Updated: Jan. 09, 2023
You never want to run out of frosting when decorating your layer cake. But that means you're often left with too much. Here's what to do with leftover frosting.
When it comes to frosting, there’s no such thing as too much. Even if you have leftovers after you’re done baking, don’t throw them away! Whether you make frosting and graham cracker sandwiches or eat it with a spoon (we won’t tell!), frosting is worth keeping.
The One Thing You Need to Try with Leftover Frosting
While there’s a wide array of ways to use up leftover frosting, one of our favorite tricks is to pour the leftovers over ice cream! (Don’t have leftovers? Here’s a recipe for buttercream frosting that only takes 10 minutes.) Just zap the frosting in the microwave until it gets runny, then pour over your favorite ice cream flavor.
How Should I Store Leftover Frosting?
When you’re done piping or spreading your frosting, put the leftovers in an airtight container to prevent it from crusting over. We don’t recommend storing the frosting in your piping bags because they’re not as airtight as a glass or plastic container. If it’s store-bought frosting, just pop the lid back on. And, here are several different ways to make store-bought frosting better.
Editor’s Tip: Don’t store the frosting near fragrant foods in the fridge, like fish, meat or onions. You don’t want your frosting tasting fishy!
There’s actually a right way and a wrong way to store your foods—here are our best tips.
How Long Does Leftover Frosting Last?
Most frostings can be stored in the fridge or freezer. Store-bought frosting can last in the fridge for three to four weeks and in the freezer for two to three months. Homemade frosting will last up to a week in the fridge and about one month in the freezer. As always, watch for signs of spoiling, like a darker color, thicker texture or bad smell.
Here’s how long other leftovers will keep in the fridge.
When you’re ready to use up the leftovers, transfer the frosting from the freezer to the fridge the night before so it can thaw. Let it come to room temperature before use. You may need to stir the frosting to get the right consistency.
