20+ Best Frosting Recipes for Cakes, Cupcakes, Brownies, and More
It's the icing on the cake—literally!
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We'll be the first to admit that no homemade cake recipe would be complete without frosting. Just think how unfortunate it would be to have Ree Drummond's carrot cake without the infamous cream cheese frosting. Or how incomplete your cupcakes would look without a fluffy pile of buttercream. Of course, you can always buy a tub of frosting if you're in a pinch, but making your own homemade frosting is easier than you might think. And if you went to the effort of making a cake from scratch, you're going to want these homemade frosting recipes to match. Come to think of it, making your own frosting is a great trick for elevating boxed cake mix, too!
Depending on the type of cake you're making, you may want to choose from Swiss meringue, chocolate ganache, or American buttercream. There's even a whipped frosting that's light, airy, and perfect for any spring cake recipe. Then, choose from a variety of flavors. Here, you'll find strawberry frosting, cookies 'n' cream frosting, coconut frosting, and more. You can use any one of these frosting recipes for sheet cakes or your favorite birthday cake, of course, but they also make delicious toppers for brownies and cupcakes, too. Then, once you have your frosting made, be sure to check out our tips for how to frost a cake!
Cream Cheese Frosting
Cream cheese frosting is our go-to for so many recipes. It's a classic topping for pumpkin spice muffins, carrot cake, and hummingbird cake. Basically, it's good for any dessert that's comforting and nostalgic.
Get the Cream Cheese Frosting recipe.
Chocolate Swiss Buttercream
Swiss buttercream is silky, light, and super-easy to make. This chocolate version adds a finished look to the German chocolate cake without competing with the other strong flavors, like pecan and coconut.
Get the Chocolate Swiss Buttercream recipe.
Lemon Frosting
This cream cheese buttercream gets a burst of brightness thanks to fresh lemon juice and lemon zest. To make the cake a pretty yellow color, add three to four drops of yellow food coloring.
Get the Lemon Frosting recipe.
American Buttercream
Unlike Swiss buttercream, American buttercream is a little bit sweeter and firmer. It's delicious on cakes, cookies, and bars.
Get the American Buttercream recipe.
Coffee Frosting
Instant coffee granules and heavy cream make this frosting taste just like your favorite creamy coffee beverage. Plus, it adds a jolt of caffeine to your dessert!
Get Ree's Coffee Frosting recipe.
Chocolate Ganache
The easiest way to describe chocolate ganache is equal parts chocolate and heavy cream. Add a little butter and sugar and you have yourself a decadent topping for chocolate cake.
Get the Chocolate Ganache recipe.
Brown Butter Maple Buttercream
Making brown butter might sound intimidating, but it's actually really simple. It's just melted butter that's been cooked until golden. And it'll add a nutty, caramelized flavor to your buttercream that's otherworldly.
Coconut Frosting
Coconut frosting can be used on vanilla cakes or chocolate cakes, but adding it to coconut cake really takes the tropical flavor to the next level. Don't forget the shredded coconut for decoration!
Get Ree's Coconut Frosting recipe.
Peppermint Frosting
This peppermint-infused buttercream frosting will harden a bit if left out. There's nothing wrong with that (and it actually makes them easier to bring to potlucks), but you can always store in an airtight container to prevent them from forming a crust.
Get Ree's Peppermint Frosting recipe.
Swiss Meringue Buttercream
This vanilla-almond Swiss meringue frosting is so pretty. The smooth texture will hold its shape so you can create pretty swirls or flower-like designs.
Get the Swiss Meringue Buttercream recipe.
Cookies 'n' Creme Frosting
The crushed chocolate sandwich cookies in this cupcake frosting will make you feel like a kid again. Add some more cookies to garnish the frosting for good measure.
Get the Cookies 'n' Creme Frosting recipe.
Peanut Butter Frosting
This creamy peanut butter frosting can turn a box of brownie mix into something spectacular. It's also delicious on cakes or even sandwiched between two cookies!
Strawberry Frosting
This frosting recipe isn't just pink, it's loaded with fresh chopped strawberries, too! It's an adorably sweet addition to just about any cake.
Milk Chocolate Nutella Frosting
This creamy milk chocolate frosting has just enough Nutella for added richness and a touch of hazelnut flavor. It'll be a hit with kids, adults, and people of all ages!
Get the Milk Chocolate Nutella Frosting recipe at Pretty Simple Sweet.
Whipped Cream Frosting
If you're looking for a frosting that's a little less sweet than American-style buttercream, this whipped frosting is for you! It's similar to whipped cream but sturdier and thicker so it can hold its shape.
Get the Whipped Cream Frosting recipe at Sally's Baking Addiction.
Blackberry Buttercream
Fresh blackberries add a slightly tart flavor and beautiful magenta color to this buttercream. It can pair well with vanilla or chocolate cake.
Ermine Frosting
This classic frosting is sometimes called “boiled milk frosting” or “flour frosting.” It's made without powdered sugar so it's perfect for anyone who doesn't like their frosting too sweet.
Cinnamon Buttercream
Packed with warm cinnamon flavor, this frosting would be a delicious topping for snickerdoodles, apple cake, or even cinnamon rolls.
Cake Batter Frosting
This funfetti frosting is perfect for birthdays—or any celebration for that matter! It's made with an actual box of cake mix and colorful sprinkles, of course.
Marshmallow Meringue Frosting
Marshmallow meringue is like a homemade version of marshmallow fluff. Toasting it gives the treats a cozy flavor that's perfect for hot chocolate-inspired desserts or s'mores desserts, too.
Get the Marshmallow Meringue Frosting recipe at Mike Bakes NYC.
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