Buttercream Frosting Recipe Without Powdered Sugar

Tired of the gritty texture and overpowering sweetness in traditional buttercream frosting? Look no further! In this article, we have the perfect solution for you—a buttercream frosting recipe without powdered sugar that delivers smooth, creamy bliss without compromising on flavor.

American Buttercream V/s Creamy Buttercream

Classic American buttercream frosting is a favorite, known for its rich and indulgent flavor. Made with powdered sugar, butter, and vanilla, it delivers a sweet taste that pairs perfectly with cakes and cupcakes; is sturdy and works well with fondant.

However, some find traditional buttercream frosting to be 

• 1. Overly sweet 
• 2. Occasionally gritty in texture especially when in India.

And that is the reason why some people tend to switch to other frosting recipes like Italian Meringue Buttercream or Swiss Meringue Buttercream where its silky texture and perfectly balanced sweetness woos you over.

But they do contain egg whites which again might be an issue for a few of us.

That's when comes this amazing Creamy Buttercream recipe comes into play that ticks all the boxes for your requirements like:

1. Contains no eggs
2. Balanced Sweetness 
3. Silky, Smooth, Velvety Texture
4. Simple Ingredients that are easily available
5. Bonus - It tastes like Vanilla Ice-Cream and hence the name Creamy Buttercream 😉

Ingredients Notes

To make this fluffy and delicious buttercream frosting, you need to ensure you have the right set of ingredients. Here's a breakdown of the key components:

1. Butter: Opt for real butter to preserve the authentic taste. Avoid using shortening as it may compromise the flavor. If possible, choose unsalted butter for baking purposes.
2. Caster Sugar: Caster sugar is the preferred choice, but you can also use granulated sugar as an alternative.
3. Cream: I am using Amul Fresh Cream (not sponsored). However, if you're abroad, feel free to use double cream, heavy cream, or half and half without any issues. Additionally, you can even substitute with milk or water if needed.
4. Vanilla: Vanilla serves as the flavoring agent, so it's crucial to use high-quality vanilla for a better end result. Vanilla pods offer the best taste, followed by vanilla extract and vanilla essence.

By carefully selecting and combining these ingredients, you'll be able to create a luscious and fluffy vanilla frosting that will enhance your baked treats.

Print out the exact measurements from the recipe card shared at the end of the page. 

Step-by-Step Tutorial

Before beginning the recipe, ensure that the butter is at room temperature.

Weigh out the required amount of butter, cut it into cubes, and allow it to sit at room temperature for 30 mins to an hour or until it becomes soft and easy to slide a finger through.

Transfer the mixture to a separate bowl, cover it with cling wrap, and let it cool completely in the refrigerator. If you're using vanilla pods, you can infuse them by heating them along with the cream.

In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the butter until it turns pale and creamy. Do remember to stop in between to scrape the sides of the bowl for even mixing. Also, add vanilla along with butter and beat together.

Storage Instructions:

To store the buttercream frosting, follow these steps:

1. Transfer to an airtight container: Once you have prepared the buttercream frosting, transfer it to a clean and airtight container. I prefer Glass containers with tight-fitting lids for this purpose. Make sure the container is clean and dry before adding the frosting. 
2. Refrigerate: Place the container with the buttercream frosting in the refrigerator. The cool temperature will help maintain its freshness and prevent spoilage. It is recommended to store buttercream frosting in the refrigerator if you do not plan to use it immediately.
3. Label and date: It is a good practice to label the container with the date of preparation. This will help you keep track of its freshness and ensure you use it within a reasonable time frame. Buttercream frosting can typically be stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
4. Properly seal the container: Ensure that the container is tightly sealed to prevent any air from entering and affecting the texture and quality of the frosting. This will also prevent any potential absorption of odors from other items in the refrigerator.
5. Bring to room temperature before using: When you are ready to use the stored buttercream frosting, take it out of the refrigerator and allow it to come to room temperature. This will make it easier to spread and work with. You can let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to 1 hour before using, depending on the desired consistency.

Buttercream stays fresh for up to 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator.

To freeze the buttercream:

Follow the instructions till sealing the container as mentioned above and then

1. Freeze: Place the container with the buttercream frosting in the freezer, making sure it is kept in a flat position. This will help maintain its shape and make it easier to thaw evenly later on.
2. Thawing and using: When you want to use the frozen buttercream frosting, remove it from the freezer and let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, allow it to come to room temperature before using. You may need to give it a gentle stir or re-whip it to restore its smooth and creamy texture.

It's important to note that freezing can slightly alter the texture of the buttercream frosting, but it will still be suitable for spreading and decorating cakes and cupcakes.

Remember to always check for any signs of spoilage or freezer burn before using the frozen frosting, and discard it if it appears off or has an unusual odor or taste.

You can freeze it for 3 months. 

In my personal experience, I find that frozen buttercream does not look smooth and shiny when frosted on the cake. So I would use it as a filling inside the cake and make fresh buttercream to frost them.

Russian Buttercream V/s Ermine Frosting V/s Buttercream frosting without powdered sugar

Are Russian Buttercream, Ermine Frosting, and this Buttercream frosting recipe without powdered sugar all the same?

While these buttercreams share the characteristic of being made without powdered sugar and having a less-sweet frosting, there are distinct differences in the sweeteners used and the unique ways of preparation. 

Buttercream Type	Sweetener Used	Cooking Method	Texture	Sweetness Level
Russian Buttercream	Condensed milk	No cooking required	Smooth, creamy and Rich	Perfectly balanced
Ermine Frosting	Caster Sugar	Cooked into a thick paste using flour	Smooth and silky	Less sweet
Buttercream without powdered sugar	Granulated sugar or caster sugar	Cooking involved	Creamy	Sweet

Buttercream frosting tips:

1. Room temperature butter: Ensure that the butter is at room temperature before starting. Softened butter is easier to cream and incorporate air into, resulting in a light and airy texture. Leave the butter out for about 30 mins to an hour or until it becomes soft enough to easily slide a finger through.
2. Quality of ingredients: Always use high-quality ingredients for the best flavor and texture. Choose real butter for a rich taste, and opt for unsalted butter to have better control over the overall sweetness of the frosting.
3. Creaming the butter: Cream the butter thoroughly using an electric hand mixer. This step is crucial for achieving a light, airy, and creamy consistency. Be patient and continue beating the butter until it turns pale and creamy, which usually takes around 13 to 15 minutes.
4. Liquid options: While the recipe suggests using fresh cream, you have the flexibility to use other liquids such as double cream, heavy cream, half and half, milk, or even water. Adapt the liquid based on your preferences and availability, ensuring that the consistency of the frosting is achieved.
5. Sugar alternatives: If you don't have caster sugar, you can use granulated sugar as a substitute. If you are reading this from India then make sure to pulse it slightly before using. Granulated Sugar, available abroad can be used as it is without having the need to pulse. For a different variation, you can also try using coconut sugar.
6. Flavoring with vanilla: Choose the best quality vanilla you can find for a delicious flavor. Vanilla pods provide the most intense and authentic taste, followed by vanilla extract and vanilla essence. Add the flavoring agent at the appropriate step, such as infusing it with the cream if you're using vanilla pods. This is your classic vanilla buttercream frosting recipe
7. Stiff peaks: When adding the cooled cream and sugar mixture to the creamed butter, continue beating until stiff peaks form. This indicates that the frosting has reached the desired consistency and will hold its shape when piped or spread.
8. Refrigeration for consistency: If the buttercream frosting appears too liquidy or soft, you can refrigerate it for 5 to 10 minutes to allow it to firm up before using. This step helps restore the desired consistency.

Variations

Take your homemade buttercream frosting to the next level with these delicious variations:

1. Strawberry Buttercream: For a fruity twist, incorporate 1/2 cup of strawberry puree into our basic frosting recipe. The natural sweetness and vibrant flavor of strawberries will elevate your buttercream to a whole new level. You can also consider mixing chopped fresh fruit for a textured effect if making trifles. 
2. Chocolate Frosting: Indulge your taste buds with a rich and decadent chocolate frosting. Simply add 2 tablespoons of sieved cocoa powder or melt 1/2 cup of chocolate and mix it into the basic buttercream recipe. This variation is perfect for chocolate lovers.
3. Peanut Butter Frosting: Craving the irresistible taste of peanut butter? Add 1/3 cup of smooth peanut butter to the basic buttercream recipe. The creamy and nutty flavor of peanut butter will create a delectable frosting that pairs well with many baked treats.
4. Nutella Buttercream: If you're a fan of Nutella, why not incorporate its delicious flavor into your buttercream? Add 1/3 cup of Nutella to the basic recipe, and you'll achieve a luscious and hazelnut-infused frosting that's perfect for spreading on cakes and cupcakes.
5. Different Extracts: The easiest way would be to make use of different extracts like rose extract, coconut extract, etc to add flavor would be lovely too.

These variations offer a range of flavors to suit different preferences and occasions. Whether you're in the mood for fruity, chocolatey, or nutty goodness, these additions will enhance your buttercream frosting and take it to a whole new level of deliciousness. 

What can I pair this Buttercream with?

Imagine your classic buttercream recipe but with a velvety and silky frosting kind of mouth feel. This recipe is exactly that. 

So you can pair this perfect recipe with various cake flavors to create delightful combinations. 

Here are a few examples:

1. Chocolate Cake or Vanilla Cake: The classic combination of chocolate or vanilla cake with this buttercream frosting is always a winner. Whether you choose to frost a rich chocolate cake or a fluffy vanilla cake, the smooth and creamy texture of the frosting will complement the flavors beautifully. And of course, you can also pair this buttercream frosting with classic vanilla cupcakes and decadent chocolate cupcakes
2. Red Velvet Cake: The combination of red velvet cake and this melt-in-your-mouth buttercream frosting is simply divine. The indulgent and slightly tangy flavor of red velvet cake pairs perfectly with the silky texture of the frosting, creating a heavenly treat.
3. Sheet Cake: This buttercream frosting without powdered sugar is ideal for spreading on sheet cakes. The easy-to-make and delicious frosting can be smoothly applied over the entire surface of a sheet cake, resulting in a delightful dessert for any occasion.
4. Muffins and Tea Time Cakes: In addition to layering this frosting on traditional cakes, you can also use it to enhance the flavor of muffins, particularly blueberry muffins. Adding a dollop or spreading a thin layer of this frosting on tea time cakes will elevate their taste, making them even more enjoyable. A freshly made banana cake with this frosting would be divine.

These are just a few examples, but the possibilities are endless.

Feel free to experiment and pair this buttercream frosting with your favorite cake flavors to create delightful and scrumptious combinations.

The smooth and velvety texture of the frosting will enhance the overall taste and appeal of your baked treats.

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Recipes:

1. Condensed Milk Buttercream
2. Best Buttercream Frosting
3. Buttercream Frosting recipe without Butter

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