Quick answer: choose buttercream when the cake must hold its shape, sit out, carry detailed decorations or be made days ahead; choose whipped cream frosting when you want something light, fresh and not too sweet, plan to serve it the same day and can keep the cake refrigerated.
Side by side
| Buttercream | Whipped cream frosting | |
|---|---|---|
| Made from | Butter and powdered sugar (American style) | Heavy cream, a little sugar, vanilla |
| Taste | Rich, buttery, very sweet | Light, fresh, mildly sweet |
| Texture | Dense and smooth | Airy and soft |
| Stability | Holds its shape; fine at cool room temperature | Softens quickly; needs the fridge |
| Piping | Sharp detail, flowers, borders | Soft swirls and rosettes; stabilize for detail |
| Under fondant | Yes | No |
| Make ahead | Days | Same day, or 1-2 days if stabilized |
When should I use buttercream?
- Tiered and decorated celebration cakes
- Cakes that travel or sit out at a party
- Warm weather, within reason
- Anything covered in fondant
When should I use whipped cream frosting?
- Fruit cakes, strawberry shortcake and chiffon or sponge cakes
- Icebox and tres leches cakes
- Guests who find buttercream too sweet
- Cakes that will stay refrigerated until serving
Recipes: whipped cream frosting and stabilized whipped cream.
Is there a middle ground between buttercream and whipped cream?
- Mascarpone cream: light like whipped cream, but pipes and holds better.
- Whipped cream cheese frosting: tangy and sturdy.
- Whipped ganache: light chocolate frosting.
- Whipped buttercream: buttercream with whipped cream folded in.
Does a cake frosted with whipped cream need to be refrigerated?
A cake frosted with whipped cream must be refrigerated; see how long whipped cream lasts.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between buttercream and whipped cream frosting?
Buttercream is butter beaten with sugar: rich, sweet and stable. Whipped cream frosting is sweetened whipped cream: light, less sweet and perishable.
Is whipped cream frosting less sweet than buttercream?
Yes. It uses far less sugar and tastes of fresh cream.
Which holds up better, buttercream or whipped cream?
Buttercream. Whipped cream frosting softens at room temperature and must be kept refrigerated, even when stabilized.
Can I mix buttercream and whipped cream?
Yes. Folding whipped cream into buttercream makes a lighter, less sweet frosting, sometimes called whipped buttercream.
