Can You Freeze Icing?
Quick Answer
Yes, you can freeze icing! Store it in an airtight container or freezer bag, leaving space for expansion. It lasts for 2-3 months in the freezer. To use, thaw in the fridge overnight and mix before applying.
Read on for more detail
When it comes to cakes, cupcakes, and even cookies, a good icing can take something that’s good to a whole other level of deliciousness.
Maybe you’re preparing for the holidays and want to make your icing ahead of time.
Or perhaps you just had some leftovers from the last batch you made and you know you won’t get to them in the next few days. What can you do to save them? Is freezing icing an option?
Luckily, there are a few ways to preserve that icing so you can use it later.
So, can you freeze icing? Yes, you can! Just make sure that you store it in an airtight container or freezer bag, leaving some space for it to expand, and it will last for 2-3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to use it, let it thaw in the fridge overnight, then give it a quick mix.
Read on to discover the best ways to freeze icing, how to keep it fresh in the fridge, and a simple recipe for your own homemade buttercream icing.
Can You Freeze Icing?
I’m a big fan of batch cooking and prepping recipes when I’m in the kitchen so that I always have a little stash of food, condiments, or snacks in the freezer for those busy days.
Icing is no exception to this rule since it’s so easy to make large batches of your favorite icing flavors.
But if you want to batch prep your icing, is it going to stay fresh in the freezer? Fortunately icing, specifically buttercream, freezes really well.
You can store buttercream icing in the freezer for about 2-3 months for the best results and optimal freshness.
You may be able to get away with freezing it for a little longer than that, but it does run the risk of developing freezer burn or just losing its fresh and delicious flavor and texture altogether.
Best Way To Freeze Icing
If you want to store your icing in the freezer, there are a few steps that you should follow to make sure it stays as fresh as possible for as long as possible.
While you might be tempted to skip some of these steps, your future self will thank you when they have delicious, creamy icing to enjoy.
How To Freeze Icing In An Airtight Container:
- If you have made a large batch of icing, portion it into amounts you think you would use at once. You don’t want to freeze your icing altogether only to thaw it and use a third of what you defrosted.
- Place the portions of icing into airtight containers, leaving about an inch of space from the top. When icing freezes it expands, so you want to leave space for that expansion, otherwise it could break the container or pop the lid off, leading to freezer burn.
- Take a piece of plastic wrap and press it gently on top of the icing. This step keeps air from touching the icing and causing freezer burn.
- Place the lid on your container and seal it tightly.
- Find a piece of masking tape or painter’s tape and write the date and contents on it with a permanent marker. Place it on the container before placing the icing in the freezer. This step will help you remember what you froze and when, so you’ll know if its still good down the line.
- Place the container(s) of icing in the freezer and use within 3 months for best results.
How To Freeze Icing In A Freezer Bag:
- Portion your icing into serving sizes.
- Place the icing inside your freezer bags, only filling them about 3/4 of the way full.
- Gently press the air out of the bag(s) to flatten the icing (for better storage) and to prevent the air from causing freezer burn. Seal the bags completely.
- Using a permanent marker, you can write the contents and date right on the freezer bag or on a piece of masking tape that you then stick to the baggie. Doing this will let you know when you made it, what it is, and whether it is still ok to eat when you take it out of the freezer.
- Place the bags in the freezer and make sure you use them within 3 months for optimal freshness.
Can You Freeze Containers Of Store Bought Icing?
If you have leftover icing that you bought from the store, then you might be wondering whether you can freeze it.
Luckily, this icing also freezes well, though you will likely want to transfer it to a different container since the ones they come in aren’t always as airtight as they could be.
Just follow the steps listed above to freeze your store bought icing in either a freezer bag or an airtight container. You will want to use it within 3 months for the best results.
How To Thaw Icing
Now that you’ve properly frozen and stored your icing, it’s time to learn how to properly thaw it for the creamiest and most delicious results. Follow the steps below to thaw your icing like a pro.
- The day before you need to use your icing, remove it from the freezer and let it thaw in the fridge overnight.
- A couple of hours before you need to use it, move your icing to the counter to come to room temperature.
- Once thawed, transfer your icing to a mixing bowl.
- Using egg beaters or a stand mixer, you will want to whip your icing for 30 seconds to 1 minute to make sure it is smooth, creamy, and fluffy. You may need to add a splash of cream or dab of butter for best results.
- Place your icing in a piping bag or spread directly onto your cake, cupcakes, or other treats.
Best Way To Store Icing In The Fridge
If you know that you are going to use the rest of your icing in the next week, then you can store it in the fridge instead of the freezer.
- Place your icing in an airtight container.
- Take a piece of plastic wrap and gently press it on top of the icing. This extra step will protect the icing from drying out due to the circulating air of the fridge.
- Seal your container and write the date and contents on a piece of masking tape. This step will help you know whether your icing is still good to eat when you find it in the back of the fridge.
- Place your container of icing in the fridge, away from fragrant foods such as fish and meat, if possible.
- When you’re ready to use your icing again, let it sit on the counter for a couple of hours to come to room temperature.
- Place your icing in a bowl or stand mixer and whip it for about 30 seconds to 1 minute for a smooth and creamy texture.
- Use as needed.
How To Make Vanilla Buttercream Icing
There are tons of different types of icing to play with, but one of the most popular, delicious, and easy to make is buttercream frosting.
I love making a vanilla buttercream because it is such a versatile icing.
You can keep it plain or add your own unique flavor combinations such as citrus zest, mint extract, coconut extract, cocoa powder, and virtually any other flavorings you like.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup room temperature unsalted butter
- 2 cups of sifted confectioners/icing sugar
- 1.5 teaspoons vanilla extract*
- 2 to 3 tablespoons heavy cream or whipping cream
- A pinch of salt
Directions
- In a mixing bowl or stand mixer, whip the butter until fluffy.
- Add the icing sugar and mix together until fully incorporated. You might want to add a half cup of sugar at a time so it mixes evenly.
- Add the vanilla extract and whip together.
- Add the heavy cream and sea salt and whip another 3-4 minutes or until the icing is soft and fluffy.
- Use as needed on your baked treats.
Notes:
* You can sub vanilla for any other extract you like – almond, coconut, mint etc. or use a combination
Feel free to add a couple drops of food coloring to the icing when you add the heavy cream to give it a special color.
Vanilla Buttercream Icing
Satisfy your sweet tooth with this creamy and dreamy icing!
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup room temperature unsalted butter
- 2 cups of sifted confectioners/icing sugar
- 1.5 teaspoons vanilla extract*
- 2-3 tablespoons heavy cream or whipping cream
- pinch of salt
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl or stand mixer, whip the butter until fluffy.
- Add the icing sugar and mix together until fully incorporated. You might want to add a half cup of sugar at a time so it mixes evenly.
- Add the vanilla extract and whip together.
- Add the heavy cream and sea salt and whip another 3-4 minutes or until the icing is soft and fluffy.
- Use as needed on your baked treats.
Notes
*You can substitute vanilla with any other extract you like – almond, coconut, mint etc. or use a combination.
Feel free to add a couple drops of food coloring to the icing when you add the heavy cream to give it a special color!
Final Thoughts
As you can see, it’s easy to make buttercream icing and it freezes really well if you want to make large batches ahead of time.
When you’re freezing your icing, just make sure that it is in an airtight container or freezer bag and that you use it within 3 months for peak freshness.
You will want to let it thaw in the fridge overnight then whip it for a couple of minutes before using it so that it has a light, fluffy, and creamy texture.
A basic buttercream is really easy to flavor and customize, so don’t be afraid to get creative with your extracts to make your perfect icing.
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