Cool Whip is the perfect finishing touch on any dessert. The smooth white creamy texture adds something special to its dishes. Whether it’s a dollop on top of your Thanksgiving pie or a way to sweeten up fruit, Cool Whip is incredibly versatile.
The emergence of Cool Whip as an easy-to-grab whipped cream eliminated the time and effort that goes into making whipped cream from scratch. So it’s no wonder that it’s a staple in so many people’s refrigerators.
How long does cool whip last in the fridge? Generally, Cool Whip can last in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. One of the great things about Cool Whip is that it can go between the fridge and the freezer, and you can make it last longer if you want to.
How Long Can You Freeze Cool Whip?
If you’re looking to keep some Cool Whip on hand in your freezer, it will last you up to four months. Even if you’re going back and forth from the fridge to the freezer, your Cool Whip will be safe to eat for months.
There is no need to finish off a tub of Cool Whip so soon as you buy it (as tempting as it is). As long as you keep it in the original tub, it will remain in excellent condition for your sweet treats.
Can You Freeze (and Refreeze) Cool Whip?
When you buy Cool Whip in the store, it comes frozen. And when you bring it home, you can either throw it in the freezer or put it in the fridge to thaw it out.
You can freeze cool Whip. You can alternate Cool Whip between the fridge and the freezer without issue. You just have to make sure that it’s going through the freeze/thaw cycle completely every time.
Most dessert recipes call for only a small amount of Cool Whip, so it’s necessary for its longevity to make it freezer-friendly as much as it is fridge-friendly.
How Can You Thaw Cool Whip?
The single best way to thaw Cool Whip is to put it in the fridge and wait for it to thaw naturally, but there are some other options if you’re in a rush. You can let it rest on the countertop, put the tub in some water to speed up the thawing, or even put it in the microwave.
Seeing as Cool Whip comes frozen, you’re going to have to do some planning in advance. It’s crucial to follow thawing instructions carefully, or you might ruin your Cool Whip.
Thawing Your Cool Whip in the Fridge
Putting your Cool Whip in the fridge to thaw is the best way to bring it to a usable consistency. However, it also takes the longest. Thawing in the refrigerator can take four to five hours.
If you’re not in a rush or can leave it to thaw overnight, your fridge is the best place to thaw your Cool Whip for the best results.
Thawing Your Cool Whip on the Counter
You should not leave your Cool Whip out at room temperature for any longer than two hours. Letting your Cool Whip sit out on the counter for any length of time is generally not a good idea. Leaving it out for too long can be dangerous. It is dairy, after all.
Generally, room temperature refers to any temperature between 68°F and 72°F. If your kitchen is any warmer, you may be tempting fate by leaving it out of the cold. And bear in mind that leaving it out of its chilled environment can lead to changes in the consistency of the Cool Whip.
Thawing Your Cool Whip in the Microwave
If you’re really in a rush, you can defer to your microwave, but you have to be very cautious in how you go about it.
Make sure you take the lid off the tub and use the defrost setting on your microwave. Warm it for thirty seconds before removing it and stirring. Repeat this step until it’s smooth and ready to use. It may take up to two and a half to three minutes.
Again, the texture and consistency will be affected when you use this method versus thawing in the fridge. But if you’re in a pinch and need Cool Whip in a hurry, your microwave can help. But keep in mind that you won’t be able to refreeze your tub once it’s been in the microwave.
Thawing Your Cool Whip in a Cold Water
A cold-water bath for your tub of Cool Whip is the next best thing to a refrigerator thaw. Just place your tub in a bowl of cold water until it’s completely submerged and leave it for thirty to forty minutes, and your Cool Whip will be ready for use.
Using lukewarm water to thaw your Cool Whip is not the best idea. It can cause the Cool Whip to degrade and lose some of its fluffiness. At worst, it can make the Cool Whip go bad.
How Do You Know When Cool Whip is Bad?
If you accidentally thaw your Cool Whip improperly or forget how long it’s been in your fridge or freezer, you’ll be able to tell right away if it has gone bad. You’ll see mold spores or notice discoloration if it’s spoiled.
Luckily, Cool Whip takes a long time to go bad, but if it does, you will have to throw it away. You won’t want to risk eating the dairy if it’s gone bad and make yourself sick.
Final Thoughts
Cool Whip can last for up to two weeks in the fridge, but it can go between the refrigerator and freezer as many times as you need it to. So, one container of Cool Whip can last you a while. Maybe longer than you need it to.
As long as you thaw Cool Whip properly and make sure it’s completely thawed before you freeze it again, your Cool Whip will maintain its fluffy, smooth, and silky consistency.