Listen, I’m not your mom, and I’m not a food safety inspector. I’m just a person who loves cake. The general rule is: if it looks fine, smells fine, and tastes fine, it probably is fine. Buttercream is not a ticking time bomb.
But if you see mold (unlikely, but possible), or if it develops a liquid layer on top, or if it smells like sour play-doh, toss it. Your health is worth more than saving a few dollars on frosting. And your stomach will thank you.
So go ahead and leave that birthday cake out overnight. Cover it well, keep it away from direct heat, and enjoy it the next morning with your coffee. I promise, the buttercream won’t hold a grudge. And if anyone judges you? Just tell them the fat and sugar preservation theory is on your side.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have some leftover frosting to eat with a spoon. Don’t judge me. You know you’ve done it too.
