Indulge in a delightful culinary journey with our curated collection of buttercream frosting recipes, a versatile and luscious topping that transforms ordinary cakes, cupcakes, and pastries into extraordinary confections. Embark on a sweet adventure as we unveil the secrets behind achieving the perfect consistency, texture, and flavor in your buttercream. Discover how simple ingredients like butter, sugar, and milk can be elevated into a symphony of flavors with the addition of extracts, cocoa, or even fresh fruits.
From the classic Vanilla Buttercream Frosting, a timeless favorite that complements any dessert, to the rich and decadent Chocolate Buttercream Frosting, a chocolate lover's dream come true, our recipes cater to every palate and occasion. Explore the tangy delight of Lemon Buttercream Frosting, a refreshing twist that brightens up any baked good. For a touch of elegance, try the Swiss Meringue Buttercream Frosting, known for its silky smooth texture and ability to hold intricate designs.
But that's not all! Our collection also includes the unique and flavorful Brown Sugar Buttercream Frosting, a delightful combination of caramel and vanilla notes. For those who love the taste of cream cheese, the Cream Cheese Buttercream Frosting is a must-try, offering a tangy and creamy experience. And for those with dietary restrictions, we present the Vegan Buttercream Frosting, a plant-based alternative that delivers the same rich and creamy satisfaction.
With step-by-step instructions and helpful tips, our recipes ensure that every baker, from novice to expert, can achieve buttercream frosting perfection. Whether you're looking to top a birthday cake, decorate cupcakes for a special occasion, or simply indulge in a sweet treat, our buttercream frosting recipes are the key to unlocking a world of delicious possibilities.
QUICK AND ALMOST-PROFESSIONAL BUTTERCREAM ICING
After failing to find the perfect recipe for buttercream icing, I found one that worked for me and then added my own two cents.
Provided by xoshadyxo
Categories Desserts Frostings and Icings Buttercream
Yield 8
Number Of Ingredients 5
Steps:
- Cream room temperature butter with a hand mixer, the paddle attachment of a stand mixer, or a wooden spoon until smooth and fluffy. Gradually beat in confectioners' sugar until fully incorporated. Beat in vanilla extract.
- Pour in milk and beat for an additional 3 to 4 minutes. Add food coloring, if using, and beat for thirty seconds until smooth or until desired color is reached.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 227.9 calories, Carbohydrate 31.5 g, Cholesterol 30.8 mg, Fat 11.6 g, Protein 0.2 g, SaturatedFat 7.3 g, Sodium 83.7 mg, Sugar 31 g
VANILLA BUTTERCREAM FROSTING
This is my favorite vanilla buttercream. It's the perfect vanilla frosting that's simple, creamy and smooth and tastes unbelievable on vanilla cupcakes!
Provided by Sally
Categories Frosting
Time 5m
Number Of Ingredients 5
Steps:
- With a handheld or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the butter on medium speed until creamy, about 2 minutes. Add 4 and 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar, the heavy cream, and vanilla extract. Beat on low speed for 30 seconds, then increase to medium-high speed and beat for 2 full minutes. Taste. Add a pinch of salt if frosting is too sweet. I always add 1/8 teaspoon.
- You can control the consistency at this point- add up to 1/2 cup more confectioners' sugar if frosting is too thin or more heavy cream if frosting is too thick (add only 1 Tablespoon at a time, beat together, then taste and add more if desired).
- Use immediately or cover tightly and store for up to 1 week in the refrigerator or up to 3 months in the freezer. After freezing, thaw in the refrigerator then beat the frosting on medium speed for a few seconds so it's creamy again. After thawing or refrigerating, beating in a splash of heavy cream or milk will help thin the frosting out again, if needed.
BEST HOMEMADE VANILLA BUTTERCREAM FROSTING
Vanilla buttercream frosting is the traditional choice for bakers and decorators alike. Quick and easy to make, this delicious recipe is perfect for frosting cupcakes, cakes, layer cakes and cookies.
Provided by Katie
Categories Dessert
Time 20m
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Using an electric mixer fitted with beaters or a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the butter and shortening on a medium speed until light and fluffy. Beat in the vanilla extract and scrape down the bowl occasionally.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time. Start by mixing each cup on a low speed then transition to beating well on medium speed. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl after each cup of sugar is added. When all the sugar has been mixed in, the frosting will appear dry and stiff.
- Gradually add small amounts of cream or milk or water at a time until the desired consistency is reached. Continue to beat at a medium speed until light and fluffy. Scrape down the bowl once more and beat again to make sure all the ingredients are incorporated.
- (Optional) Add a pinch of salt if too sweet and mix until completely dissolved.
EASTER LAMB CAKE
My grandmother started the tradition of making this molded Easter lamb cake when I was little. We continue to make it every Easter. The memory is so special that I keep the lamb mold in my kitchen next to my cookbooks as a decoration. Make sure to grease and flour the mold really well so that the cake does not stick. - Debra Waggoner, Grand Island, Nebraska
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Desserts
Time 1h5m
Yield 16 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 15
Steps:
- Place egg whites in a small bowl; let stand at room temperature 30 minutes., Meanwhile, preheat oven to 375°. Thoroughly grease and flour inside of a 3D lamb cake pan. , In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in vanilla. In another bowl, sift flour, baking powder and salt together twice; add to creamed mixture alternately with milk, beating well after each addition., Add cream of tartar to egg whites; with clean beaters, beat on high speed just until stiff but not dry. Fold a fourth of the whites into batter, then fold in remaining whites., Gently transfer to bottom half of mold (the bottom half is the face of the lamb). Place top mold (back of lamb) on top, interlocking seams (make sure half with vent hole is on top to permit steam to escape). Place on a baking sheet., Bake until a toothpick inserted in vent hole comes out clean, 45-50 minutes. Let cool 15 minutes before removing to wire rack to cool completely., For frosting, in a large bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually beat in confectioners' sugar and vanilla. Frost cake. Attach sprinkles for eyes and nose; sprinkle body with coconut. If desired, decorate with additional coconut and jelly beans.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 377 calories, Fat 17g fat (10g saturated fat), Cholesterol 46mg cholesterol, Sodium 286mg sodium, Carbohydrate 54g carbohydrate (41g sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 4g protein.
QUICK VANILLA BUTTERCREAM FROSTING
Whip up a top-rated, five-star recipe for Quick Vanilla Buttercream Frosting that's fluffy, light and a versatile addition to any cake.
Provided by Food Network
Categories dessert
Time 12m
Yield 10 to 12 servings
Number Of Ingredients 4
Steps:
- In a standing mixer fitted with a whisk, mix together sugar and butter. Mix on low speed until well blended and then increase speed to medium and beat for another 3 minutes.
- Add vanilla and cream and continue to beat on medium speed for 1 minute more, adding more cream if needed for spreading consistency.
VANILLA BUTTERCREAM FROSTING
For many people, cake is just the delivery vehicle for the real star of the show-the frosting. If you agree, you'll love this five-star buttercream frosting recipe. It's rich, sweet and foolproof. With 4 ingredients and 10 minutes of effort, this vanilla buttercream frosting will be ready to turn any cake, cookie or cupcake into a special-occasion dessert-never underestimate the power of a good frosting! Memorize this recipe and you'll always have a frosting to complement whatever's for dessert. (P.S. If you fall for this recipe, you'll be glad to know there's a 2.0 version: Marshmallow Buttercream Frosting is a must try!)
Provided by Betty Crocker Kitchens
Categories Dessert
Time 10m
Yield 12
Number Of Ingredients 4
Steps:
- In medium bowl, mix powdered sugar and butter with spoon or electric mixer on low speed. Stir in vanilla and 1 tablespoon of the milk.
- Gradually beat in just enough remaining milk to make frosting smooth and spreadable. If frosting is too thick, beat in more milk, a few drops at a time. If frosting becomes too thin, beat in a small amount of powdered sugar. Frosts 13x9-inch cake generously, or fills and frosts an 8- or 9-inch two-layer cake.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 170, Carbohydrate 30 g, Cholesterol 15 mg, Fat 1, Fiber 0 g, Protein 0 g, SaturatedFat 2 1/2 g, ServingSize 1 Serving, Sodium 35 mg, Sugar 29 g, TransFat 0 g
BUTTERCREAM FROSTING
This basic buttery frosting has unmatchable homemade taste. With a few simple variations, you can come up with different colors and flavors-from orange, lemon and mint to chocolate and peanut butter. -Diana Wilson, Denver, Colorado
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Desserts
Time 15m
Yield about 4 cups.
Number Of Ingredients 4
Steps:
- In a bowl, cream butter. Beat in sugar and vanilla. Add milk until frosting reaches desired consistency.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 453 calories, Fat 16g fat (10g saturated fat), Cholesterol 42mg cholesterol, Sodium 160mg sodium, Carbohydrate 80g carbohydrate (75g sugars, Fiber 0 fiber), Protein 0 protein.
MY FAVORITE BUTTERCREAM ICING FOR DECORATING
This wonderful icing is used for icing cakes and cookies as well as for borders and art work on cakes. It makes a delicious filling also between the layers of cakes and under Fondant Icing. You can make roses but it takes 3 or more days to dry them depending on the humidity. There are many versions of "Buttercream" icing. Some are made with eggs and all butter. Some varieties, you have to cook your sugar to a softball stage. Others are 100% shortening or a combination of shortening and butter. Each decorator has his or her favorite. I personally think that the best taste and textured recipe is the one that has you cook your sugar, add to whipped eggs and use pounds of butter per batch. BUT.... I live in a state that can easily be a 100 degrees for days on end during the summer and you know what butter does on hot days. It melts! A greasy puddle of melted icing on a cake plate is not something I want to look at or eat. Your top notch decorators have a few options we don't. They have huge refrigerators to store their cakes in, and refrigerated vehicles that they can use to deliver decorated cakes. I even know a few that refuse to deliver at all. If you want their cake, you come and get it and it's your responsibility if it melts. These decorators don't even turn on their ovens for a wedding cake for less than $2000. The following recipes for Buttercream Icing hold up pretty well in the heat and humidity, but if you know that your cake will be out in very high temperatures, then don't use any butter and use only a high quality shortening. Shortening: Solid Shortenings definitely have their place in baking. So I'm going to talk taste tests. Crisco is the hands down winner. It has a clean taste with the melting point of 106 degrees. Butter melts somewhere between 88 and 98 degrees F. depending on the amount of fat in the brand. You can see that if you need to serve a pure buttercream decorated cake, on a hot August afternoon, you could have melted roses (and I do mean greasy puddles) on the tablecloth. This is when a good quality shortening will be a great blessing. I have been told by decorator friends that some of the warehouse brand shortenings leave a grainy consistency to the icing no matter what you do. Powdered (Confectioner's) Sugar: Regarding Powdered Sugar. Please use a Cane Sugar. I prefer C&H Powdered (confectioners) Sugar. Many of the cheaper brands use sugar beets for their base. I don't know the chemistry behind it but you definitely get different textures to your icing that can vary from batch to batch. I spent a few months being very frustrated with the quality of my icing until a kind lady did a bit of trouble shooting for me. She recommended the cane sugar and I've been blessing her ever since. Top-Quality Brands: Please be safe, buy a quality brands and then stick with it for the best results. A friend of mine, who is a wonderful cook and baker, travels a lot and she often prepares treats for her hosts. She's learned to ask the host to have her favorite shortening and flour on hand. She has even made up a little makeup type case that carries her favorite extracts and precious spices. That way she knows what she is working with, how it handles, and what tastes she can expect for the finished product. Some surprises are NOT pleasant. Storing Buttercream Icing: If you are not going to be using the icing right away, place it in a clean, sealable bowl. Store it in the refrigerator but please don't place it next to the marinating salmon, garlic or broccoli. You do NOT want those flavors in your icing! I like to use my icing within a few days but it will hold in the cold refrigerator for a couple of weeks if necessary. I often make a double batch of icing the night before I have a baking project. That way I know that I have plenty of icing, it's fresh and I don't have to make it while I'm in the middle of baking the cakes. The extra can always be used for a batch of cupcakes. When you remove the icing from the refrigerator, you might notice that the icing has taken on a sponge like texture. Do yourself a favor and place the icing in a bowl and mix by hand using a back and forth, smashing motion with a spoon or icing spatula. What you want to do is to smash the bubbles out of the icing. This extra step will help to give you the smoothest icing for a pretty top and sides of the cake. I have found that you will get an even better texture of icing if it is at room temperature before you try to do your icing. Bad Buttercream Icing Days: One thing that seems very silly but is true. There are Bad Buttercream Days! I've asked quite a few decorators about this and every one says "Yes, there are lousy days". I'm not sure what causes the problem. It could be that every human has bad days so they blame the buttercream. It may be the humidity or that there is a low pressure system hanging over your town. I just know why but it is a perceived fact. The way I have handled the problem is that I changed the decoration on the cake. I couldn't get the smooth top or sides as I originally planned. Writing a greeting on a messy top would look awful so I changed the design idea and put flowers everywhere. I could have also done a basket weave technique around the sides. Just go with the flow, and don't get frustrated. Aunt Martha won't chuck the cake at you if you don't write her name on the top this time. Remember that you are creating something that is to be eaten so have fun with it. Different Mixers: If you have a heavy duty counter mixer, you can prepare a whole batch at one time. If you are using a hand mixer, divide the recipe in half. If you notice the mixer getting hot, please stop and let the machine cool off. I also prefer to mix the buttercream on a low setting. It seems that the higher setting do the job faster but you also will get a spongy texture to the icing. I don't want that quality in my final ice coating or flowers on the cake. Using Weight Scales: 1 cup of Crisco weighs 6 ounces. I put a piece of wax paper on my scale and start plopping spoons of shortening on until I get the desired weight. It really saves on the cleanup. Recipe from Peggy at WhatsCookingAmerica.net
Provided by chefRD
Categories Dessert
Time 30m
Yield 3 1/2 lbs
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- * You can purchase meringue powder at your local grocery store under the brand name of Just Whites.
- In the mixer, mix butter, Crisco shortening, and salt together to incorporate, about 5 minutes on low.
- Add almond, butter and vanilla extracts. Mix together well. Add about 1 pound of powdered sugar and the meringue powder and mix.
- Add 1/2 cup of powdered sugar at a time and mix until you get the consistency you want.
- Add a little milk, a teaspoon at a time, if necessary to thin the frosting. Blend well on low for several minutes.
- Use immediately or cover and refrigerate. NOTE: Buttercream Icing will last for weeks as long as it is well sealed.
- This icing is used for icing cakes and cookies as well as for borders and art work on cakes. It also makes a good tasting filling between layers of the cake and under a Fondant Icing.
- You can make roses, but the drying time is 3 or more days depending on the humidity.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 2514, Fat 169.8, SaturatedFat 62.6, Cholesterol 139.4, Sodium 800.6, Carbohydrate 258.9, Sugar 253.8, Protein 0.6
MY FAVORITE BUTTER CREAM FROSTING RECIPES
These are three of my favorite butter cream frosting recipes. All three of these recipes are tried and true. The first recipe is for a Wilton Butter Cream icing using both shortening and butter. The second recipe is a recipe I have used for many, many years, right off of the Domino Confectioners Sugar box, and lastly a recipe...
Provided by Cecelia Anderson
Categories Other Desserts
Number Of Ingredients 17
Steps:
- 1. Wilton Buttercream icing: In a large mixing bowl: cream butter and shortening with electric mixer.
- 2. Add vanilla. Gradually add sugar, one cup at a time, beating well on medium speed.
- 3. Scrape sides and bottom of bowl often. When all the sugar has been mixed in, icing will appear dry. Add milk and beat at high speed until light and fluffy.
- 4. Keep icing covered with a damp cloth until you are ready to decorate.
- 5. Domino Sugar Butter Cream Frosting: Combine in a large bowl, with mixer at low speed, confectioner's sugar, butter, milk and vanilla.
- 6. Beat at medium speed 1-2 minutes until creamy. If desired, add more milk until frosting is spreading consistency. Makes enough to fill and frost 2-layer cake, 13x9x2-inch sheet cake or 24 cupcakes.
- 7. Professional Butter Cream Frosting: Cream shortening, flavoring and water. Add dry ingredients and mix on medium speed until all ingredients have been thoroughly mixed together.
- 8. Blend an additional minute or so, until creamy. Chocolate Buttercream Variation: Add 3/4 cup cocoa or three 1 oz. unsweetened chocolate squares, melted and additional 1 to 2 tablespoons water to recipe. Mix until well blended.
Tips:
- Use unsalted butter to control the amount of salt in the frosting, and let it come to room temperature before whipping.
- Gradually add the confectioners' sugar to the butter, one cup at a time, to prevent the frosting from becoming grainy.
- Add a small amount of milk or cream to the frosting if it becomes too thick, or more confectioners' sugar if it becomes too thin.
- For a richer frosting, use heavy cream instead of milk.
- Add flavorings such as vanilla extract, almond extract, or cocoa powder to the frosting to create different variations.
- To make a colored frosting, add a few drops of food coloring to the frosting and mix until well combined.
- To make a stiffer frosting, chill it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes before using.
- To make a looser frosting, let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before using.
- Store the frosting in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Conclusion:
Buttercream frosting is a versatile and delicious frosting that can be used to decorate cakes, cupcakes, and other desserts. It is easy to make and can be customized to suit your own taste. With a few simple tips, you can create a perfect buttercream frosting that will make your desserts look and taste amazing.
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