American vs. Italian vs. Swiss Buttercream: What’s the Difference and Which Should You Choose?

When it comes to decorating cakes, the type of buttercream you choose can make all the difference. At our bakery, we use three main types: American, Italian, and Swiss buttercream. Each has its own unique qualities and best uses.

American buttercream is probably the most familiar to home bakers. It’s made by creaming together butter and powdered sugar, with a splash of milk or cream for smoothness. The result is a sweet, fluffy frosting that’s easy to spread and pipe.

Italian buttercream, on the other hand, is a bit more complex. It starts with a hot sugar syrup that’s poured into whipped egg whites, creating a meringue. Softened butter is then beaten in, resulting in a silky, not-too-sweet frosting with a light texture.

Swiss buttercream is similar to Italian, but with a different method. Egg whites and sugar are heated together over a double boiler, then whipped into a meringue before butter is added. This gives Swiss buttercream a slightly denser, but still smooth and creamy, consistency.

American buttercream is loved for its simplicity and rich, sugary flavor. It’s perfect for quick decorating, birthday cakes, and cupcakes. However, it can be quite sweet and may crust over slightly when exposed to air.

Italian buttercream is less sweet and has a luxurious mouthfeel. It’s ideal for elegant cakes, wedding cakes, or any dessert where you want a refined finish. It’s also great for piping intricate designs.

Swiss buttercream strikes a balance between the two. It’s smooth, not overly sweet, and holds its shape well for piping and decorating. It’s a favorite for both special occasions and everyday treats.

So, which should you choose? If you want something quick, sweet, and easy, go for American buttercream. For a sophisticated, less sweet option, Italian or Swiss buttercream is the way to go. The choice depends on your taste and the look you want for your cake.

At Sweet Tooth Velle, we use American Buttercream but we are happy to help you to decide!