If you often bake or have a passion for it, you might have an idea about what fondant is. However, there are many aspects that you might still have questions about. Among the most common concerns people have is, does fondant go bad or how long does unused fondant last?
In case you have the same questions, you must know that fondant can go bad, but there are several aspects to its shelf life. Refer to our extensive guide to dig deeper and settle all your queries about your fondant shelf life, how to store it, and how to determine whether it has gone bad.
How Long Can Fondant Last?
Rolled fondant seems to have a storage life of roughly six months to a year if kept under optimal circumstances. However, there’s no definite time limit for how long fondant will last. This is because it is very much dependent on the storage climate.
Fondants from the store can last anywhere from 6 to 24 months. But, a lot relies on the product’s brand, quality, and ingredients.
Fondant’s long shelf life is due to its high sugar content. Artificial preservatives are present in store-bought fondant to lengthen its shelf life. Homemade fondant, on the other hand, has a limited shelf life.
Homemade fondant contains no additional preservatives. Thus, it’s advisable to practice caution and utilize it within two months. Even while fondant lasts for months on its own, a cake coated with it only lasts three or four days. So, in case you have a lot of fondant, you can always double the recipe for an 8×8 pan and utilize it all.
How To Store Fondant?
There are many things you must keep in mind to store your fondant properly. Here are a few tips you can keep in mind.
- If you are wondering, does unopened fondant go bad and how to store it, you can put it in an airtight jar or bag. If it is store-bought, as long as the package is intact, it is alright to use.
- However, with opened packages or homemade ones, it’s critical to wrap and seal the fondant properly in a plastic wrap. Otherwise, it would rapidly dry out and become useless.
- It’s also a good idea to keep fondant out of direct sunshine to avoid color alteration. Fondant should be kept cold and free from heat.
- Make sure no water gets into the fondant bag or container. This is because moisture can do considerable damage to the fondant.
- Moreover, thawing causes condensation, which is a natural adversary of fondant. It can make it lose its ability to fit into a shape. To prevent the occurrence of bubbles underneath the fondant, avoid making rapid temperature changes.
- Fondant also readily takes up dirt and lint. Make sure your hands are clean and clothed adequately before dealing with fondant.
- People usually freeze fondant several days ahead, although experts suggest this isn’t the best option. Fondant’s texture and consistency are said to alter when it is frozen. It’s easier to use fresh fondant.
- It’s also worth noting that refrigerating fondant cakes in their entirety is not recommended. Slice the cake into pieces, cover each slice in plastic wrap, and store it in a clean, dry container.
If you are looking for accessories to store fondant, there are many options. Airtight containers are among the must-haves. Once you wrap the fondant in a plastic wrap, you should store it dry in an airtight container.