Frosting is often people’s favorite part of baked treats. Many types of cakes, cupcakes, and other pastries simply wouldn’t be complete without frosting.
If you don’t like buying frosting from the store that comes in a can, then you probably prefer homemade. Homemade frosting is often lighter and fluffier than the frosting that you can buy at the grocery store.
However, not everyone understands how to make frosting properly. You might have frosting come out too thick or you might have it come out way too thin.
What can you do to make frosting fluffy and delicious? Read on to get important tips that will help you to make the most delicious frosting that you can.
Understand That There Are Many Types of Frosting
The first thing to know is that there are different types of frosting out there. Not every type of frosting is going to be made the same way.
You might be interested in making buttercream frosting, but you might also like whipped cream frosting. The methods for making the frosting turn out perfect will differ slightly depending on what you’re trying to do.
For this reason, the advice here is going to be split between making buttercream frosting and making whipped cream frosting. You’ll be able to decide which option works the best for the pastry that you’re baking.
There are other types of frosting besides those as well, but this is going to focus on those two. The tips that you learn about making each of these types of frosting should help you when making other types of frosting, too.
Buttercream Frosting
Buttercream frosting is up first. This smooth type of frosting is going to make cakes and cupcakes taste that much better.
Take the Time to Sift the Powdered Sugar
If you want to get the fluffiest frosting that you can, then you’ll want to sift the sugar first. You make buttercream frosting by creaming powdered sugar and butter together.
Those who have worked with powdered sugar before will know that it has lumps. These lumps can wind up giving your frosting a grittier texture than you will want.
If you sift the sugar, then you can avoid this issue entirely. It doesn’t take long to do and it isn’t hard at all.
Failure to do this could even run the risk of making your buttercream frosting deflated. Sifting gives you the softest and fluffiest version of buttercream frosting.
Remember to Add Sugar Gradually
Don’t just dump all of the sugar in at once. It’s going to go much better if you choose to add sugar gradually.
Mix the butter and cream together a bit before you start adding more. Yes, it is going to take longer to go about things this way, but it’s the better method.
If the recipe calls for three cups of sugar, then you’ll want to add in half a cup at once. Then you allow the butter and sugar to mix together before adding another half a cup.
Another tip that will help you to avoid making a mess is to use a splash guard. This can also ensure that you don’t waste any of the sugar that you’re trying to add to the mix.
Don’t Rush the Mixing Process
Don’t rush the mixing process when you’re making buttercream frosting. The butter and sugar won’t take too long to mix together, but you can mix it a bit more to make things fluffier.
As you continue to beat the frosting, it’ll whip air into the mix. This can make the frosting substantially fluffier if you take the time to do it.
If you feel as though your frosting isn’t turning out fluffy enough, then you might be rushing things. Trying to mix the frosting too fast and giving up early will leave you with frosting that’s less than perfect.
Simply take a bit more time to mix the frosting and it’ll be light and delicious. You’ll whip the right amount of air into the frosting and you’ll be very happy with how things turned out.
Don’t Forget to Scrape the Bowl
Remember that you need to scrape the bowl when mixing. Take the time to scrape the sides of the bowl so that you mix everything together thoroughly.
If you don’t do this, then you might only mix the ingredients that are in the middle of the bowl. Use a baking spatula to scrape the sides of the bowl as you’re mixing so that you can be as thorough as possible.
Most people understand the need to do this, but they might forget if they’re in a hurry. Try to slow things down and remember to scrape the sides of the mixing bowl to ensure that the frosting turns out great.
Whipped Cream Frosting
Whipped cream frosting is light and very tasty. It goes perfectly with certain types of cakes and other pastries.
Remember to Use Cold Ingredients
Remember to use cold ingredients when you’re making whipped cream frosting. It makes it easier for the cream to hold the most amount of air, and that’s what will make the frosting fluffy.
Start out with cold cream so that you can get the results that you want. This shouldn’t be hard to remember since most people will store the cream in the fridge until they’re ready to get started.
Consider Using Powdered Sugar
There are many different whipped cream frosting recipes out there that you could try. Some of them will call for different ingredients, but it might be good to try one that utilizes powdered sugar.
Powdered sugar is simply fluffier when you compare it to standard sugar. It does a better job of dissolving into the cream, and it makes it so that things are even.
You can get good results with granular sugar as well, but it might have a rougher texture. Whipped cream frosting that is made with powdered sugar turns out super soft and fluffy.
Use Gelatin as a Stabilizing Ingredient
You might need a stabilizing ingredient to keep this type of frosting from collapsing. Most people think that gelatin is going to be the best option.
The whipped cream frosting might look fluffy without the gelatin at first, but it could turn back into liquid if you’re not careful. Using gelatin ensures that your frosting will have the right form.
Gelatin is perfect because it doesn’t have a flavor. It simply provides the structure that you need to make the frosting.
Your frosting should have no problems staying fluffy when you use this tip. It’ll be scrumptious once you’re finished making it.
Don’t Mix Things Too Much
Don’t mix things too much when you’re making whipped cream frosting. Do you remember earlier when it was said that different types of frosting require different techniques?
Buttercream frosting will get fluffier when you mix it a bit more. Whipped cream frosting is different.
If you mix whipped cream frosting too much, then it’ll wind up becoming stiff. It might wind up having the consistency of butter if you take things too far.
Avoid this by only mixing the frosting as much as you need to. Ensure that stiff peaks form and then turn the mixer off.
Final Thoughts
After learning about the advice above, it’s going to be easier for you to make frosting that you’re satisfied with. You even have options, and this will make it simple to make the right frosting for whatever dessert you’re baking.
Buttercream frosting will turn out delicious if you follow the advice above. You want to make sure to sift the powdered sugar so that it doesn’t have any lumps.
Don’t give up on mixing it too early either. Being a bit more thorough will allow you to make frosting that is light and airy.
It’s even important to scrape the sides of your mixing bowl during the process. You want to ensure that you’re mixing everything, and if you’re not careful you’ll wind up only mixing the ingredients in the middle of the bowl.
Whipped cream frosting is a bit different because you don’t want to whip it too much. You need to be careful not to whip it more than you’re supposed to.
Mix the whipped cream frosting until peaks form and then stop what you’re doing. Going further will completely throw off the consistency of the frosting.
You can make whipped cream frosting turn out soft and fluffy by using powdered sugar instead of granular sugar. If you’re looking for the best whipped cream frosting recipe, then you should find one that utilizes powdered sugar.
No matter what type of frosting you’re trying to make, it’s going to be important to do things right. Try to avoid rushing your way through the process when you’re making frosting.
Avoid distractions such as smartphones and take the time to measure out ingredients properly. You’ll be able to get much better results this way.
Now that you know how to make satisfyingly fluffy frosting, you’ll be able to share it with your entire family. Make your family a delicious cake sometime soon to celebrate.
I have a bachelor’s degree in Film/Video/Media Studies, as well as an associates degree in Communications. I began producing videos and musical recordings nearly 15 years ago. I am a guitarist and bassist in Southwest MI and have been in a few different bands since 2009, and in 2012 I began building custom guitars and basses in my home workshop as well. When I’m home, I love spending time with my three pets (a dog, cat, and snake) and gardening in my backyard.