Fall seems to be the favorite season for most Americans, at least according to a 2013 poll. And it’s not too surprising. The weather is brisk but not cold, which is a nice relief after the dog days of summer – particularly if you don’t have air conditioning. And the changing of the leaves also adds a brilliant mix of colors to our lives.
However, for me at least, one of the greatest things about fall is pumpkin pie. It’s the quintessential dessert of the season. Additionally, people flock in droves to their nearest Starbucks to get the seasonal Pumpkin Spice latte as well. Whilst pumpkin pie is certainly delicious on its own, it’s not complete without a dollop of Cool Whip on top.
Cool Whip on top of pumpkin pie is just as necessary as a cherry on top of an ice cream sundae. And for me, it’s even better. But Cool Whip isn’t good only on pumpkin pie. You can add it to so many different things!
As an imitation whipped cream, it makes a great addition to all manner of desserts. But what should you do once you’ve defrosted and used it? Can you refreeze Cool Whip for later use?
Read on to learn the answer!
Can You Freeze and Refreeze Cool Whip?
Since Cool Whip can be the metaphorical “cherry on top” of so many desserts, it’s probably not much of a surprise if you have some sitting in your freezer right now.
However, you may be wondering if it’s okay to refreeze Cool Whip.
After all, if you want to use it, you need to let it thaw a little bit before using it for the best results. The good news is that yes! You can definitely refreeze Cool Whip.
Is it Safe to Refreeze Cool Whip?
Yes, it’s completely safe to refreeze Cool Whip.
This is because since it was first created in 1969, it was made specifically so it could be defrosted and refrozen. So, it would be pretty silly if it wouldn’t be safe to refreeze, right?
However, while it’s a very hearty food due to all of the preservatives in it, if you want to keep the Cool Whip in its best shape, you should be sure to defrost it and freeze it carefully.
Otherwise, you may be left with Cool Whip that’s lost its signature light and fluffy texture. And while it still may taste great, it won’t have the same impact as when it’s fresh.
How Many Times Can You Refreeze Cool Whip?
Again, going back to when it was first invented, it was able to be easily transported all around the country. This was because it could be frozen, defrosted, and frozen again without losing its quality.
So, in theory, Cool Whip can be refrozen an unlimited amount of times.
However, if you don’t closely follow the best practices and it’s been kept at room temperature or in the fridge for too long then it won’t refreeze as well and it will start to lose its light texture.
While there is no exact number of how many times you can refreeze Cool Whip, it’s likely that you’ll be able to finish the container of Cool Whip before this happens as long as you closely follow the thawing and freezing best practices I’ll highlight below.
How to Thaw Cool Whip
Properly thawing Cool Whip is vital to being able to thaw and refreeze it a number of times. If you leave it out for too long (particularly when it’s left at room temperature), then you’ll notice that when you freeze it, it won’t be as “whipped” anymore.
Note that you should only refreeze it if you thaw it using the fridge method or the cold water method. You shouldn’t refreeze it if you thaw it in either the microwave or at room temperature.
There are some other things that can happen if you thaw Cool Whip incorrectly as well. Cool Whip will spoil if left out for an extended period of time. It’s produced using dairy ingredients that spoil in a little over two hours when left out at room temperature.
Furthermore, Cool Whip can liquefy when thawed at ambient temperature. So you need to beat it before serving. However, if you beat it too hard, it will lose volume and fluffiness. If you’re stirring the Cool Whip while it’s thawing, be gentle so the texture and consistency don’t get messed up.
Cool Whip may be ruined in the microwave if you’re not careful, and once it’s ruined, it can’t be saved. Follow the instructions above if you’re going to use the microwave, but only if you’re in a hurry.
In the Fridge
Similar to thawing other foods, the best method of defrosting Cool Whip is by placing it in the fridge. However, this takes the most time compared to the other three methods.
- First, transfer the Cool Whip tub from the freezer into the fridge.
- Then, let it thaw overnight. Or, if you’ll be using it the same day, it will take about four or five hours.
- Finally, use all of the Cool Whip that you’d like, and then place the tub of Cool Whip back in the freezer.
If you use this method and don’t keep the Cool Whip out at room temperature for very long, then you can repeat this procedure for as long as it takes to finish the tub and not notice any change in the texture. I highly recommend using this method.
At Room Temperature
If you don’t have to thaw it at room temperature then you should avoid doing it. While it might be faster than the cold water or fridge method, you leave your Cool Whip more exposed to the possibility of spoiling faster or losing its fluffy texture. And, in general, rapid temperature changes aren’t recommended for perishable foods or even food in general for that matter.
However, if you must, here’s how you thaw Cool Whip at room temperature.
- First, place the tub of Cool Whip on a countertop. Make sure to place it somewhere that won’t receive direct sunlight as this will be catastrophic for the Cool Whip.
- Then, be mindful of the time. It shouldn’t be left out for more than two hours. Use it as soon as you notice that it’s thawed enough.
- If the room is much hotter than standard room temperature (around 68 degrees Fahrenheit) then it shouldn’t be left for more than 60 minutes even. While it may not spoil due to the preservatives, it will become less smooth and perhaps even go “flat” and lose all of its normal consistency.
It’s important to repeat that if you thaw it at room temperature you shouldn’t refreeze it.
In the Microwave
If you’re truly pressed for time, you may have to resort to using your microwave. It may work, but you must exercise extreme caution and adhere to the following guidelines.
- First, remove the lid from the container of frozen Cool Whip and set it in the microwave.
- Warm gently for 30 seconds on the defrost setting.
- Then, remove the carton when the microwave beeps, give the contents a little swirl and return it to the microwave for another 30 seconds.
- Repeat the procedures above until the Cool Whip is completely defrosted, depending on how frozen it is. This will take between two and three minutes in most microwaves.
- Microwave thawing does not have the same texture as fridge thawing, but it is a feasible alternative if you’ve backed yourself into a position.
Some things to keep in mind are that the 30-second swirl between warming cycles is critical to preventing texture deterioration. You might wind up with a yellow goo that you won’t be able to utilize if you don’t.
It’s also worth noting, as previously stated, that after defrosting Cool Whip in the microwave, you won’t be able to refreeze it.
If you make a mistake and get the terrible yellow goo I mentioned, freezing it won’t help. All you’ll do is merely freeze the yellow goo into a frozen chunk of yellow goo.
In Cold Water
Last (but not least) is the cold water method. This is the other method that’ll allow you to refreeze the Cool Whip. This is the second-best method after the fridge method. While it takes a bit more time and effort, it can save you from ruining the Cool Whip and also allowing you to refreeze it.
- First, select a bowl that’s large enough to allow the tub of Cool Whip to sit inside. You may have to use a pot if you can’t find a bowl big enough.
- Then, fill the bowl or pot with cold water. However, don’t fill it beyond the lip of the Cool Whip container as water may enter the tub.
- Place the tub of Cool Whip into the water and allow it to bob around for about 30 or 40 minutes. After this, the Cool Whip will be ready to use.
- After you’re done using it, place it back in the freezer promptly.
If you plan on refreezing the Cool Whip, only use cold water. However, if you plan on using it all, you could use warm water for faster thawing.
Can You Freeze and Refreeze Homemade Cool Whip?
No, you should avoid refreezing homemade Cool Whip. While you can freeze homemade Cool Whip, you shouldn’t refreeze it.
This is because homemade whipped cream doesn’t have the same physical properties as the premade version. While it will be safe to do so, the consistency of it will change.
