When it comes to baking, the frosting can make or break the dessert. Whether you’re decorating holiday cookies, frosting a birthday cake, or glazing quick breads, having a reliable set of frosting recipes is essential. This guide covers the most versatile, classic frosting recipes every home baker should know—simple, dependable, and suitable for nearly every dessert.
1. Classic Buttercream Frosting
Best for: Cakes, cupcakes, piping
Classic buttercream is smooth, fluffy, and endlessly customizable. It spreads beautifully and holds its shape well for decorations.
How to make it:
Beat 1 cup unsalted butter until creamy. Gradually add 3 cups powdered sugar, then mix in 2 tablespoons milk or cream and 1 teaspoon vanilla. Beat until light and fluffy.
2. Cream Cheese Frosting
Best for: Red velvet cake, carrot cake, cinnamon rolls
Rich yet tangy, cream cheese frosting balances sweetness perfectly and adds depth to baked goods.
How to make it:
Beat ½ cup butter with 8 oz cream cheese until smooth. Add 2½ cups powdered sugar and 1 teaspoon vanilla. Whip until thick and creamy.
3. Chocolate Buttercream Frosting
Best for: Chocolate cakes, cupcakes, sandwich cookies
This frosting is rich, chocolatey, and indulgent without being overly sweet.
How to make it:
Beat 1 cup butter, then add 3 cups powdered sugar and ½ cup cocoa powder. Mix in 3 tablespoons milk and 1 teaspoon vanilla. Beat until smooth and spreadable.
4. Whipped Cream Frosting (Light & Less Sweet)
Best for: Layer cakes, fruit desserts, trifles
Light, airy, and refreshing, whipped cream frosting is ideal when you want something less dense than buttercream.
How to make it:
Whip 1 cup cold heavy cream with 3 tablespoons powdered sugar and ½ teaspoon vanilla until stiff peaks form.
5. Royal Icing (Perfect for Cookies)
Best for: Sugar cookies, detailed designs
Royal icing dries hard, making it ideal for decorating and stacking cookies.
How to make it:
Whisk 2 cups powdered sugar with 1½ tablespoons meringue powder. Slowly add 3–4 tablespoons water or lemon juice until smooth and pipeable.
6. Ganache Frosting
Best for: Drip cakes, tarts, glossy finishes
Ganache is simple yet luxurious, delivering deep chocolate flavor and a silky texture.
How to make it:
Heat 1 cup heavy cream and pour over 1½ cups chopped chocolate. Let sit for 2 minutes, then stir until glossy. Cool slightly to thicken.
7. Simple Vanilla Glaze (Quick & Glossy)
Best for: Cookies, loaf cakes, pastries
This glaze comes together in minutes and adds a polished finish without heaviness.
How to make it:
Mix 1 cup powdered sugar with 2–3 tablespoons milk and ½ teaspoon vanilla until smooth. Drizzle over cooled baked goods.
Why These Frostings Cover Everything You Need
- Beginner-friendly: Simple ingredients and easy methods
- Versatile: Suitable for cakes, cookies, cupcakes, and pastries
- Customizable: Easily flavored or colored
- Season-proof: Perfect for holidays, birthdays, and everyday baking
From classic buttercream to glossy ganache, these frostings form a complete frosting toolkit you can rely on year-round.
Final Tip for Bakers
Always match the frosting to the dessert: lighter frostings for delicate cakes, sturdier ones for layered or decorated bakes. Master these recipes once, and you’ll never need to search for another frosting again.