29+ Frosting Recipes

Looking for the best frosting recipes for cakes, cupcakes, cookies, brownies, and other desserts? From classic buttercream frosting and rich chocolate frosting to tangy cream cheese frosting, fluffy 7-minute frosting, and old-fashioned ermine frosting, there are so many delicious options to try!

Homemade frosting can completely transform even the simplest dessert. Whether you’re decorating a birthday cake, topping cupcakes for a party, frosting sugar cookies, or just looking for something sweet to spread over a sheet cake, this collection of easy homemade frosting recipes has something for every occasion.

Below you’ll find popular frosting flavors, different types of frosting, ideas for what to pair them with, and tips for making smooth, creamy frosting at home.

What Is Frosting?

Frosting is a sweet topping or filling used for cakes, cupcakes, cookies, brownies, cinnamon rolls, and other baked goods.

Depending on the recipe, frosting can be thick and creamy, light and fluffy, rich and buttery, or even cooked on the stovetop.

Common frosting ingredients include:

• Butter
• Powdered sugar
• Cream cheese
• Heavy cream
• Milk
• Chocolate
• Cocoa powder
• Vanilla extract
• Egg whites
• Granulated sugar
• Flavor extracts
• Fruit
• Nuts

Some frostings are ideal for piping and decorating, while others are softer and better for spreading over cakes or cupcakes.

Frosting Recipes

Here are some of the most popular frosting recipes to try at home.

1. Cream Cheese Frosting (Snappy Gourmet) – Cream cheese frosting is rich, creamy, slightly tangy, and one of the most versatile cake frostings. It’s traditionally made with cream cheese, butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla. It’s especially delicious on carrot cake, red velvet cake, pumpkin cake, spice cake, banana cake, and even cinnamon rolls. For the best texture, use full-fat block cream cheese rather than whipped cream cheese from a tub.

2. Buttercream Frosting (Preppy Kitchen) – Classic buttercream frosting is one of the easiest and most popular homemade frostings. American buttercream is generally made with softened butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and a little milk or cream. It’s sweet, fluffy, easy to flavor, and sturdy enough for decorating cakes and cupcakes.

3. Chocolate Buttercream Frosting (Snappy Gourmet) – Chocolate lovers can’t go wrong with chocolate buttercream frosting. Cocoa powder or melted chocolate turns classic buttercream into a rich chocolate frosting that’s perfect for chocolate cake, vanilla or yellow cake, brownies, and even sandwich cookies. Add a little espresso powder to intensify the chocolate flavor without making the frosting taste strongly like coffee.

4. Cannoli Frosting (Snappy Gourmet) – A fun twist on the popular Italian pastry, this Cannoli Frosting is delicious on just about anything! It includes ricotta and mascarpone cheese, powdered sugar, vanilla, orange, cinnamon, and chocolate chips.

5. Peanut Butter Frosting (Snappy Gourmet) – Sweet and salty peanut butter frosting is a great choice for chocolate cakes and cupcakes, as well as brownies, banana cake, and cookies. For an extra decadent dessert, top chocolate cupcakes with peanut butter frosting and chopped peanut butter cups.

6. Ermine Frosting (Sugar Spun Run) – Ermine frosting, sometimes called boiled milk frosting or flour frosting, is an old-fashioned frosting made by cooking flour and milk into a thick base before whipping it with butter and sugar. The result is smooth, light, and less sweet than traditional American buttercream. Ermine frosting is also traditionally associated with red velvet cake.

7. German Chocolate Frosting (AllRecipes) – German chocolate frosting is very different from traditional buttercream. It’s a cooked frosting generally made with evaporated milk, sugar, egg yolks, butter, coconut, and pecans. The sweet, nutty coconut-pecan topping is most famous for German chocolate cake.

8. Vanilla Buttercream Frosting (Sally’s Baking Addiction) – Everyone needs a dependable vanilla buttercream frosting recipe. This simple frosting works with almost any cake or cupcake flavor and can easily be tinted with food coloring for birthdays, holidays, and special occasions. Vanilla buttercream is also an excellent base for experimenting with other frosting flavors.

9. Chocolate Cream Cheese Frosting (Cupcake Project) – Combines two favorites, chocolate frosting and cream cheese frosting. Cream cheese adds a slight tang that balances the sweetness of chocolate and powdered sugar. Try it with chocolate cake, red velvet cake, devil’s food cake, brownies, or banana cake.

10. 7-Minute Frosting (Southern Plate) – Classic 7-minute frosting is a fluffy cooked frosting made primarily with egg whites and sugar. It’s traditionally beaten over simmering water until light, glossy, and marshmallow-like. This frosting is especially delicious on coconut cake, chocolate cake, and cupcakes.

11. Caramel Frosting (Southern Living) – Rich caramel frosting adds buttery caramel flavor to cakes and cupcakes. Depending on the recipe, caramel frosting can range from soft and creamy to thick and almost fudge-like. It’s especially good with apple cake, spice cake, chocolate cake, banana cake, pumpkin cake, and yellow cake.

12. Lemon Frosting (The First Year) – Bright and refreshing lemon frosting is perfect for spring and summer desserts. Fresh lemon juice and lemon zest can be added to buttercream or cream cheese frosting for plenty of citrus flavor. Try lemon frosting on vanilla cupcakes, lemon cake, blueberry cake, strawberry cupcakes, or sugar cookies.

13. Strawberry Frosting (Broma Bakery) – Homemade strawberry frosting can be made with fresh strawberries, strawberry puree, preserves, freeze-dried strawberries, or strawberry extract. Freeze-dried strawberries are particularly useful because they add strong strawberry flavor without adding too much moisture. Strawberry frosting pairs beautifully with vanilla, chocolate, lemon, and strawberry cakes.

14. Coconut Frosting (What the Fork) – If you’re a coconut fan, try coconut frosting flavored with coconut extract, coconut milk, or shredded coconut. Use it for coconut cake, cupcakes, pineapple cake, or tropical-inspired desserts.

15. Funfetti Frosting (Bigger Bolder Baking) – Turn ordinary vanilla frosting into Funfetti frosting by folding in colorful sprinkles. It’s an easy choice for birthday cakes, cupcakes, cookie cakes, and other celebration desserts. Use jimmies-style sprinkles if possible since some tiny nonpareils can bleed color into frosting.

16. Maple Frosting (CakeWhiz) – Sweet maple frosting is especially delicious during fall. Use real maple syrup or maple extract to flavor buttercream or cream cheese frosting. It pairs particularly well with pumpkin cake, apple cake, spice cake, and carrot cake.

17. Whipped Cream Frosting (Buttermilk by Sam) – Whipped cream frosting is lighter and less sweet than buttercream. It’s usually made with heavy whipping cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla. Stabilized whipped cream frosting is a better choice when the cake needs to hold its shape for several hours.

18. Swiss Meringue Buttercream (Serious Eats) – Swiss meringue buttercream is silky, smooth, and less sweet than American buttercream. Egg whites and sugar are gently heated before being whipped into a meringue and combined with butter. It’s a popular frosting for elegant layer cakes and wedding cakes.

19. Italian Meringue Buttercream (Sugar Geek Show) – Italian meringue buttercream uses hot sugar syrup whipped into egg whites before butter is added. The result is exceptionally smooth and stable, making it a favorite for professional cake decorating.

20. French Buttercream (Wilton) – Rich French buttercream is generally made with egg yolks, hot sugar syrup, and butter. Because of the egg yolks, it has a rich custard-like flavor and naturally pale yellow color.

21. Chocolate Ganache (Natasha’s Kitchen) – Although technically different from traditional frosting, chocolate ganache is one of the easiest and most versatile cake toppings. It’s generally just made with chocolate and heavy cream. Warm ganache can be poured over cakes, while cooled ganache can be whipped or spread like frosting.

22. Fudge Frosting (Cakes by MK) – Rich and thick chocolate fudge frosting is perfect when you want an especially decadent chocolate dessert. It works well on sheet cakes, brownies, cupcakes, and layer cakes.

23. Marshmallow Frosting (Snappy Gourmet) – Fluffy marshmallow frosting has a sweet, light texture similar to marshmallow creme. It’s especially good with chocolate cupcakes, s’mores desserts, coconut cake, and fun party treats.

24. Mocha Frosting (Two Sisters) – Combine chocolate and coffee flavors in mocha frosting. Espresso powder or strong coffee adds depth to chocolate buttercream and pairs particularly well with chocolate cake.

25. Cookies and Cream Frosting (Cookies and Cups) – Crushed chocolate sandwich cookies turn vanilla or cream cheese frosting into easy cookies and cream frosting. Use it for cupcakes, chocolate cakes, birthday cakes, or sandwich cookies.

26. Coffee Frosting (Cookie Dough and Oven Mitt) – The coffee flavor in the forsting pairs great with butter and sugar. Try it with chocolate and vanilla cakes.

27. Raspberry Frosting (Sugar & Sparrow) – Bright raspberry frosting adds fruity flavor and beautiful natural color. Make it with raspberry puree, preserves, freeze-dried raspberries, or flavoring. It pairs especially well with chocolate and lemon desserts.

28. Orange Frosting (Frosting & Fettuccine) – Fresh orange juice and zest give orange frosting a sweet citrus flavor. Use it on vanilla cupcakes, chocolate cake, cranberry cake, carrot cake, or orange cookies.

29. Brown Butter Frosting (My Baking Addiction) – For deeper flavor, brown the butter before making frosting. Brown butter frosting has a rich, nutty flavor that’s perfect for fall desserts, spice cakes, cookies, apple desserts, and pumpkin cakes.

30. Cinnamon Frosting (Julie Blanner) – Adding ground cinnamon to buttercream or cream cheese frosting creates an easy cinnamon frosting that’s perfect for cinnamon rolls, apple cake, pumpkin cupcakes, and spice cake.

Different Types of Frosting

Not all frosting is made the same way. Understanding the main types of frosting can help you choose the best one for your dessert.

American Buttercream

American buttercream is made primarily with butter and powdered sugar.

Best for: cupcakes, layer cakes, sheet cakes, decorating, and piping.

Texture: thick, creamy, and sweet.

Cream Cheese Frosting

Cream cheese frosting combines cream cheese, butter, and powdered sugar.

Best for: carrot cake, red velvet cake, spice cake, pumpkin cake, and cinnamon rolls.

Texture: creamy, soft, and slightly tangy.

Swiss Meringue Buttercream

Swiss meringue buttercream uses egg whites, sugar, and butter.

Best for: layer cakes, wedding cakes, and smooth cake decorating.

Texture: silky and light.

Italian Meringue Buttercream

Italian buttercream is made by whipping hot sugar syrup into egg whites and then adding butter.

Best for: decorated cakes and desserts that need a smooth, stable frosting.

Texture: smooth, silky, and less sweet.

Ermine Frosting

Ermine frosting begins with a cooked flour-and-milk mixture.

Best for: red velvet cake, chocolate cake, and layer cakes.

Texture: light, fluffy, and not overly sweet.

Seven-Minute Frosting

Seven-minute frosting is a cooked meringue-style frosting.

Best for: coconut cake, chocolate cake, and cupcakes.

Texture: light, fluffy, glossy, and marshmallow-like.

Ganache

Ganache is made from chocolate and heavy cream.

Best for: cakes, cupcakes, brownies, truffles, and drip cakes.

Texture: varies from pourable to thick and spreadable depending on the ratio of chocolate to cream.

Frosting vs. Icing: What’s the Difference?

Although the terms are sometimes used interchangeably, frosting and icing are generally a little different.

Frosting tends to be:

• Thick
• Fluffy
• Creamy
• Easy to spread
• Suitable for piping

Icing is generally:

• Thinner
• More fluid
• Glossy
• Made with powdered sugar and liquid
• Drizzled or spread in a thin layer

Glazes are usually even thinner and are often poured or drizzled over donuts, Bundt cakes, quick breads, and pastries.

Best Frosting for Cake

The best frosting depends on the type of cake you’re making.

Try these easy cake and frosting combinations:

• Chocolate cake: chocolate buttercream, peanut butter frosting, mocha frosting, or vanilla buttercream
• Vanilla cake: chocolate frosting, strawberry frosting, vanilla buttercream, or raspberry frosting
• Carrot cake: cream cheese frosting
• Red velvet cake: cream cheese frosting or ermine frosting
• Coconut cake: 7-minute frosting or coconut frosting
• German chocolate cake: coconut-pecan German chocolate frosting
• Pumpkin cake: cream cheese frosting or maple frosting
• Apple cake: caramel frosting or brown butter frosting
• Lemon cake: lemon frosting, raspberry frosting, or vanilla buttercream

Best Frosting for Cupcakes

For cupcakes, choose a frosting recipe that holds its shape well.

Good options include:

• American buttercream
• Chocolate buttercream
• Vanilla buttercream
• Cream cheese frosting
• Peanut butter frosting
• Swiss meringue buttercream
• Italian meringue buttercream
• Strawberry buttercream
• Lemon buttercream
• Maple buttercream

For tall bakery-style cupcake swirls, use a piping bag fitted with a large star or round piping tip.

How to Make Homemade Frosting Better

A few simple tricks can make a big difference when making homemade frosting.

Use Room-Temperature Butter

Softened butter combines more easily with sugar and helps create smooth, fluffy frosting. The butter should be soft enough to indent when pressed but not melted or greasy.

Use Powdered Sugar

Powdered sugar, also called confectioners’ sugar, dissolves easily and helps create a smooth frosting. If yours is especially lumpy, sift it before adding it to the frosting.

Add Liquid Slowly

Milk and cream can quickly change the consistency of frosting. Add a small amount at a time until you reach the texture you want.

Don’t Forget the Salt

A small pinch of salt can balance sweetness, especially in buttercream and chocolate frosting.

Beat the Frosting Long Enough

Whipping buttercream for several minutes can make it noticeably lighter and fluffier.

Adjust the Consistency

If your frosting is too thick, add a small amount of milk or cream. If it’s too thin, add more powdered sugar.

How Much Frosting Do You Need?

The amount of frosting you’ll need depends on the dessert and how heavily you plan to decorate it.

As a general guide:

• 12 cupcakes: about 2 to 3 cups frosting
• 9×13-inch cake: about 2 to 3 cups
• Two-layer 8- or 9-inch cake: about 4 to 5 cups
• 24 cupcakes: about 4 to 5 cups

You’ll need extra frosting if you plan to pipe large swirls, flowers, borders, or other decorations.

Can You Make Frosting Ahead of Time?

Many frosting recipes can be made ahead.

Buttercream and cream cheese frosting can generally be refrigerated in an airtight container and brought back toward room temperature before using.

After chilling, buttercream may need to be whipped again to restore its fluffy texture.

Always follow the storage directions for your specific recipe, particularly for frostings containing dairy products or eggs.

Can You Freeze Frosting?

Many butter-based frostings freeze well.

Store frosting in an airtight freezer-safe container. Thaw it in the refrigerator and then let it soften before whipping again.

The texture of some cream cheese, whipped cream, and meringue-based frostings may change after freezing, so check the individual recipe before freezing.

Frosting Flavor Ideas

Once you have a basic vanilla buttercream recipe, you can use it as a starting point for dozens of different frosting recipes and flavors.

Try adding:

• Cocoa powder
• Melted chocolate
• Peanut butter
• Caramel
• Lemon zest
• Orange zest
• Maple syrup
• Espresso powder
• Cinnamon
• Coconut extract
• Almond extract
• Strawberry powder
• Raspberry powder
• Crushed cookies
• Sprinkles
• Mini chocolate chips

It’s an easy way to create a custom frosting that matches just about any cake or cupcake.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most popular type of frosting?

Buttercream is one of the most popular frosting recipes because it’s easy to make, easy to flavor, and works well for both spreading and piping. Cream cheese frosting and chocolate frosting are also longtime favorites.

What is the easiest frosting to make?

American buttercream is one of the easiest homemade frosting recipes. Most versions require only butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk or cream.

What frosting is best for decorating cakes?

American buttercream, Swiss meringue buttercream, and Italian meringue buttercream are all popular choices for decorating cakes.

American buttercream is generally the easiest option for beginners.

What frosting is not too sweet?

Ermine frosting and Swiss meringue buttercream are both popular choices for people who prefer frosting that isn’t as sweet as traditional American buttercream.

What frosting goes with chocolate cake?

Chocolate cake pairs well with chocolate buttercream, vanilla buttercream, peanut butter frosting, caramel frosting, mocha frosting, raspberry frosting, cream cheese frosting, and many other flavors.

What frosting goes with vanilla cake?

Vanilla cake is incredibly versatile and pairs well with chocolate frosting, vanilla buttercream, strawberry frosting, lemon frosting, caramel frosting, raspberry frosting, and cream cheese frosting.