Can a Cream Cheese-Decorated Cake Be Left Out Overnight?

By: Wendy K. Leigh

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Cakes decorated with cream cheese frosting have the potential to spoil when bacteria accumulates and multiplies in warm air. The danger is higher in summer months if the room is not air-conditioned or if the cake is left outdoors for any period of time. Minimize the time that a cake is out of the refrigerator to be safe.

Better Safe Than Sorry

Cakes with cream cheese frostings should always be kept chilled until serving time, according to the FDA. Cold temperatures keep bacteria from multiplying, reducing the danger of foodborne illnesses. Keep cream cheese-frosted cakes at room temperature for no more than two hours.

Chilling Out

Cover the cake while refrigerated to help it stay moist and prevent it from absorbing odors. Use a dome covering to protect the cream cheese frosting. If you must wrap it with plastic or foil to conserve space, first place the cake unwrapped in the refrigerator for half an hour to allow the frosting to harden before wrapping it.