10+ Frosting Recipes to Sweeten Your Baking Adventures

Frosting can turn any dessert into a special treat. Having a variety of frosting recipes at your fingertips will help you create the perfect sweet touch for any occasion.

Experimenting with different flavors and textures can elevate your baking game. From classic buttercream to chocolate ganache, the right frosting can make all the difference in your dessert experience.

1) Classic Buttercream Frosting

Classic buttercream frosting is a favorite for cakes and cupcakes. It’s easy to make and deliciously creamy. You can customize it with different flavors as well.

To start, you will need softened unsalted butter. Using room temperature butter helps create a smooth texture. Next, you’ll mix in powdered sugar for sweetness.

Add a splash of vanilla extract for flavor. A little milk or cream helps thin the frosting to your desired consistency.

This frosting holds up well for decorating and tastes great with various cakes.

Ingredients

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
• 4 1/2 cups powdered sugar
• 3 tablespoons whole milk
• 1 1/2 tablespoons pure vanilla extract

Cooking Instructions

1. In a bowl, beat the softened butter until creamy.
2. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing until combined.
3. Add vanilla extract and milk, then beat until fluffy. Adjust with more milk if needed.
4. Frost your cooled cakes or cupcakes with the mixture.

2) Cream Cheese Frosting

Cream cheese frosting is a favorite for many desserts. It has a rich, tangy flavor that pairs well with cakes and cupcakes. This frosting is not too sweet, allowing the flavors of your cake to shine.

To make this frosting, you will need softened cream cheese and butter. Adding vanilla extract gives it a nice flavor boost. You can adjust the sugar to your taste.

It’s perfect for red velvet cake or carrot cake. You can also use it on vanilla or chocolate cakes for a tasty surprise. The creamy texture makes it easy to spread or pipe onto your baked goods.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
• ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups powdered sugar

Cooking Instructions

1. In a bowl, beat the cream cheese and butter until smooth.
2. Add the vanilla extract and mix well.
3. Gradually add the powdered sugar and beat until fluffy.
4. Use immediately or store in the fridge until needed.

3) Whipped Cream Frosting

Whipped cream frosting is light, fluffy, and perfect for cakes and cupcakes. It adds a delightful touch without being overly sweet. You can make it with just a few ingredients.

This frosting works well for many desserts. You can easily pipe it onto your favorite cakes or spread it on cupcakes. It holds its shape nicely when prepared correctly.

Ingredients

• 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Cooking Instructions

1. In a mixing bowl, add heavy cream.
2. Begin to whip the cream with an electric mixer on medium speed.
3. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla extract while whipping.
4. Continue whipping until soft peaks form.
5. Use immediately or store in the refrigerator for later use.

4) Chocolate Ganache

Chocolate ganache is a rich and creamy mixture perfect for frosting or as a glaze. It’s easy to make and only requires two main ingredients: chocolate and cream.

To prepare, you start with equal parts chocolate and warm cream. This creates a silky texture that is great for drizzling or spreading on cakes.

You can use dark, milk, or white chocolate to customize the flavor. Just remember to let it cool slightly before using it on your desserts.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces (225 grams) of chocolate, chopped
• 1 cup (240 ml) of heavy cream

Cooking Instructions

1. Heat the cream in a saucepan over medium heat until it begins to simmer.
2. Remove from heat and pour the cream over the chopped chocolate in a bowl.
3. Let it sit for 5 minutes to melt the chocolate.
4. Stir until smooth and shiny. Use immediately or let cool for a thicker consistency.

5) Italian Meringue Buttercream

Italian Meringue Buttercream is a rich and creamy frosting that adds elegance to any dessert. It is made by whipping egg whites into a meringue and combining it with softened butter. This creates a light and smooth texture.

To make it, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients, which include egg whites and sugar syrup. It can be used to frost cakes or piped onto cupcakes for a beautiful finish.

Ingredients

• 5 egg whites
• 1 pinch cream of tartar
• 1 ¼ cups white sugar
• ⅔ cup water
• 2 cups unsalted butter, chilled and cubed

Cooking Instructions

1. In a pot, combine sugar and water. Heat over medium until it dissolves.
2. Whip egg whites with cream of tartar until soft peaks form.
3. Boil the sugar syrup until it reaches 240°F (115°C).
4. Slowly pour the hot syrup into the egg whites while mixing.
5. Once it cools, add in the butter a few cubes at a time until fully combined.

6) French Buttercream

French buttercream is a rich and creamy frosting that’s perfect for cakes and cupcakes. It offers a unique flavor and texture that you might not get from other frostings. Made primarily with egg yolks, butter, and sugar, it’s a favorite for many bakers.

To make French buttercream, you start by whipping egg yolks and sugar until light and fluffy. Then, you gradually add softened butter to create a smooth and luscious frosting.

You can even customize the flavor with extracts or liquors like vanilla or brandy for added depth. Keep in mind, it’s best used fresh, as it can lose its texture over time.

Ingredients

• 5 large egg yolks
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar (100g)
• 3 tbsp water (45mL)
• 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature (227g)

Cooking Instructions

1. Combine sugar and water in a saucepan. Heat over medium until sugar dissolves.
2. Whip the egg yolks in a mixing bowl until fluffy.
3. Slowly add the sugar syrup to the egg yolks while mixing.
4. Gradually add the room temperature butter until smooth.
5. Flavor as desired, then use immediately.

7) Peanut Butter Frosting

Peanut butter frosting is a delicious and creamy topping that adds a rich flavor to your baked goods. It pairs perfectly with chocolate cakes and cookies. You can make it quickly with just a few ingredients.

To make this frosting, you’ll need creamy peanut butter and softened butter for a smooth texture. Powdered sugar gives it sweetness, while a splash of milk can help achieve the right consistency.

Ingredients

• 1 cup (226 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1 cup (245 g) creamy peanut butter
• 3 cups (375 g) powdered sugar
• 3 tablespoons milk (as needed)

Cooking Instructions

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the softened butter and peanut butter.
2. Beat until creamy and well blended.
3. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing on low speed.
4. Add milk as needed to reach your desired consistency.

8) Swiss Meringue Buttercream

Swiss Meringue Buttercream is a smooth and creamy frosting that is perfect for cakes and cupcakes. It’s made with just five simple ingredients, making it easy to prepare. You’ll love how light and fluffy it turns out!

To start, you’ll need to heat egg whites and sugar together until the mixture feels warm. Then, whip it until it forms stiff peaks. Gradually add softened butter and your favorite flavoring, like vanilla extract.

This frosting is stable and holds its shape well, which makes it great for decorating. Plus, it has a nice buttery flavor that pairs well with many desserts.

Ingredients

• 7 oz egg whites
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 1/2 cups unsalted butter, softened
• 2 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp fine sea salt

Cooking Instructions

1. Combine egg whites and sugar in a heatproof bowl.
2. Heat over simmering water, stirring until sugar dissolves.
3. Remove from heat and whip until stiff peaks form.
4. Gradually add softened butter while mixing.
5. Stir in vanilla extract and salt.

9) Brown Butter Frosting

Brown butter frosting adds a delightful twist to your baked goods. The rich, nutty flavor of the browned butter makes it special. You’ll love using it on cakes and cupcakes.

To make this frosting, start by browning your butter in a pot. This creates a warm, caramel-like taste. Then, mix in powdered sugar and milk to reach your desired consistency.

Feel free to add vanilla extract for added sweetness. It pairs beautifully with chocolate or vanilla cakes. A little pinch of salt enhances the flavors too.

Ingredients

• ¼ cup (60g) unsalted butter
• 2 ½ cups (300g) powdered sugar
• 2 tablespoons milk (or more if needed)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Cooking Instructions

1. In a small pot, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Continue cooking until the butter turns golden brown and gives off a nutty aroma.
3. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
4. In a bowl, mix the browned butter with powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract.
5. Beat until smooth, adding more milk for a thinner texture.

10) Coconut Frosting

Coconut frosting is a delicious and creamy topping that pairs well with many desserts. It has a rich coconut flavor that makes cakes and cupcakes extra special.

To make this frosting, you’ll need unsalted butter, powdered sugar, coconut extract, and vanilla extract. You can also add shredded coconut for extra texture.

Start by beating the softened butter until it’s smooth. Gradually add in the powdered sugar, mixing until combined. Then, stir in the coconut and vanilla extracts. If you want it fluffier, beat it for a few more minutes.

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 pound powdered sugar
• 1 teaspoon coconut extract
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ cup shredded coconut (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Beat the softened butter in a bowl until smooth.
2. Gradually add the powdered sugar, mixing well.
3. Stir in the coconut and vanilla extracts.
4. If desired, mix in the shredded coconut.
5. Beat the frosting until fluffy. Then, spread it on your favorite dessert.