11 Types of frosting for cakes & desserts

What is frosting?

Frosting is a sweet, spreadable topping used to decorate and fill desserts. It typically combines butter and sugar, whipped together until a light and fluffy texture is achieved. This sweet spread adds a finishing touch to cakes, cookies and pastries and can be flavored and customized to your taste.

Frosting differs from icing in texture. Instead of using butter, icing is typically made by mixing a liquid—such as milk or lemon juice—with sugar. Though frosting and icing are both sweet creations that add an extra layer of flavor to desserts, frosting is often thick and spreadable, while icing is generally thin in consistency and is typically drizzled or spooned over baked goods. Learn about the differences between frosting, icing and glaze.

What is frosting made of?

Frosting ingredients vary by recipe and the type of frosting you are creating. However, frosting typically consists of sweetener, liquids like milk or egg whites and fats like butter, coconut oil, shortening or cream cheese.

Frosting uses

Guide to the different types of frosting

There are several different types of frosting you can create and experiment with to find the right match for your favorite dessert recipe. Explore the variety of frostings below to find your new favorite recipe.

1. Swiss meringue buttercream

Swiss meringue buttercream is a luxurious and silky frosting made by creating a stable Swiss meringue from heated egg whites and granulated sugar. Gradually incorporating softened butter helps to create the smooth and velvety texture that’s perfect for adding a smooth finish to sheet or layer cakes. You can customize your Swiss meringue buttercream recipe to incorporate flavors like vanilla or melted chocolate for an extra layer of richness. .

2. French buttercream

This luxurious and decadent buttercream frosting is created by whipping together egg yolks and hot sugar syrup to create a rich, silky and pale yellow mixture before whipping in softened butter. French buttercream is ideal for filling cupcakes or adding between layers of cake.

3. German buttercream

German buttercream is a velvety and creamy frosting that combines pastry cream made from milk, sugar, egg yolks and cornstarch with softened butter. This frosting has a lightly sweet, custardy flavor and is a versatile option that pairs well with a variety of cakes and pastries.

4. Cream cheese frosting

Cream cheese frosting has a rich, sweet and slightly tangy flavor, with a thick and creamy texture. Simple ingredients like butter, cream cheese and powdered sugar are combined to make this decadent frosting that is perfect for adding to red velvet cake, cinnamon rolls or carrot cake.

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5. Italian buttercream

Like Swiss meringue buttercream, Italian buttercream is made by gently combining cooled meringue with softened butter to create a velvety texture. However, Italian buttercream is more stable than Swiss meringue, making it a delicious option for piping decorative designs on desserts.

6. American buttercream

American buttercream frosting is known for its versatility and simple preparation. You can easily make this type of frosting in your stand mixer by creaming together butter, powdered sugar, heavy cream and other flavors for use on cakes, cookies, brownies and cupcakes.

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7. Whipped cream frosting

Whipped cream frosting is a delightful and airy recipe that elevates the simplest of desserts with its cloud-like texture and subtly sweet flavor. This frosting is made by whipping heavy cream and bloomed gelatin to stiff peaks, then gently folding in sugar and vanilla extract. This combination of ingredients creates a light sweetness and depth of flavor that complements a variety of treats, including fresh fruit salads, pies and cakes.

8. Seven-minute frosting

Similar to a Swiss meringue or Italian buttercream, seven-minute frosting uses cooked egg whites to create a light and dreamy spread. This quick frosting recipe uses cream of tartar, water, sugar, egg whites, salt and vanilla extract. It is made on the stovetop over medium-low heat, which cooks the egg whites and dissolves the sugar.

To make this simple frosting recipe even easier, you can use a KitchenAid® hand mixer instead of a standard whisk to combine the ingredients while they heat on the stovetop.

9. Chocolate ganache frosting

Chocolate ganache frosting has an intense chocolate flavor that adds a level of deep richness to any dessert. This frosting recipe starts with, of course, chocolate ganache—made by mixing heated heavy cream with chopped chocolate until the chocolate melts and a silky mixture is achieved. Let the ganache cool until it is slightly firm, then whip it in your stand mixer until stiff peaks form.

10. Espresso buttercream

Like other buttercreams, this frosting is rich, creamy and fluffy. What sets this recipe apart is the bold and invigorating flavor of cocoa and instant espresso powder. Espresso buttercream is rich, chocolatey and slightly bittersweet and can add a depth of flavor to traditional chocolate cakes, cupcakes or brownies.

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11. Mascarpone buttercream

A cross between cream cheese frosting and American buttercream, mascarpone buttercream is rich and tangy because of its star ingredient: mascarpone cheese. Mascarpone is a soft, lightly sweet and spreadable cheese that is often considered the Italian sister of American cream cheese. You can use this frosting instead of cream cheese or buttercream frostings for filling and decorating cakes and cookies.

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Mascarpone buttercream frosting recipe

Mascarpone buttercream is a quick and luxurious frosting that can complement a variety of your favorite baked goods. Read on below to learn how to make this frosting recipe at home.

Ingredients

• Unsalted butter

• Mascarpone cheese

• Vanilla bean seeds

• Powdered sugar

• Fine salt

• Vanilla extract

Tools

• Stand mixer, like the KitchenAid® Pro Line® Series 7 Quart Bowl-Lift Stand Mixer

• Silicone spatula

• Sifter, like the KitchenAid^® Sifter + Scale Attachment^[1]

• Flat Beater

Total time

• 15 minutes

Yields

• 12 servings

[1] Sold separately

Step 1: Prep your workstation

Before you begin making mascarpone buttercream, prepare your workstation so everything is within reach. Gather your ingredients and place your stand mixer on a clean, flat surface, then plug it in. Attach the Flat or Flex Edge Beater [1].

[1] Sold separately

Step 2: Combine butter, cheese and vanilla beans

Place the unsalted butter, mascarpone and vanilla bean seeds in your mixing bowl, then turn on your stand mixer. Beat the mixture for 3–4 minutes or until it becomes light and fluffy.

Step 3: Add sugar, salt and vanilla extract

Turn off your stand mixer and attach the KitchenAid® Sifter + Scale Attachment. Use the attachment to sift the powdered sugar into the frosting mixture, then add the salt and vanilla extract directly to the mixing bowl. Remove the KitchenAid® Sifter + Scale Attachment, then turn your stand mixer on the lowest speed to start to incorporate the powdered sugar.

Increase the speed to medium to mix the ingredients for 2–3 minutes or until the powdered sugar has been incorporated completely. Halfway through the mixing process, use your spatula to scrape the sides. Once your frosting is rich and creamy, it can be added to cooled cupcakes, cakes, brownies or cookies.

What type of frosting is used for cookies?

The best type of frosting to use for cookies depends on personal preference and the cookie recipe you’re using. However, American buttercream is a common frosting choice for cookies due to its smooth and creamy texture.

How do I store frosting?

If you don’t use all of your frosting right away or you’re making it ahead of time, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To use the frosting after storage, remove the container from the refrigerator and allow it to come to room temperature before adding it to your dessert. Buttercreams may need to be re-whipped to achieve a soft and spreadable consistency after refrigerating.

For longer-term frosting storage, place the frosting in a freezer-safe bag and store it in the freezer for up to three months. Before using it to frost cakes and cookies, let the frosting thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Bring it to room temperature and give it a quick mix before using.