15 Exciting Cake Fillings and Frostings That Are Way Better Than Plain Buttercream
When it comes to creating the perfect cake, the frosting and filling are just as important as the cake itself. If you’re tired of the classic buttercream and want to take your baking to the next level, it’s time to explore some exciting alternatives. From fruity fillings to decadent, creamy frostings, these options will elevate your cakes and add a whole new dimension of flavor and texture.
German Buttercream
Easy German buttercream (or crème mousseline) is my favorite buttercream frosting. It’s a simple pastry cream enriched with butter, so it is a bit more complex to make, but it isn’t as sweet as American buttercream. It’s super smooth and silky and the best cake filling for a variety of desserts, from layer cakes and cupcakes to French macarons.
Go to the recipe: German Buttercream
Nutella Frosting
Rich chocolate cake with Nutella frosting has to be one of the most popular birthday cake flavors and fillings. Because who doesn’t love the rich and smooth chocolate hazelnut spread? The nutty flavor tames the sweetness slightly, but overall, this is a super decadent cake filling for serious chocoholics only. Make sure to try these Nutella cupcakes and Nutella cake.
Go to the recipe: Nutella Frosting
Raspberry Frosting
If you love raspberries, you will love this easy raspberry buttercream frosting! This creamy frosting uses my American buttercream as a base and mixes it with fresh raspberry puree and lemon juice to create a natural flavor with the perfect balance of sweetness. It is a delicious addition to your favorite layer cakes, cupcakes, brownies, and cookies!
Go to the recipe: Raspberry Frosting
Oreo Frosting
If you’re a fan of Oreo cookies, you will absolutely love this creamy homemade Oreo frosting recipe! Top your favorite cakes and cupcakes with this delicious cookies and cream treat made with silky vanilla buttercream frosting and crushed Oreo cookies. With the perfect balance of sweetness and chocolate cookie flavor, it simply can’t get any better!
Go to the recipe: Oreo Frosting
Ermine Frosting
Ermine Frosting is silky, smooth, light, and fluffy. And while it’s a type of buttercream, it isn’t too sweet. Use this lesser-known cake frosting on your baked goods, and you’ll never go back!
Go to the recipe: Ermine Frosting
Coconut Frosting
Add a tropical touch to your favorite cakes, cupcakes, and brownies with this delectable coconut frosting! A twist on my delicious Ermine frosting, this easy recipe combines coconut milk, shredded coconut, and coconut extract to create the perfect balance of sweetness and natural flavor. If you’ve been looking for a less sweet alternative to a coconut buttercream frosting recipe, you can stop your search here!
Go to the recipe: Coconut Frosting
Whipped Chocolate Ganache Frosting
Made with a combination of dark chocolate, heavy cream, and gelatin, whipped chocolate ganache frosting is a light and creamy way to decorate or fill your favorite cakes and pastries. Just follow this easy, step-by-step whipped ganache frosting recipe, and you’ll have a flawless and decadent chocolate cream in no time!
Go to the recipe: Whipped Chocolate Ganache Frosting
Swiss Meringue Buttercream
Here’s the best Swiss Meringue Buttercream recipe so you can frost your cakes like a pro. It’s silky, stable, and perfect for piping. What’s more, it tastes delicious, too.
Go to the recipe: Swiss Meringue Buttercream
Funfetti Frosting
This delicious and super easy funfetti frosting can be used on everything from birthday cakes to cookies. It’s a smooth and silky vanilla frosting but studded with sprinkles for a bit of crunch and a pop of color. I guarantee you’ll love it!
Go to the recipe: Funfetti Frosting
Russian Buttercream
If you find my American buttercream recipe too thick and sweet, my delicious vanilla Russian buttercream is here to save the day! Made with just two basic household ingredients, this flavorful, fluffy, condensed milk frosting is the perfect substitute for topping and filling your favorite cakes, cupcakes, and cookies!
Go to the recipe: Russian Buttercream
Mascarpone Frosting
This silky mascarpone frosting is the perfect addition to your cupcakes or cakes. Pipes beautifully and, unlike some other frostings, does not include tons of sugar, so it is very well balanced in sweetness. Make this delicious, velvety-smooth frosting in less than 5 minutes using 3 simple ingredients.
Go to the recipe: Mascarpone Frosting
Chocolate Whipped Cream Frosting
Chocolate whipped cream frosting is deliciously rich, creamy, and luxurious. It’s a sweetened whipped cream flavored with cocoa powder and infused with vanilla, and it makes the perfect frosting, filling, or garnish for your desserts.
Go to the recipe: Chocolate Whipped Cream Frosting
Chocolate Cremeux
Chocolate cremeux has to be one of the best cake fillings and frostings. Crémeux au chocolat is made with five simple ingredients and has a silky texture that isn’t too firm and isn’t too soft. To conclude, chocolate crémeux is simply the perfect creamy topping or filling for your favorite pastries, tarts, and cakes like this Triple chocolate cake.
Go to the recipe: Chocolate Cremeux
Cream Cheese Frosting
Make this delicious, velvety-smooth, easy-to-pipe cream cheese frosting in less than 3 minutes! Surely, cream cheese frosting is the perfect flavor combination for red velvet cake or spread onto brownies.
Go to the recipe: Cream Cheese Frosting
Chantilly Cream
Known for its airy texture and slightly sweet, vanilla-infused flavor, this French chantilly cream will add a delightful, rich, and creamy element to all your favorite desserts! Whether you’re making a cake, pie, or pastries, you can use this fluffy whipped cream to fill, frost, or accompany almost any sweet creation!
Go to the recipe: Chantilly Cream
