what is the difference between buttercream and white frosting

Learn about the main types of frosting and icing, plus which to use on the cakes and cookies you bake.

Its the icing on the cake…or is it the frosting? When it comes to finishing and decorating favorite cakes, cupcakes, cookies, and other baked goods, when should you use icing and when should you use frosting—and whats the difference anyway? To add to the confusion, youve probably heard the terms “frosting” and “icing” used interchangeably. In your quest to make the best baked goods, its important to know the difference between your sweet toppings, so were here to set the record straight.

The best way to distinguish frosting from buttercream is through the ingredients. While both contain powdered sugar, fat, flavouring and sometimes milk or water, frosting does not contain any butter whatsoever. Instead, frosting is usually made with shortening or cream cheese.

Swiss Meringue Buttercream Frosting

Swiss Meringue Buttercream Frosting begins by warming egg whites and sugar in a double boiler, after which you whip the mixture to shiny peaks, then beat in softened butter. This frosting is silky and stable; perfect for piping and decorating.

Icing vs. Frosting

Youll be glad to know there is a distinction between the two. In broad terms, frosting is thick and fluffy, and is used to coat the outside (and often the inner layers) of a cake. Icing is thinner and glossier than frosting, and can be used as a glaze or for detailed decorating.

Comparing 6 Types of Buttercream- American, Swiss, Italian, French, German, & Russian

FAQ

Is white frosting the same as buttercream?

What frosting do professionals use for cakes?

What frosting is best for decorating cakes?

Is buttercream the same as butter icing?

What is the difference between buttercream & frosting?

However there is one big difference according to Bluprint. And it’s the name…the use of butter! Buttercream uses it. Frostings don’t. Frostings can be made with shortening or cream cheese, which can help keep it to a bright white. However I just love the taste of butter, don’t you?

What is buttercream & icing?

First, let me briefly define buttercream. In general, frostings (or icings) are a sweetened component for topping and filling cakes and various desserts. When casually used, “frosting” can mean many things, from whipped creams to chocolate ganaches. Using the relationship tree below, I’ll show you how I think about frostings.

What is the difference between American buttercream and cream cheese frosting?

The American Buttercream is named “Vanilla American Buttercream,” and can be found in my Cakeculator. The cream cheese frosting is called “Vanilla Cream Cheese Frosting” and can be found here. Emulsion-based, or “True Buttercreams,” require precise mixing of two components to make an emulsion.

What is a Simple buttercream frosting?

American buttercream, also known as simple buttercream, is the easiest buttercream frosting to make and the one most commonly used in non-professional kitchens. American buttercream is made simply by creaming together butter and confectioners sugar with milk or cream. If desired, vanilla extract or another flavoring may be added.