buttercream

Definition

The silky, butter-based frosting that separates amateur bakers from people who own stand mixers and aren't afraid to use them. It's whipped into submission until light and fluffy, then slathered on cakes with reckless abandon. Unlike its disappointing cousin (canned frosting), real buttercream requires actual technique and tastes like clouds made of dairy.

Example Usage

I tried making Swiss meringue buttercream for the first time and now understand why bakeries charge $75 for a cake.

Source: Baking and pastry terminology

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