on size).

2. Store in a rigid cardboard box, not plastic.

3. Add silica gel packs to control humidity.

4. Keep the box away from sunlight to prevent fading.

5. Do not stack fondant figures.

Shelf life for dried figures:

• Up to months, as long as they are kept dry.

How to Store Fondant in the Fridge

Should You Refrigerate Fondant?

Refrigerating fondant is generally not recommended. Condensation forms when cold fondant returns to room temperature, causing:

• Sweat on the surface

• Sticky texture

• Color bleeding

• Decorations softening or losing shape

Only refrigerate fondant if the filling inside the cake requires refrigeration (like cream cheese or fresh fruit).

How to Store Fondant Cakes in the Fridge

If you must refrigerate a fondant-covered cake, use the correct method to prevent sweating.

Steps:

1. Put the cake inside a cardboard cake box.

2. Seal the box inside a plastic bag (optional).

3. Refrigerate at a stable temperature, not near the fridge door.

4. When removing, keep the cake inside the box until it reaches room temp.

5. Let condensation evaporate naturally — don’t touch the surface.

Result: Minimal sweating and the fondant stays smooth.

How to Store Fondant Cupcakes in the Fridge

Fondant on cupcakes behaves differently from fondant on cakes.

Best practice:

• Store cupcakes without the fondant toppers in the fridge.

• Keep fondant toppers at room temperature in a dry box.

• Add toppers right before serving.

If you must refrigerate fully decorated cupcakes:

• Store in an airtight cupcake container

• Expect some condensation

How to Store Fondant in the Freezer

Should You Freeze Fondant?

Freezing fondant is usually not recommended because:

• The texture becomes grainy

• Colors may fade

• Condensation causes stickiness after thawing

• Shapes may warp

However, some dried fondant decorations can be frozen if handled correctly.

How to Freeze Fondant Decorations (If Needed)

Only freeze pieces that are completely dry.

Steps:

1. Wrap decorations in parchment paper.

2. Place in a rigid airtight container.

3. Freeze on a flat surface.

4. Thaw inside the container to prevent condensation forming on the fondant.

Important: Never freeze wet or fresh fondant — it will melt during thawing.

Freezing Fondant-Covered Cakes

If freezing a cake with fondant is unavoidable:

How to freeze it safely:

1. Chill the cake in the fridge first so the fondant firms up.

2. Wrap the chilled cake in plastic wrap.

3. Add a layer of aluminum foil.

4. Freeze for up to 1 month.

How to thaw:

• Move the wrapped cake to the fridge for 24 hours.

• Then let it come to room temperature while still wrapped.

• Only unwrap when the cake is completely thawed to avoid condensation.

Risk:
Even with proper handling, minor sweating or soft spots may appear.

How to Store Fondant or Gum-Paste Decorations

For soft decorations that need to stay pliable before use:

• Place them in a single layer, separated by parchment or wax paper, inside a sealed container.

• Keep them at room temperature away from light and moisture.

For fully dried decorations (flowers, toppers, figures):

• Store them in a dry, breathable box (not airtight, to avoid trapping moisture), lined with paper towels or parchment.

• Keep the box in a dark, dry cupboard. Optionally, include food-safe silica gel packs to control humidity.

Do Fondant Expire?

Yes, fondant can expire over time. While it’s mostly sugar (which has a long shelf life), fondant may contain fats, stabilizers, or glycerine that degrade.

Signs that fondant has expired include:

• Crumbly or dry texture that doesn’t rehydrate with kneading

• Off smell or flavor

• Presence of mold spots or discoloration

• If it’s sticky or grainy even after kneading, or separates easily, it’s best to discard it

Always check the expiration date on store-bought fondant and label homemade fondant with the date of preparation.

FAQs About How to Store Fondant For a Long Time

Can fondant be stored at room temperature?

Yes, fondant should be stored at cool room temperature in a dark, dry place—never in the fridge unless applied on a perishable cake.

How long does fondant last once opened?

When wrapped and sealed properly, opened fondant can last up to 2 months at room temperature.

Can you freeze fondant?

Freezing is not recommended for fondant blocks, as thawing causes condensation and texture issues. Only freeze fondant-covered cakes if absolutely necessary.

How do I keep fondant from drying out?

Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and store in an airtight container away from air and light.

What’s the best way to store fondant decorations?

Fully dried fondant decorations should be stored in a breathable box lined with paper towels, away from moisture and sunlight.

Conclusion

Understanding how to store fondant properly can save time, money, and frustration—especially if you're working on complex cake designs or preparing in advance. With the right storage methods, fondant can remain soft, usable, and vibrant for weeks or even months. Whether you're wrapping leftover pieces, preserving decorations, or storing a fondant-covered cake, following the best practices outlined above will help maintain both quality and safety. Handle your fondant with care, and your edible creations will always look their best.