8 Types Of Cake Frostings

Published on May 10, 2021Updated on June 19, 2024

Many argue that frosting is the most important part of the cake because customers eat with their eyes. When browsing through a selection of cakes, patrons will quickly decide on how each cake will taste based on how the frosting looks on the cake. While making a great first impression is essential because it helps you generate sales, it’s also important that the frosting complements the flavors of cakes so you can increase your customer retention rate. We’ve created this informative guide that provides you with details on the different types of cake frostings to ensure your cakes taste as good as they look.

1. American Buttercream Frosting

Table Of Contents

American buttercream frosting or simple buttercream frosting, is the sweetest of the different types of buttercream frostings because it’s a combination of butter and sugar. It’s a creamy frosting that complements the flavors of most sponge cakes and sheet cakes. Simple buttercream is commonly used to decorate cakes because it’s easy to prepare and bakers can add vanilla, chocolate, or lemon flavorings to enrich a cake’s flavor profile.

Buttercream Frosting Ingredients

Butter (1 cup or 2 sticks)
Powdered Sugar (around 3 to 4 cups)

How To Make American Buttercream Frosting

Step 1: Beat butter until it’s light and fluffy.

Step 2: Add powdered sugar.

Step 3: Mix until the frosting is smooth and creamy.

2. Swiss Meringue Buttercream

Swiss meringue buttercream has a subtle flavor which makes it perfect to use on chocolate, vanilla, strawberry, and other flavored cakes. It has a smooth and creamy texture that doesn’t crust or dry out, allowing you easily pipe designs on layered cakes. Swiss buttercream can also be flavored to complement its mildly sweet taste and increase the depth of flavor.

Swiss Meringue Buttercream Ingredients

Egg Whites (about 8 large eggs)
Granulated Sugar (16 ounces)
Unsalted Butter (24 ounces, softened to room temperature)

How To Make Swiss Meringue Buttercream

Step 1: Place egg whites in a heat-safe bowl.

Step 2: Add sugar to the egg whites.

Step 3: Whisk the sugar and egg whites.

Step 4: Bring a pot of water to simmer.

Step 5: Place the bowl over the pan to heat the egg whites and sugar. Whisk ingredients until they are no longer grainy or have reached 160°F.

Step 6: Remove the ingredients from the pot and whisk the cooked mixture until it's stiff and at room temperature.

Step 7: Add soft butter to the cooked mixture.

Step 8: Mix ingredients until they become stiff again.

3. Italian Meringue Buttercream

Italian meringue buttercream is a popular frosting because it has a creamy and silky texture that holds up well in warm temperatures. Similar to the Swiss meringue buttercream, the Italian buttercream has a meringue base and is mildly sweet and buttery that can be used on any flavored cake. The Italian meringue buttercream frosting has a smooth finish that is perfect for decorating cakes that will be enjoyed outdoors.

Italian Meringue Buttercream Ingredients

Egg Whites (around 3-4 large egg whites)
Granulated Sugar (1 cup)
Water (¾ cup)
Unsalted Butter (2 cups softened to room temperature)

How To Make Italian Meringue Buttercream

Step 1: Place egg whites and sugar in the bowl of an electric mixer .

Step 2: Mix the ingredients until the egg whites reach the soft peak stage.

Step 3: Pour sugar and water into a saucepan set over medium-high heat until it reaches 240°F.

Step 4: Drizzle the sugar syrup into the bowl.

Step 5: Whip the ingredients until they are cool and form firm peaks.

Step 6: Bring the mixer to a slow speed and a few pieces of butter at a time until it thickens.

4. Ermine Buttercream

Ermine buttercream or flour frosting is a cooked frosting that serves as an eggless alternative to Swiss meringue buttercream. This buttercream frosting features a creamy and silky texture that doesn’t hold up well for decorations. Flour frosting is commonly used for frosting red velvet cakes and filling pastries. With a mildly sweet profile, ermine buttercream frosting pairs best with cakes that benefit from a sense of creaminess like mint, vanilla, or coconut.

Ermine Buttercream Ingredients

Flour (½ cup)
Granulated Sugar (1 cup)
Milk (1 cup)
Butter (1 cup)

How To Make Ermine Buttercream

Step 1: Add flour and sugar to a saucepan and cook over medium heat for a couple of minutes.

Step 2: Add milk and continue to whisk until the mixture thickens.

Step 3: Pour the mixture into a bowl and cover it with plastic wrap.

Step 4: Place butter in a bowl and whisk until it's fluffy.

Step 5: Add your flour mixture to the butter.

5. Cream Cheese Frosting

Cream cheese frosting is similar to American buttercream because it has a creamy texture and consists of the same ingredients with the addition of cream cheese. This sweet and tangy frosting is typically paired with carrot cakes, red velvet cakes, and lemon cakes because it provides them with an added boost of flavor. Once you decorate your cake with cream cheese frosting, it's important to store it in the refrigerator so the frosting can firm up. The frosting quickly softens and loses its flavor when it sits at room temperature for too long.

Cream Cheese Frosting Ingredients

Butter (½ cup)
Cream Cheese (8 ounces, softened to room temperature)
Salt (¼ teaspoon)
Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon)
Powdered Sugar (3-4 cups, sifted)

How To Make Cream Cheese Frosting

Step 1: Beat butter and cream cheese until they are mixed together and free of clumps.

Step 2: Add salt and vanilla extract. Stir the ingredients to combine them together.

Step 3: Mix the ingredients and gradually add powdered sugar until it's smooth and creamy.

6. Whipped Cream Frosting

Whipped cream frosting or chantilly frosting uses the base of heavy cream. It has a mild flavor and fluffy texture that is commonly spread on fruit-flavored cakes and pastries. Whipped cream frosting loses its consistency if it sits out for too long, making it essential to store in the refrigerator until your guests are ready to enjoy.

Whipped Cream Frosting Ingredients

Whipping Cream (2 cups)
Powdered Sugar (1 cup, sifted)
Cream Cheese (4 ounces)
Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon)

How To Make Whipped Cream Frosting

Step 1: Cream butter and cream cheese until it's light and fluffy.

Step 2: Add powdered sugar and continue to mix until it comes together.

Step 3: Use a separate bowl to whip vanilla extract and whipping cream until peaks form.

Step 4: Fold the whipping cream into your creamed butter and cheese mixture.

Step 5: Mix the ingredients until there is a smooth consistency.

7. Seven-Minute Frosting

Seven-minute frosting gets its name from the amount of time you have to beat ingredients to get its signature peaks. This frosting is fluffy with a sweet flavor that is oftentimes compared to a marshmallow. Seven-minute frostings are light and balance out a super-rich cake to help lighten its profile. This frosting needs to be enjoyed within 24 hours because it will harden and absorb into the cake.

Seven-Minute Frosting Ingredients

Egg Whites (2 large eggs)
Water (⅓ cup)
Cream Of Tartar (¼ teaspoon)
Granulated Sugar (1 ½ cups)

How To Make Seven-Minute Frosting

Step 1: Mix the cream of tartar and sugar together.

Step 2: Add egg whites and water to the mixed ingredients and whisk together.

Step 3: Place the mixture in a double boiler and whisk until it looks frothy.

Step 4: Beat the ingredients for 7 minutes or until you achieve stiff peaks.

8. Ganache

Ganache is versatile because it can be used as a frosting on cakes, filling for pastries, or topping on pies. It is a decadent, truffle-like mixture of melted chocolate and cream. It has a rich flavor which makes it ideal to pair with light desserts. Ganache is also thick and creamy, allowing it to hold its consistency in humid climates. While semisweet chocolate is commonly used to prepare ganache, many bakers like to add their own twist by using white chocolate, milk chocolate, or bittersweet chocolate instead.

Ganache Ingredients

Heavy Cream (1 cup)
Chopped Semi-Sweet Chocolate (8 ounces)

How To Make Ganache

Step 1: In a small saucepan, heat the heavy cream over medium heat until it simmers. Be careful not to let it boil over.

Step 2: Remove the cream from the heat and pour it over the chopped chocolate in a heat-resistant bowl. Let it sit for 3-5 minutes, allowing the chocolate to soften.

Step 3: Using a whisk, gently stir the mixture until the chocolate is completely melted and smooth. The ganache will thicken as you whisk.

Step 4: Whisk the ganache until it thickens.

What Is The Best Frosting For Cakes?

The best frosting for cakes depends on your desired texture and flavor. Buttercream is a popular choice for its versatility and creamy texture, making it ideal for both spreading and piping. For smooth finishes, consider using icing combs and smoothers. Check out our frosting board essentials for tips on achieving a professional look.

What Frosting Do Professionals Use For Cakes?

Professionals often use Swiss meringue buttercream for its smooth texture and stability, which is perfect for creating intricate designs with piping tips & bags . For an even smoother finish, many pros rely on high-quality cake scrapers and icing combs, which we cover in our cake scrapers & icing combs buying guide .

Is There A Difference Between Cake Icing And Frosting?

Yes, there is a difference between cake icing and frosting. Icing is typically thinner and glossier, ideal for glazes or delicate decorations, while frosting is thicker and fluffier, making it better for spreading and piping. For more detailed guidance on choosing the right tools, check out our piping tips buying guide .

Perfect Your Cakes With The Right Frosting

Frosting is indeed a crucial element in cake-making, serving as the visual and flavorful crowning touch that captivates customers and keeps them coming back for more. Whether you're a professional baker or a passionate home baker, understanding the nuances of different frostings can elevate your creations to new heights. From the luscious creaminess of buttercream to the sophisticated smoothness of meringue-based frostings, each type offers unique advantages for decorating and flavor pairing. Remember to visit our bakery supplies page for all your frosting tools and essentials, ensuring your cakes look as fantastic as they taste!

What Is The Best Frosting To Use For Piping Decorations?

The best frosting for piping decorations is typically buttercream, especially Swiss or Italian meringue buttercream. These types of buttercream are smooth, stable, and can hold intricate shapes well, making them ideal for detailed work like flowers, borders, and other decorative elements.

What Are Some Tips For Troubleshooting Common Frosting Problems?

To troubleshoot common frosting problems, ensure the butter is at room temperature to avoid a lumpy texture. If the frosting is too thick, add a small amount of milk or cream to reach the desired consistency. For overly thin frosting, gradually incorporate powdered sugar. If the frosting splits or curdles, continue beating it; the mixture often comes together with continued mixing.

Can I Use These Frostings To Fill Pastries Or Cupcakes?

Yes, many frostings can be used to fill pastries or cupcakes. Buttercream, cream cheese frosting, and ganache are particularly popular choices due to their rich texture and flavor. Ensure the frosting is firm enough to hold its shape but soft enough to pipe or spread easily inside the pastry or cupcake.

How Can I Store Leftover Frosting?

Leftover frosting should be stored in an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to a week or frozen for up to three months. Before using refrigerated or frozen frosting, bring it to room temperature and re-whip it to restore its smooth consistency.

Is There A Vegan Alternative To Buttercream Frosting?

Yes, a vegan alternative to buttercream frosting can be made using plant-based butter and non-dairy milk. Coconut milk or almond milk combined with powdered sugar and a bit of vanilla extract can create a creamy, delicious vegan frosting suitable for piping and decorating.