Does cake frosting with milk in it have to be refrigerated?

Question

If you are making a cake frosting with milk, sugar, crisco, oleo, flour and vanilla, does it need to be refrigerated. My mother has used this recipe for years and never refrigerated it and we never got sick. Now that I see that milk is an ingredient it screams out refrigeration necessary to me. What's the deal with frostings and the need for refrigeration?

Answer 1

No.

Answer 2

Yes, it does. Or it should be if it is to be kept out for more than a few hours. The Crisco and oleo will preserve it by coating it, but it doesn't protect it for a long time, especially in warmer temperatures. It soon starts the spoiling process.

The small amount of milk in the recipe won't cultivate much bacteria when it starts to spoil, so it won't become an immediate concern when eating it the first day or so if left out. Most people's bodies can handle that much without distress. However, the bacteria will build exponentially and become dangerously high within a short time thereafter.

Answer 3

She probably used canned milk which will stand out for a lot longer (7-10 days) open with out spoiling and i am sure she kept it covered.

The "deal" is lately the FDA has become aware of the plethora of odd foods and "improper" handling of foods in the USA and has been causing such an uproar everyone is treating their home kitchen as they would a restaurant. The big question is is this necessary? I myself was raised on a farm (3-6 months a year until I was 9) and drank fresh milk straight from the cow without the "benefit of pasteurization" a BIG no-no by FDA standards but a farm reality and a real treat! remember these are the same gov entities that prevented the opening of Sushi Bars for 20 years in most states because they thought raw fish "unsanitary". Rules are meant to protect you from that which you do not know - once you know better you can make your own. Good Luck!

Answer 4

You should refrigerate it to be on the safe side but as long as it's not being left out for a really long time or in really hot weather it shouldn't be a problem.
The reason you refrigerate things is because the icebox keeps things below a comfortable temperature for harmful bacteria, if you leave things like milk (which is a great host for bacteria) out of the refrigerator bacteria can grow because the temperate isn't hot or cold enough to kill it.

Answer 5

Honestly, it depends on how soon this frosting will be put on a cake, or used in some other way. If it's going to be used within an hour or two, you're safe. But longer, and you definitely need to refrigerate. However, unless you have an issue with cold foods, or no room in your refrigerator...I would refrigerate it anyways...

Answer 6

YES YES YES!

Any recipe with milk MUST be refrigerated whether you cook it or not.

And I might try butter instead of crisco for a better taste and feel.

Answer 7

I would refridgerate it, personally. And maybe set it on the counter for an hour or two to warm up before use.

Like you said, the ingredients scream FRIDGE!!!

Answer 8

is it that big of a deal? just stick it in the fridge

Answer 9

I would, keeps it from going bad.

Answer 10

Yes, it will rot in no time.

Answer 11

I say...yes