Opened heavy cream keeps 7-10 days in the fridge at 40°F or below. It can be frozen about 2 months, but it may separate and not whip; use thawed cream in cooking.
Storage times from USDA, FoodSafety.gov, FDA and university extension services. Checked .
How long does heavy cream last in the fridge?
7–10 days at 40°F (4°C) or below.
Can you freeze heavy cream?
Yes. For best quality use it within 2 months. Texture separates and may not whip; fine for cooking; best quality; safe indefinitely at 0°F.
- Freeze in ice-cube trays for sauces and soups.
- Whipped cream freezes better than liquid cream (Clemson).
After thawing: Thaw in the fridge, shake well and use in cooking within a few days.
How long can heavy cream sit out?
No more than 2 hours at room temperature, or 1 hour when it's above 90°F (USDA's 2-hour rule). After that, throw it out.
How to tell if heavy cream has gone bad
- Sour smell
- Lumps or curdling
- Yellowish color or sour taste
Bacteria that cause food poisoning don't always change the look or smell of food, so go by the storage times above. When in doubt, throw it out.
Questions people ask
Can heavy cream be frozen?
Yes, for about 2 months, but texture changes. Rutgers and Clemson don't recommend freezing unwhipped cream for best quality.
How long does whipped cream last?
Homemade whipped cream keeps about 1 day in the fridge, per Clemson.
How long can half and half sit out?
No more than 2 hours at room temperature, or 1 hour when it's above 90°F (USDA's 2-hour rule). After that, throw it out.
Sources
- New Mexico State University Extension: Storing Food Safely (E-118)
- University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension: Recommended Food Storage Times (FCS3-595)
- Rutgers Cooperative Extension: Home Storage of Foods - Refrigerator and Freezer Storage (E340)
- Clemson Cooperative Extension HGIC 3522: Food Storage - Refrigerator & Freezer (1999, state library archive)