Buttercream frosting is a classic topping and one of the most popular choices for cakes and cupcakes.
There are many different variations of buttercream frosting such as American, Swiss, Italian, German and French buttercream frosting but the basic recipe consists of butter, sugar, and milk or cream.
However, sometimes you just don’t have time to make buttercream frosting from scratch and need a quick fix.
In this case, you might be wondering if you can make buttercream frosting ahead of time.
Let’s find out!
You can make buttercream frosting ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2 weeks or in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to use it, just let it thaw in the fridge overnight and then bring it to room temperature before trying to spread it on your cake or cupcakes.
In this blog post, we’ll cover everything you need to know about making buttercream frosting ahead of time, including how to properly store it and how to thaw it out.
So, if you’re looking for a way to save time on your dessert prep, read on!
Is It Better To Make Buttercream Frosting Ahead Of Time?
There are pros and cons to making buttercream frosting ahead of time.
On the one hand, it’s definitely convenient to have a batch of frosting already made and ready to go in the fridge or freezer.
This can save you a lot of time and effort when you’re trying to get a cake or cupcakes decorated in a hurry.
On the other hand, some people believe that buttercream frosting is best made fresh just before you plan to use it.
This is because the texture of the frosting can change after it’s been stored, making it harder to spread or pipe.
If you do choose to make your buttercream frosting ahead of time, just be aware that it might not be as smooth and spreadable as frosting that’s fresh out of the mixer.
Give it enough time to properly thaw and come to room temperature before you use it, and you should be able to get it back to its original consistency.
Tips For Making Buttercream Frosting Ahead Of Time
With a little planning, you can have buttercream frosting ready to go when you need it.
Here are a few crucial tips on how to make buttercream frosting ahead of time:
1. Make a large batch of buttercream frosting and divide it into smaller containers.
This way you’ll have some on hand for immediate use and the rest can be stored in the fridge or freezer for later.
2. An important thing to keep in mind is that buttercream frosting made with milk will not hold up as well in the fridge or freezer as buttercream frosting made with cream.
This is because milk contains water and will cause the frosting to separate when it’s frozen.
If you want to make buttercream frosting ahead of time and store it in the fridge or freezer, it’s best to use a recipe that calls for heavy cream instead of milk.
3. When storing buttercream frosting in the fridge, make sure to place it in an airtight container.
This will prevent it from drying out or absorbing any strange smells from your fridge.
4. When you’re ready to use the buttercream frosting, let it thaw in the fridge overnight before bringing it to room temperature.
This will help to prevent any condensation from forming on the surface of the frosting.
5. If the buttercream frosting is too stiff after thawing, you can add a little bit of milk or cream to soften it up.
Be careful not to add too much liquid though, as this can change the flavor and texture of the frosting.
6. Once the buttercream frosting is at the right consistency, use it to frost your cake or cupcakes and enjoy!
How Do You Store Buttercream Frosting Overnight
So, now that you know that buttercream frosting will last overnight in the fridge, how should you store it?
As we mentioned before, it’s important to store buttercream frosting in an airtight container.
This will prevent it from drying out or absorbing any other aromas from your fridge.
You can use a plastic storage container with a lid or a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid.
If you’re using a glass jar, make sure to wrap the lid in plastic wrap so that it’s completely airtight.
Once your buttercream frosting is stored properly, it will last in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
How Do You Store Buttercream Frosting In The Freezer
If you want to store your buttercream frosting in the freezer, it’s best to do so in individual portions.
This way you can thaw only as much as you need and the rest will stay fresh in the freezer.
To freeze buttercream frosting, simply place it in a plastic storage bag or container and label it with the date.
Then, place it in the freezer and it will last for up to 3 months.
When you’re ready to use the frozen buttercream frosting, thaw it overnight in the fridge and then bring it to room temperature before using.
Can You Frost A Cake With Buttercream The Day Before?
You can frost a cake with buttercream the day before.
In fact, it’s often best to do so because it gives the buttercream time to set and firm up.
This makes it less likely to smear or smudge when you’re cutting and serving the cake.
If you’re going to frost a cake with buttercream the day before, make sure to store it in the fridge so that the buttercream doesn’t melt.
When you’re ready to serve the cake, take it out of the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about an hour before cutting and serving.
This will give the buttercream time to soften up so that it’s easier to slice through.
Other Questions You May Have
Can You Make Buttercream Flowers Ahead Of Time?
You can make buttercream flowers ahead of time.
In fact, it’s often best to do so because this gives the flowers time to firm up nicely.
This makes them less likely to smudge when you’re placing them on the cake.
To make buttercream flowers ahead of time, simply pipe them onto a sheet of wax paper and then place them in the freezer.
Once they’re frozen, you can store them in a plastic storage bag or container.
When you’re ready to use the frozen buttercream flowers, thaw them overnight in the fridge and then use them to decorate your cake or cupcakes.
Can You Make Buttercream Frosting With Margarine?
You can make buttercream frosting with margarine.
However, keep in mind that margarine can sometimes give the frosting a slightly different flavor and texture than butter.
If you’re using margarine, make sure to taste the frosting before you use it to make sure that you’re happy with the results.
How Do You Fix Runny Buttercream Frosting?
If your buttercream frosting is too runny, there are a few things you can do to fix it.
First, make sure that your butter is at the right temperature. If it’s too soft, it will make the frosting too runny.
Second, add more powdered sugar to thicken up the frosting.
If you add too much, simply add a little bit more butter to balance it out.
Finally, if your frosting is still too runny, you can try putting it in the fridge for a few minutes to see if that helps thicken it up.
If all else fails, you can always start over with a new batch of buttercream frosting.
My Buttercream Is Too Sweet! What Can I Do?
If your buttercream frosting is too sweet, there are a few things you can do to fix it.
The first thing you can do is to add a little bit of salt to balance out the sweetness.
You can also choose to add a bit of lemon juice to cut through the sweetness.
Lastly, you can add more butter to tone down the sweetness.
Keep in mind that this will also make the frosting more rich and creamy.
Make sure to use small amounts of each ingredient at a time, and taste the frosting as you go so that you don’t end up with a batch that’s too salty or sour.
My Buttercream Is Too Stiff, What Can I Do?
If your buttercream frosting is too stiff, there are a few things you can do to fix it.
The first thing you can do is to add a little bit more butter.
This will make the frosting more creamy and easier to spread.
Another option is to add a bit of milk or cream to make it easier to spread.
Finally, you can try adding a little bit of hot water. This will help to thin out the frosting and make it more spreadable.
Keep in mind that you don’t want to add too much liquid at once or you’ll run the risk of making the frosting too runny.
Make sure to only add it in little by little until you reach the desired result.
I Don’t Have Powdered Sugar, What Can I Substitute?
If you don’t have powdered sugar, you can substitute it with granulated sugar.
Simply place the granulated sugar in a blender or food processor and blend until it resembles powder.
Keep in mind that this substitution will make the frosting a little bit grainier than if you were to use powdered sugar.
If you’re looking for a completely smooth frosting, you may want to stick with powdered sugar.
Final Thoughts
Buttercream frosting is a delicious and versatile way to decorate cakes and cupcakes.
With a few simple tips, you can easily make a batch of buttercream frosting ahead of time that’s perfect for your needs.
If you’re new to making buttercream, start with a basic and easy recipe and then experiment with different flavors and textures.
And don’t be afraid to get creative!
There are endless possibilities when it comes to decorating with buttercream frosting.
Try out different techniques, like piping and swirling, to create unique and beautiful designs.
With a little practice, you’ll be a pro in no time!