Buttercream consists mainly of three basic ingredients: butter, sugar, and liquid. And yet, millions of recipes have been written each trying to capture a prominent place in the industry. This one is the most requested crusting buttercream from my customers and once you try it you will know exactly why. It has a wonderfully rich, buttery sweet taste. I highly recommend using a stand mixer or electric hand mixer for the meringue.
Step-by-step: How to make the best American Buttercream
Use the bowl of a stand mixer with the paddle attachment. Combine the meringue powder, liquid creamer (or heavy cream), and approximately two cups of powdered sugar.Pro tip – we make a meringue first this is what makes this buttercream different from other American buttercream recipes. Mix on low speed for a minute. Scrape the sides of the bowl as necessary. Add the vanilla extract, almond extract, and salt. Continue to mix for two to three minutes until you have a light and sticky consistency. Pro tip – It must look light and fluffy with a sticky appearance. This means the meringue powder has dissolved
Next, gradually start adding the remaining powdered sugar in batches. Continue to mix at medium speed. Scarpe the sides and bottom of the bowl. Pro tip – the mixture at the moment will be very dry and crumbly but continue to combine. You can add a tablespoon or more of heavy cream but it is best to avoid it at this point. Once all the sugar had been added and you have no dry powdered sugar, gradually start adding the butter one tablespoon at a time.Pro tip – make sure that all the powdered sugar has been incorporated otherwise it will cause lumps in the butter. Once all the butter is in – run the mixer on high for about 3 to 5 minutes more. Whip until you have a light and fluffy, creamy velvety texture very similar to whipped cream.Pro tip – do not skip on the whipping as this is what will give us that whipped cream-like consistency.
What is the right consistency?
This is a very versatile recipe and can make any desired consistency. The buttercream consistency you get with this batch of frosting should be just right for piping swirls on cupcakes or for decorating a buttercream cake. You can also use this buttercream for cakes that need to be covered with fondant. Stiff buttercream – If you find the buttercream is stiff, not peanut butter consistency when frosting or crumb coating – add a few tbsp of milk, cream, or even water to bring to the right consistency.Pro tip – Just like a meringue buttercream, it takes a while to incorporate the liquid but continue to mix well and it comes together beautifully. Colored buttercream – Gel food coloring must be considered a liquid ingredient. If you plan to color your buttercream take that into account. I highly recommend you color the buttercream first then add more milk or cream to bring it to consistency.
Frequently asked questions
Creative ways to use buttercream frosting
Decorative Cake Frosting: Use buttercream to frost and decorate cakes for any occasion. Experiment with different piping tips to create designs like rosettes, swirls, ruffles, or floral patterns. Cupcake Bouquet: Arrange cupcakes in the shape of a bouquet and use different colored buttercream to pipe beautiful flowers on top of each cupcake. Present the cupcake bouquet in a decorative vase for a stunning centerpiece. Buttercream Filled Donuts: Fill donuts with flavored buttercream using a piping bag and a filling tip. Choose different buttercream flavors to match the donut varieties for a delightful surprise. Buttercream-Filled Macarons: Sandwich two macaron shells together with a generous dollop of buttercream for a luscious and colorful macaron experience. Cookie Sandwiches: Create cookie sandwiches by spreading buttercream between two cookies of your choice. Roll the edges in sprinkles, mini chocolate chips, or crushed nuts for added texture and appeal. Buttercream Shots: Serve small dollops of buttercream in shot glasses for a fun and sweet dessert-tasting experience at parties along side crackers and pretzel sticks. Buttercream Fruit Dip: Use buttercream as a dip for fresh fruits like strawberries, apple slices, or banana chunks. It’s a decadent twist to traditional fruit dipping sauces. Frosting-Stuffed Puff Pastry: Combine buttercream with cream cheese and fill into puff pastry squares before baking for a delightful, flaky treat. Top with powdered sugar or drizzle with chocolate for an extra touch. Buttercream Ice Cream Topping: Melt buttercream and drizzle it over ice cream instead of chocolate sauce for a rich and flavorful topping. Add some sprinkles or chopped nuts for added texture. Pancake or Waffle Topping: Instead of traditional syrup, use buttercream frosting to top your pancakes or waffles for an indulgent breakfast treat. Buttercream Parfait: Layer buttercream with crushed cookies, fruits, or granola to create a delicious and visually appealing dessert parfait.
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