Normally the Whipped BC recipe does not need refrigeration, but I substituted hr shortening and butter for crisco. I have heard that yes, butter needs to be refrigerated.

But I have also heard that the meringue acts as a stabilizer(?) so this recipe (even with butter) does not need to be refrigerated?

Does anyone know the answer to this??

TIA

Stabilizer does NOT equal preservative.

The meringue powder in the recipe serves as an emulsificant.

Butter, btw, does NOT have to be refrigerated. I live in Georgia, and we keep a stick of butter out on the counter year round.

The upshot is, the icing you described does NOT require refrigeration, but that has nothing to do w/ the meringue powder, it would not require it even if you did not have the MP in it.