What Is Buttercream?
Buttercream is one of the most popular cake frostings in the UK and worldwide. It is commonly used to fill, coat and decorate cakes and cupcakes. At its core, buttercream is made by whipping fat (usually butter) with sugar, creating a rich and sweet frosting.
When people search for “buttercream” on Google, they usually want one thing: a simple buttercream recipe they can make at home. However, not all buttercreams are the same, and not all of them deliver a smooth, professional finish.
The Most Popular Buttercream Recipe: American Buttercream
The most common and easiest buttercream recipe is American buttercream. It is widely shared online because it requires very few ingredients and no special equipment.
Classic American Buttercream Recipe
Ingredients:
- Unsalted butter (room temperature) - 250 g
- Icing sugar - 500 g
- A small amount of milk or cream
- Vanilla extract
Method:
- Beat the butter until pale and fluffy.
- Gradually add icing sugar while mixing.
- Add a small amount of milk or cream to loosen the texture.
- Finish with vanilla extract.
This recipe is quick, affordable and easy to follow, which is why it dominates search results.
Why American Buttercream Is Not Always Smooth
Although American buttercream is easy to make, it has several well-known drawbacks.
First, it is very sweet. The high ratio of icing sugar can overpower cake flavours, especially for adults.
Second, the texture is often grainy or gritty. Even when well mixed, icing sugar does not fully dissolve, which creates a slightly crunchy mouthfeel when eating.
Third, it is harder to achieve a silky smooth finish. When spreading or piping, air bubbles and sugar particles become visible, especially on larger cakes.
These issues are exactly why many professional bakers avoid American buttercream for premium cakes.
Why Professional Bakers Do Not Rely on Basic Recipes
Professional buttercream is not just about ingredients, it is about ratio, balance and process.
A small change in fat-to-sugar ratio can completely transform:
- Mouthfeel
- Sweetness level
- Smoothness
- Stability
- Piping performance
This is why bakery-level buttercream cannot simply be replicated by following a basic online recipe.
Is Homemade Buttercream Worth the Effort?
For small, casual bakes at home, making buttercream can be enjoyable.
However, many home bakers find that:
- The result is inconsistent
- The sweetness is difficult to control
- Achieving a smooth finish takes time and practice
- Large batches become physically tiring to mix
This often leads to wasted ingredients and frustration, especially when baking for special occasions.
A Better Alternative for Home Bakers and Professionals
This is where ready-made professional buttercream becomes a smarter choice.
A professionally prepared buttercream offers:
- Perfectly balanced sweetness
- Ultra-smooth texture
- Consistent results every time
- Time savings
- Reliable piping and covering performance
Instead of spending time experimenting with ratios, bakers can focus on decorating, creativity and flavour combinations.
Why Frostella Buttercream Is Different
Frostella is crafted for bakers who want professional results without compromise.
- Carefully balanced ratio for smooth texture
- Not overly sweet
- Silky finish straight from the tub
- Made fresh to order
- No need for adjustments or re-whipping
Rather than struggling to improve a basic recipe at home, many bakers choose Frostella to achieve consistent, bakery-quality results with ease.
Final Thoughts
Searching for a buttercream recipe is completely natural, and American buttercream is often the first step for beginners.
However, if smoothness, flavour balance and professional finish matter to you, basic recipes quickly show their limits.
For those who value quality, consistency and time, choosing a professionally made buttercream like Frostella is often the better solution.
If you are looking for a smooth, perfectly balanced buttercream without the trial and error, explore Frostella’s freshly made buttercream range and experience the difference for yourself.