Does cake with cream cheese frosting need to be refrigerated?
John Thompson
Updated on January 21, 2026
So does it need refrigeration? Food Network Kitchens: Yes, you should always refrigerate any cake or cupcake that has cream cheese frosting.
How long can a cake with cream cheese frosting sit out?
Cream cheese frosting, alone or on cake or cupcakes, can sit at a cool room temperature for up to 8 hours before it should be refrigerated. The frosting can be made and transferred to an airtight container and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days, or in the freezer for up to 1 month.Does a cake with cream cheese icing need to be refrigerated?
THE BOTTOM LINE: Cake with cream cheese frosting does need to be refrigerated—and generally within 2 hours after you've made it. To serve the cake after it's been chilled, remove only the slices you plan to serve from the refrigerator, rather than the whole cake, since individual slices will warm up more quickly.Can you leave cream cheese frosting cake out overnight?
Yes, cream cheese frosting needs to be refrigerated because it is prone to spoiling. However, cream cheese frosting can last up to two hours at room temperature, so you don't have to worry about eating cold cake.What happens if cream cheese frosting is not refrigerated?
You can leave a cake with cream cheese frosting out overnight (the sugar will help preserve it) but if your kitchen is too hot, don't take the risk. Stick it in the fridge!Does Cream Cheese Icing Need to be Refrigerated?
What kind of frosting does not need to be refrigerated?
Buttercream frosting does not need to be refrigerated. Even though it contains butter and milk or cream, the small amounts used are rendered stable when added to a pound of confectioner's sugar. The exceptions are frosting with egg, cream cheese, or meringue powder which must be refrigerated.Do frosted cakes need to be refrigerated?
Always refrigerate any cake with a frosting that contains eggs or egg whites, or one that has whipped-cream frosting or any type of filling — be it whipped cream, custard, fruit or mousse. You won't hurt a cake by refrigerating it, but the cold does dry it out.How long can cream cheese sit out at room temperature?
Food safety experts with the U.S. government say that 2 hours is the max that cream cheese should sit at room temperature. Other experts recommend no more than 4 hours.How do you know if cream cheese frosting is bad?
What is this? Known for its smooth texture, if your frosting becomes watery, slimy, or hard, it is time to toss it. If your frosting tastes even slightly sour or bitter, it should not be eaten. Fresh cream cheese frosting is smooth and white.Does Betty Crocker cream cheese frosting need refrigeration?
Rich Cream Cheese Style IcingStore in a cool, dry place before opening. Once opened seal and refrigerate any remaining icing for up to 30 days for future creations!