White Chocolate Buttercream Frosting Recipe

Made using melted chocolate, butter and vanilla, this white chocolate frosting is perfect for anyone looking to sweeten up their desserts. Great for piping and spreading on layer cakes, this buttercream recipe pairs well with almost any cake flavor. Try our favorite chocolate cake recipe. The white color of the frosting also makes it easy to tint so you can customize your cakes and cupcakes.

Prep10 min
Total Time20 min
Skill LevelBeginner

Amount4 cups

Ingredients & Tools
Instructions

Ingredients

8 ounce white chocolate bar, chopped
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3 cups sifted powdered sugar (confectioners’ sugar)

Tools
Medium microwave-safe container
Electric hand mixer or stand mixer

Instructions

Click to mark complete

In a medium microwave-safe container, melt the white chocolate in the microwave at half (50%) power for 1 minute then stir. Microwave at 50% power in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until chocolate is completely melted. Let cool slightly.
In a large bowl, beat butter and salt with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth.
Add vanilla extract and beat until smooth.
Beat in sugar one cup at a time. When all sugar has been mixed in the frosting will appear dry.
Add cooled white chocolate and beat at medium speed until light and fluffy.

Notes

- This frosting is similar to the traditional American buttercream frosting and is great for piping decorations or frosting layer cakes.
- White chocolate bars are recommended for this recipe. White chocolate chips won’t melt as well and can affect the consistency of the frosting.
- To Store: Frosting should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2 weeks and can be frozen for up to 6 weeks. Bring back to room temperature and re-whip before using.
- To Color: Use Icing Colors or food coloring to tint frosting to any color without disturbing the consistency of the frosting.
- To cut sweetness: If your buttercream is too sweet, add a pinch of salt. Make sure it dissolves completely once mixed in. You can also opt for 1/2 cup salted butter rather than 1/2 cup unsalted butter to avoid overly sweet buttercream.

How To

Buttercream Frosting Consistency
Whether you’re frosting a cake or piping decorations, the consistency of the frosting is key to getting the right results. Thankfully, it’s easy to take your buttercream from stiff to soft consistency, and the other way around!
Buttercream Frosting Tips and Tricks
Did your homemade buttercream come out runny or too dry? Are your buttercream flowers drooping or is your frosting filled with air bubbles? We’re here to help!
Buttercream Frosting Ingredients 101
Like all the best recipes, the perfect buttercream frosting comes down to using the right ingredients. Fat, sugar, liquid and salt are key to making the best frosting – but why?