Adding cool whip to a pretty simple dessert instantly turns it into something fun and mouthwatering. The rich, fluffy texture is almost irresistible.
Now, if you had mistakenly thawed a tub of frozen cool whip, you might not want to waste the whole tub of yumminess. If that’s the case, you might be wondering, can you refreeze cool whip?
You can refreeze homemade/store-bought cool whip multiple times if you thaw it in a refrigerator. You can keep it refrozen for about 2-4 months. Cool whip maintains the texture even after being refrozen several times. However, it’s best to discard it immediately if you notice any consistency changes.
Even after refreezing, cool whip tastes delicious, and the texture also remains pretty much the same. But there are a few things you should remember if you want to enjoy the best quality of cool whip for a long time.
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Is it Safe to Refreeze Cool Whip?
Cool whip got famous for its light, fluffy texture and sweet yet savory taste. You can pair it up with Jell-Os or use it as a topping on puddings and pies.
It is entirely safe to freeze cool whip once it undergoes thawing. However, for proper refreezing, it’s recommended to defrost it only in a refrigerator.
Thawing with cold water is also acceptable if you want to refreeze it. It would be best if you avoid refreezing cool whip thawed in a microwave or over the counter. Defrosting by these methods might cause the whipped cream to start separating.
Another essential factor to consider while refreezing the cool whip is time. Refrain from refreezing the cool whip that has been sitting out of the refrigerator for too long.
In the case of store-bought cool whip, you should try to put it in the freezer or refrigerator as soon as you reach home. Otherwise, you may end up with a compromised texture.
Is it safe to refreeze homemade cool whip?
Homemade cool whip is excellent for those super conscious about what they eat. Preparing cool whip yourself enables you to use the ingredients of your choice. And the best part is that there is not a massive difference in the taste or texture.
Homemade cool whip is safe for freezing, but refreezing it might not prove beneficial. When you thaw the homemade variant, it starts becoming flat. Once the texture has flattened out, you should not attempt to refreeze it.
Besides the consistency, the taste may also be affected because of defrosting. However, if you must, you can freeze it in separate batches.
How to Refreeze Cool Whip?
Refreezing the cool whip is an excellent way to store it for an extended period. However, you need to follow some simple steps cautiously so that your whip doesn’t go rancid.
- Let the whole tub thaw overnight in a refrigerator.
- Take out the thawed whip and portion the cream you want to put back into the freezer. Not letting it sit out for too long will help it refreeze better.
- Place the portioned cool whip that you want to pop back into the freezer in an airtight container or a Ziploc bag, depending on what you prefer.
- Label the bag/container containing cool whip with the exact date you put it into the freezer.
- Place the labeled container in the coldest part of the freezer till the next time you feel like using it.
Note: When you have placed the container inside the freezer, avoid piling up other things on top of it. It is to allow the whip to refreeze well. Thus, there are lesser chances of spoilage.
How Long Can You Store Cool Whip?
How long the refrozen cool whip lasts depends on how well you prepare it for refreezing.
Properly refrozen store-bought cool whip will last you for about 3-4 months. But, you should throw it away if the expiration date on the actual packaging has passed.
In the case of homemade cool whip, you can keep it refrozen for 2-3 months. However, refreezing is not ideal as it doesn’t contain any preservatives. So, the chances of it getting spoiled despite working with care are very high. So you should avoid refreezing it more than once.
However, if you want, you can still refreeze the homemade variant, but be extra careful with it. If you see any slightest change in the consistency, toss it out.
Can You Refreeze Cool Whip More than Once?
The store-bought cool whip can be safely refrozen unlimited times. But, for the cool whip to stay in the best state even after freezing it multiple times, you need to follow a few safety instructions so that you don’t end up ruining it.
The homemade cool whip can also be safely refrozen, but not as many times as the store-bought one. When working with homemade cool whip, you need to be more careful, as it tends to go bad sooner.
Whether or not you should refreeze the store-bought/homemade whipped cream depends on the consistency. If you think the cool whip has turned flat and is no longer fluffy and creamy, you should avoid refreezing it.
How to Tell If Cool Whip is Bad?
There isn’t an exact way to tell whether the whipped cream has gone inedible or not. However, you should always follow your gut and throw it out if you feel it might have spoiled.
The cool whip is probably not best for consumption if it has flattened out. If you see that the water and fat components of the cool whip have separated, you should not eat/refreeze it.
If the cool whip is frozen solid, but there are a few cracks on the surface, it is another sign that you should get rid of it.
Conclusion
You can safely refreeze the store-bought/homemade cool whip defrosted in a refrigerator. And, you can get away with freezing store-bought whipped cream multiple times. You can keep it refrozen for about 3-4 months.
You can keep homemade cool whip refrozen for 2-3 months. But, in the case of homemade whipped cream, you should avoid refreezing it more than once. Refreezing in portions can help you save the unneeded amount from unnecessary defrosting.
It’s best to throw it away if you notice any signs of spoilage. Eating spoiled food can result in food poisoning or other stomach-related illness.