Butter cream

Buttercream is a type of icing or filling used inside cakes, as a coating, and as decoration. In its simplest form, it is made by creaming butter with powdered sugar, although other fats can be used, such as margarine or lard. Buttercream is flavored with vanilla, cocoa or other flavors, and colored with food coloring.

Types of Buttercream

There are several types of buttercream, including:

• American Buttercream: Also known as simple buttercream, it is made with butter, confectioners' sugar, milk, and flavorings. It is easy to make and has a sweet, creamy flavor.

• French Buttercream: This type is made with egg yolks, sugar syrup, and butter. It is very rich and smooth, with a custard-like flavor.

• Italian Buttercream: This type is made with egg whites, sugar syrup, and butter. It is less sweet than American buttercream and more complex in flavor.

• Swiss Buttercream: This type is made with egg whites, sugar, and butter. It is similar to Italian buttercream, but the sugar and egg whites are cooked together over a double boiler.

• German Buttercream: This type is made with custard, butter, and powdered sugar. It is less sweet than American buttercream and has a creamy, custard-like flavor.

Uses

Buttercream is used in a variety of ways in baking. It can be used as a filling for cakes and cupcakes, as a topping for pastries, and as a decoration for cakes and cupcakes. It can also be used to pipe flowers and other decorations.

See Also

• Cake decorating
• Icing (food)
• Pastry cream