I was looking for a buttercream that could do more than simply cover a cake, and French buttercream was a natural one to try. It uses egg yolks and a cooked sugar syrup for its base, followed by plenty of softened butter, vanilla, and a small amount of salt. The result is a useful frosting to have on hand when you want something richer than a basic buttercream.

The finished buttercream is smooth, light, and creamy with a rich buttery texture and gentle vanilla flavor. It can be transferred straight into a piping bag and used for decorating cakes and cupcakes. If you enjoy making homemade frostings, Buttercream Frosting is another useful recipe to keep in your baking collection.

French Buttercream Recipe

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French Buttercream is a rich, smooth frosting made with egg yolks, cooked sugar syrup, and softened butter. Vanilla and a touch of salt round out the flavor, while the finished buttercream has a light texture that works well for piping and cake decorating.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Servings: 3 cups frosting

Course: Frosting

Cuisine: French

Calories: 330

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition

Ingredients

  

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• 6 –8 large egg yolks 120–150 g
• 1 cup 200 g granulated sugar
• ¼ –⅓ cup 60–80 ml water
• 1½ cups 340 g unsalted butter, softened and cubed
• 1½ tsp vanilla extract
• ⅛ tsp salt

Equipment

• Small saucepan
• Mixing bowl
• Electric hand mixer or stand mixer
• Whisk
• Rubber spatula
• Piping bag
• Piping tip
• Baking sheet or serving plate

Method

 

1. Add the granulated sugar and water to a saucepan and heat until the sugar dissolves and the mixture becomes a light caramel syrup.
   
2. In a separate mixing bowl, beat the egg yolks until pale, thick, and creamy.
   
3. Gradually pour the hot caramelized sugar syrup into the beaten egg yolks while continuing to beat until the mixture is smooth and slightly cooled.
   
4. Add the softened butter cubes gradually, beating continuously until fully incorporated.
   
5. Continue beating until the buttercream becomes smooth, light, and fluffy.
   
6. Add the vanilla extract and salt, then mix until evenly combined.
   
7. Transfer the buttercream to a piping bag.
   
8. It is now ready to use for decorating cakes and cupcakes.
   

Nutrition

Calories: 330kcal

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French buttercream is a useful addition to a baking collection when you want a frosting with a richer, more buttery character. The cooked sugar syrup and egg yolks create the base, while the softened butter gives it the smooth consistency needed for decorating. Once it has been whipped until light and fluffy, it is ready to pipe onto cakes and cupcakes for a polished finish.

Vamsi

I’ve always found joy in the kitchen. Since I was seven, cooking has been my favorite way to learn, create, and unwind. From baking sweet treats to exploring global flavors and brewing coffee, I’m always chasing my next delicious discovery.