Bakery Style Frosting -(Fluffy and Pipeable)
If you are looking for the best frosting, then this bakery frosting is a must-try. It takes 5 minutes to whip and has the longest shelf life ever! Also, it’s an absolute kids’ favorite vanilla or chocolate frosting over any cupcakes, cakes, or cookies.
As a child, one of my fondest memories was visiting the local bakery and marveling at the frosted irresistible treats. The vibrant colors and glossy sheen of the frosting never failed to captivate me, promising a world of sweetness and delight with each bite.
That first taste of bakery-style frosting was pure bliss, a burst of sweetness that danced on my tongue and filled me with joy. I think most of us have a similar memory from our childhood, right?
Bakery frosting has a smooth and creamy consistency that holds its shape well, making it perfect for piping and decorating intricate designs. This type of frosting is stable at room temperature, which is crucial for bakery products that may be displayed for an extended period before being consumed.
It can be easily flavored and colored to create a variety of different effects and decorations, making it versatile for different types of baked goods. Overall, bakery frosting is popular because it combines ease of use with a great taste and appearance, making it a favorite choice for many bakers and cake decorators.
Why you’ll love this frosting?
- Perfect Consistency: This recipe creates a smooth and creamy frosting that is easy to work with and spreads beautifully on cakes and cupcakes.
- Stability: The addition of cornstarch slurry helps the frosting maintain its shape and structure, making it ideal for piping and decorating.
- Versatility: This frosting pairs well with a variety of flavors and can be easily customized with different extracts or food coloring to suit your taste and theme.
- Longevity: The use of vegetable shortening alongside butter helps the frosting hold up well at room temperature, making it a great choice for desserts that need to sit out for a while.
- Smooth Texture: The cornstarch slurry helps create a silky-smooth texture, ensuring that your frosting looks as good as it tastes.
Ingredients and substitutes
- Butter: Provides flavor and richness to the frosting. It also helps the frosting hold its shape. Margarine can be used as a substitute for butter, but it may alter the flavor and texture slightly.
- Vegetable Shortening: Adds stability to the frosting, helping it hold its shape and structure, especially in warmer temperatures. You can use more butter instead of vegetable shortening, but the frosting may be slightly softer.
- Powdered Sugar (Confectioners’ Sugar): Sweetens the frosting and also helps thicken it. It’s important to use powdered sugar to avoid a grainy texture. If you don’t have powdered sugar, you can make your own by blending granulated sugar in a blender until it becomes powdery.
- Cornstarch Slurry: Helps thicken the frosting and improve its stability. It also gives the frosting a smoother texture. You can use a small amount of corn syrup or a bit more powdered sugar to thicken the frosting instead of cornstarch slurry, but the texture may be slightly different.
- Vanilla Extract: Adds flavor to the frosting. You can also use other flavorings like almond extract or citrus zest for different flavor variations. You can use other extracts or flavorings to change the flavor of the frosting.
Step by step: How to Make Bakery-style frosting
Makes enough to cover 2 x 8-inch cakes or 24 cupcakes
- In the bowl of a stand mixer with the paddle attachment or hand mixer, cream butter and shortening for about a minute, on medium speed, until light and fluffy.
Pro tip – The butter’s color will get lighter and blend with the shortening. - Combine water with cornstarch and vanilla extract. Add it to the creaming mixture and whip until smooth. Add the salt.
Pro tip – Water will create a glue effect with the cornstarch when combined with the fat. It will also take away that starchy taste from the cornstarch. - Next, start adding the powdered sugar one cup at a time. Once all the sugar is in – whip the buttercream for three minutes until light and fluffy.
Pro tip: Whipping for no less than 3 minutes will give a light, airy whipped cream frosting consistency.
Step-by-step: Chocolate Bakery frosting
- In the bowl of a stand mixer with the paddle attachment or hand mixer, cream butter, shortening it for about a minute until light and fluffy.
- Combine water with cornstarch. Add the cocoa powder, salt, and vanilla extract. Add it to the creaming mixture and whip until smooth.
Pro tip – Water will create a glue effect with the cornstarch when combined with the fat. It will also take away that starchy taste from the cornstarch. - Next, start adding the powdered sugar one cup at a time. Once all the sugar is in, whip the buttercream for three minutes until it is light and fluffy.
Pro tip – whipping for no less than 3 minutes will give a light and airy whipped cream consistency frosting.
Troubleshooting
| Problem | Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Frosting is too runny | Too much liquid (such as milk or cream) | Gradually add more powdered sugar until you reach the desired consistency |
| Frosting is too thick | Too much powdered sugar | Gradually add a little more milk or cream until you reach the desired consistency |
| Frosting is too sweet | High sugar-to-fat ratio | Add a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness, or add more butter or shortening to mellow the flavor |
| Frosting is lumpy | Powdered sugar not sifted or butter/shortening not fully softened | Beat on high speed for a few minutes or press through a sieve to remove lumps |
| Frosting is grainy | Powdered sugar not fully dissolved | Beat on high speed or add a little more liquid to help dissolve the sugar |
| Frosting is too greasy | Too much butter or shortening | Add more powdered sugar to absorb excess fat |
| Frosting is not holding its shape | Frosting is too warm | Chill in the refrigerator for a few minutes before piping |
Creative variations – Vanilla flavors
- Vanilla bean Frosting: Add 1-2 teaspoons of vanilla bean paste for a classic vanilla flavor.
- Lemon Frosting: Add 1-2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice and 1 teaspoon of lemon zest for a bright, citrusy flavor.
- Almond Frosting: Add 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of almond extract for a sweet and nutty flavor.
- Coffee Frosting: Dissolve 1-2 teaspoons of instant coffee granules in 1-2 tablespoons of hot water and add to the frosting for a rich coffee flavor.
- Cream Cheese Frosting: Replace half of the butter with cream cheese and add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract for a tangy, creamy frosting.
- Strawberry Frosting: Add 1/4 cup of strawberry puree (made from fresh or frozen strawberries) and reduce the amount of milk or cream in the frosting for a fruity flavor.
- Maple Frosting: Replace 1/4 cup of the powdered sugar with maple syrup and add 1/2 teaspoon of maple extract for a sweet and rich maple flavor.
Creative variations – Chocolate flavors
- Mocha Chocolate Frosting: Add 1-2 tablespoons of instant coffee granules dissolved in 1-2 tablespoons of hot water to the frosting for a rich mocha flavor.
- Chocolate Orange Frosting: Add 1-2 teaspoons of orange extract or zest to the frosting for a zesty twist.
- Mexican Chocolate Frosting: Add 1-2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon and a pinch of cayenne pepper to the frosting for a spicy kick.
- Chocolate Mint Frosting: Add 1-2 teaspoons of mint extract or a few drops of peppermint oil to the frosting for a refreshing minty flavor.
- Chocolate Peanut Butter Frosting: Add 1/4-1/2 cup of creamy peanut butter to the frosting for a rich and nutty flavor.
- Chocolate Coconut Frosting: Add 1/4-1/2 cup of shredded coconut to the frosting for a tropical twist.
- Chocolate Raspberry Frosting: Add 1/4-1/2 cup of raspberry puree (made from fresh or frozen raspberries) to the frosting for a fruity flavor.
- Spiked Chocolate Frosting: Add 1-2 tablespoons of your favorite liqueur, such as Kahlua or Bailey’s Irish Cream, to the frosting for an adult twist.
- Swiss Meringue Buttercream or Italian Meringue Buttercream
- French Buttercream Recipe or How to make German Buttercream
- American Buttercream Frosting, Vanilla Buttercream Frosting
- Caramel Buttercream Frosting or Butterscotch BC Frosting
- Maple Buttercream Frosting, Eggnog Buttercream Frosting
- Ermine Frosting (Less Sweet)
- 30 + Buttercream Recipes – Frosting
Frequently asked questions
How long can I store bakery-style frosting?
Our bakery-style frosting is high in sugar and will keep at room temperature for 3 to 4 days. You can also keep it in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you need to store it longer, you can freeze it for up to a few months.
How can I make my frosting thicker?
To make your frosting thicker, you can add more powdered sugar, or you can use less milk or cream in the recipe.
Can I freeze bakery-style frosting?
Yes, you can freeze bakery-style frosting. Store it in an airtight container and thaw it in the refrigerator before using. Re-whip the frosting to restore its texture.
Can I use shortening instead of butter in bakery-style frosting?
Yes, you can use vegetable shortening instead of butter in bakery-style frosting. Shortening can help the frosting hold its shape better in warm temperatures.
Is this the same as Korean buttercream?
No. Korean buttercream is a meringue-based buttercream recipe and I have shared the recipe will you using the Swiss meringue method.
Video
Ingredients
Makes enough to cover 2 x 9-inch layer cake, 3 x 8-inch layer cake or 24 cupcakes
Bakery Vanilla Frosting
- 1 cup (227 g) Unsalted butter soft, room temperature
- ½ cup (100 g) Vegetable shortening Crisco, Short bright, Dalda, Trex
- 4 cup (480 g) Powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp Water room temperature
- 2 tbsp Cornstarch
- 2 tsp Vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp Salt
Bakery Chocolate Frosting
- 1 cup (227 g) Unsalted butter
- ½ cup (100 g) Vegetable shortening Crisco, Short bright, Dalda, Trex
- 4 cups (480 g) Powdered sugar
- 3 – 4 tbsp Water room temperature
- 2 tbsp Cornstarch
- 2 tbsp Cocoa powder added to the cornstarch slurry
- 2 tsp Vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp Salt
Method
Bakery Vanilla Frosting
- In the bowl of a stand mixer with the paddle attachment or hand mixer, cream butter and shortening for about a minute, on medium speed, until light and fluffy. Pro tip – The butter's color will get lighter and blend with the shortening.1 cup Unsalted butter, ½ cup Vegetable shortening
- Combine water with cornstarch and vanilla extract. Add it to the creaming mixture and whip until smooth. Add the salt.Pro tip – Water will create a glue effect with the cornstarch when combined with the fat. It will also take away that starchy taste from the cornstarch.2 tbsp Water, 2 tbsp Cornstarch, 2 tsp Vanilla extract, ¼ tsp Salt
- Next, start adding the powdered sugar one cup at a time. Once all the sugar is in – whip the buttercream for three minutes until light and fluffy. Pro tip: Whipping for no less than 3 minutes will give a light, airy whipped cream frosting consistency.4 cup Powdered sugar
Bakery Chocolate Frosting
- In the bowl of a stand mixer with the paddle attachment or hand mixer cream butter and shortening for about a minute minutes, until light and fluffy.1 cup Unsalted butter, ½ cup Vegetable shortening
- Combine water with cornstarch. Add the cocoa powder, salt and vanilla extract. Add it to the creaming mixture and whip until smooth. Pro tip – Water will create a glue effect with the cornstarch when combined with the fat. It will also take away that starchy taste from the cornstarch.3 – 4 tbsp Water, 2 tbsp Cornstarch, 2 tbsp Cocoa powder, 2 tsp Vanilla extract, ¼ tsp Salt
- Next, start adding the powdered sugar one cup at a time. Once all the sugar is in, whip the buttercream for three minutes until it is light and fluffy.Pro tip – whipping for no less than 3 minutes will give a light and airy whipped cream consistency frosting.4 cups Powdered sugar
Storage
- This buttercream is ready to use. Frosted cakes and cupcakes will stay at room temperature in good weather for 3 to 4 days. You can store bakery-style frosting in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you need to store it longer, you can freeze it for up to a few months.Pro tip – if you have air pockets while frosting the cake, use a side-to-side paddle motion with a spatula to press the air pockets out of the frosting.
Notes
- Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Make sure your butter and vegetable shortening are softened to room temperature for a smoother consistency.
- Sift the Powdered Sugar: Sifting the powdered sugar before adding it to the frosting helps prevent lumps and ensures a smooth texture.
- Mix Gradually: Add the powdered sugar gradually, mixing well after each addition, to avoid a gritty texture.
- Beat Well: Beat the butter and shortening together until light and fluffy to incorporate air into the frosting for a lighter texture.
- Adjust Consistency: If the frosting is too thick, add a little milk or cream. If it’s too thin, add more powdered sugar.
- Flavor Variations: Experiment with different extracts or flavorings to create unique variations of this classic frosting recipe.
- Storage: Store any leftover frosting in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week, or freeze it for longer storage. Allow it to come to room temperature and re-whip before using.
I have been baking for 56 years and this is by far one of the best frosting recipes I have ever made. It’s light, not too sweet and it pipes well! You can’t ask for a better recipe! Thank you so much!
Marie
Thank you, Marie
I made recipe exactly as written and it was very soupy. I gave up and tossed it after adding 14 cups of icing sugar and it still was not stiff enough to ice a cake
14 cups of icing sugar? That does not sound like the right proportion. Also with so much sugar how is it still soupy? There is just 2 – 4 tbsp of water!
I also found it soupy probly cuz I used the whole 1/4 cup while following the directions. I added another 165 grams of sugar then refrigerated it and mixed it again…I didn’t see anything that said 2 to 4 tablespoons, just 4 but it seemed to work out….it is very delicious though
I want to try this recipe, but the ingredient list calls for water. Your comments below it say “hot water”. Is the water room temperature or actually hot. And if it’s hot, doesn’t it affect the butter you’ve just creamed?
The water is warm almost hot. And yes it does melt the butter and powdered sugar slightly but that’s what gives this frosting its creaminess. Half the recipe to see if you like it.
The ingredient list doesn’t mention butter…. How much for this recipe?
The very first ingredient in the list is butter, Elizabeth. Unsalted butter 8 oz / 226 grams
Mine tasted like Crisco. I had to throw it all out.
I followed EXACTLY as stated .
I Cup Crisco
2 sticks softened butter
Etc Etc Etc
What did I miss? My husband said it tastes like Wax (before he knew that i used Crisco.
Angela. Butter and vegetable shortening are not the same. Vegetable shortening needs more powdered sugar to make it a frosting. Sounds like you needed more powdered sugar. The best way is to taste it!
You mention HOT water, but the recipe doesn’t call for HOT water. ??
Hey Antoinette. I like using hot/warm water. I find that it melts some of the sugar giving it a smoother consistency. However, if not done correctly the cornstarch can clump giving a few lumps instead.
I’m making a cake for my nephew who is allergic to dairy. I’m wondering if I can use this recipe and substitute butter flavored shortening instead of butter?
Heather, If you use shortening you will need more powdered sugar to get the same consistency. But, yes, you can use shortening instead of butter.
would this hold up and be stable on a tiered wedding cake?
Yes, it would Cathy. I have used it on my buttercream wedding cakes too.
I am looking to find a buttercream that is more like a “dry” bakery buttercream as I am adding an edible screen print to the cake and want to add the screen print a day before the party. I’ve read if the icing is to “moist” the screen print will melt if added to far in advance. Would this icing work for my needs and how do you tell if your icing is to “moist”. Thanks !!!
Kristine. This icing is not dry but you can use less liquid and more powdered sugar in most frostings to achieve a dry consistency.
Super good! My kids don’t like the heaviness of a traditional buttercream this one was rich but nice and fluffy. Perfect!
Thank you Amanda