Almond buttercream is a delicious and versatile frosting that can take your cakes, cupcakes, and cookies to the next level.
With its rich almond flavor and smooth, creamy texture, this frosting is sure to become your new go-to for any special occasion.
What Makes Almond Buttercream So Special
There are several reasons why almond buttercream stands out from other frosting recipes:
- Flavor - The almond extract adds a lovely subtle almond taste that enhances vanilla, chocolate, lemon, and other common cake and cupcake flavors without overpowering them. It adds interest and depth to otherwise basic frostings.
- Texture - Properly made almond buttercream is silky smooth, light, and spreadable. It pipes beautifully for decorating purposes and provides a lush coating for cakes and cupcakes.
- Versatility - Almond buttercream pairs wonderfully with all sorts of desserts beyond cakes and cupcakes including cookies, pies, ice cream, waffles, and more! It also tints easily if you want to create a colorful frosting.
So if you're looking to take your desserts up a notch, almond buttercream is a simple way to add a gourmet touch. Keep reading for everything you need to know to make this decadent frosting.
Ingredients Needed for Almond Buttercream
Almond buttercream only requires a handful of basic baking ingredients:
- Butter - Use unsalted butter for the best flavor. Allow it to soften to room temperature before creaming.
- Powdered sugar - Also called confectioners' sugar or icing sugar. Sift if lumpy.
- Almond extract - Pure almond extract is key for flavor. Don't skimp here.
- Milk or cream - Adds moisture for a creamy consistency. Heavy cream makes it extra lush.
- Salt - A pinch enhances the flavors.
- Optional: Food coloring - To tint the frosting any color you'd like.
Pro Tip: To make an easy vanilla almond buttercream, simply add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract along with the almond extract.
Step-by-step Instructions for Making Almond Buttercream
Follow these simple steps for perfect almond buttercream every time:
1. Soften the Butter
Leave butter out at room temperature for at least 1 hour before starting. Use a mixer to cream the butter until completely smooth.
2. Beat in the Powdered Sugar
Add the powdered sugar 1 cup at a time, mixing well between additions. Go slowly at first to avoid a cloud of powder. Scrape down the sides of the bowl often.
3. Mix in Almond Extract, Milk/Cream and Salt
Add the almond extract, milk/cream, and salt. Mix again until fully blended. The frosting should become light and fluffy.
4. Check Consistency
If the frosting is too thick, beat in more milk. For thinner frosting, add more powdered sugar. Adjust until you reach the perfect spreading or piping consistency.
5. Mix in Food Coloring (Optional)
If desired, mix in a few drops of liquid or gel food coloring until you reach the frosting color you want.
6. Use Immediately or Store
Your almond buttercream is ready to use! Store it in the fridge for up to 1 week or freeze it for 1 month.
Handy Tips for Success
Follow these tips for perfect almond buttercream every time:
- Allow ingredients to come to room temperature before starting.
- Use a stand mixer for fast, fluffy results. A hand mixer will work too.
- Sift powdered sugar to prevent lumps.
- Add milk/cream slowly until ideal consistency is reached.
- Mix well between additions and scrape the bowl often.
- Don't over-beat once fully mixed or it can become runny.
Storing and Freezing Almond Buttercream
- Room Temperature - Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Refrigerator - Keep in a sealed container for 1-2 weeks max.
- Freezer - Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before whipping.
For the longest freezer storage, wrap frosting in plastic wrap first then seal in an airtight freezer bag or container. Lay flat to freeze.
Delicious Cakes, Cupcakes, and Cookies to Pair with Almond Buttercream
Take your desserts to the next level by topping them with luscious almond buttercream frosting! Here are some delicious ideas:
Cakes
- White Cake
- Chocolate Cake
- Carrot Cake
- Red Velvet Cake
- Marble Cake
- Tres Leches Cake
- Coconut Cake
- Angel Food Cake
Cupcakes
- Vanilla Cupcakes
- Chocolate Cupcakes
- Almond Cupcakes
- Strawberry Cupcakes
- Lemon Cupcakes
- Pumpkin Cupcakes
- Banana Cupcakes
Cookies
- Sugar Cookies
- Shortbread Cookies
- Peanut Butter Cookies
- Oatmeal Cookies
- Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Snickerdoodles
- Thumbprint Cookies
The options are endless! Let your imagination run wild with all the ways you can use almond buttercream frosting.
FAQs
How do I know if my buttercream is the right consistency?
Do the "peak" test - dollop a bit of frosting on a spoon and turn it upside down. The frosting should slowly slump over into a curled peak. Too stiff and won't move at all. Too thin will immediately run off the spoon.
Can I flavor this with vanilla instead of almond extract?
Absolutely! Replace the almond extract with 2 teaspoons of pure vanilla extract for delicious vanilla buttercream. Or use both extracts for a tasty almond-vanilla combination.
What's the difference between buttercream and royal icing?
Buttercream is made with butter, milk/cream, and powdered sugar. It has a creamy, smooth texture. Royal icing is made with meringue powder or egg whites and dries hard for decorating.
How do I fix buttercream that is too runny?
Try chilling it briefly in the fridge, then beat in more powdered sugar until it firms up. Too-soft butter can cause runny buttercream so make sure your butter is cooled but not warm.
What desserts pair well with almond buttercream frosting?
It pairs wonderfully with white or chocolate cake layers, cupcakes, and sugar cookies, between layered pies, on top of waffles or pancakes, stuffed inside doughnuts, sandwiched between cookies, or topping your ice cream sundae!
Conclusion
Almond buttercream frosting is easy to whip up and packs a ton of flavor.
With just a few simple ingredients and minimal hands-on time required, anyone can make this luscious frosting.
Its versatility allows it to pair beautifully with all sorts of cakes, cupcakes, and other desserts.
A little almond extract goes a long way in turning basic vanilla buttercream into something special.
Almond Buttercream Frosting
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 2-4 tablespoons milk or heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- Food coloring (optional)
Instructions
- In a stand mixer or with a hand mixer, beat the softened butter until smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes.
- Add 2 cups of the powdered sugar and beat on low speed until incorporated, about 1 minute. Add the remaining 2 cups powdered sugar and beat again until fully blended.
- Add the almond extract, milk/cream and salt. Beat on medium speed until fully combined and smooth.
- If desired, mix in a few drops of food coloring until you reach the desired shade.
- Increase mixer speed to high and beat frosting for 3-5 minutes until light and fluffy.
- If frosting is too thick, beat in more milk/cream a tablespoon at a time until desired consistency is reached. For thinner frosting, add more powdered sugar.
- Use immediately or store frosted treats in the refrigerator. Frosting can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week or in the freezer for up to 3 months.