Buttercream frosting is a popular choice for cakes and cupcakes as it is sweet and creamy.
However, if you happen to be out of butter, you may be wondering if margarine can be used as a substitute for butter in buttercream frosting.
In this blog post, we will explore the option of using margarine instead of butter to make buttercream frosting.
We will look at the pros and cons of using margarine, and we will give you tips on how to make sure your frosting turns out great no matter which type of butter you choose to use!
Can You Use Margarine Instead Of Butter For Buttercream Frosting?
You can use margarine in place of butter for buttercream frosting. However, keep in mind that margarine can change the taste and texture of your frosting. Where butter will produce a sweet and creamy frosting, margarine can result in a slightly more bitter taste and a drier texture.
Therefore, it is important to know the pros and cons of using margarine for buttercream frosting before you make your decision.
Pros:
The main benefit of using margarine instead of butter for buttercream frosting is that it is a more affordable option.
Margarine also has a longer shelf life than butter, so you can stock up and store it for future use.
I always like to have some on hand, just in case I run out of butter or need it for a recipe.
Cons:
As mentioned, the main downside to using margarine is that it can produce a slightly different taste and texture than butter.
However, if you are using margarine in a recipe that doesn’t require exact proportions (like buttercream frosting), then this difference may not be noticeable and you can easily mask it by adding some extra ingredients (but more on that later!).
Whether you’re planning to make buttercream to decorate a cake, cupcakes or any other type of baked goodies, let’s now go ahead and discover some helpful tips for using margarine instead of butter.
5 Tips For Making Buttercream Frosting With Margarine
1. Use A High-Quality Margarine
The type of margarine you use will make a big difference in the taste and texture of your frosting.
Look for a high-quality margarine with a minimum of 80% fat content for best results.
2. Add Extra Sweetener
As margarine can produce a slightly more bitter taste than butter, you may want to add extra sugar or other sweeteners to your frosting.
This will help balance out the flavor and make sure your frosting has a sweet taste.
Instead of sugar or sweetener you can also add a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup to sweeten your frosting.
3. Refrigerate Your Margarine
For best results, make sure to refrigerate your margarine before using it for buttercream frosting.
This will help the margarine firm up and make it easier to incorporate into the frosting.
Generally speaking, it is best to refrigerate your margarine for at least an hour before using it.
4. Chill Your Frosting
Once your buttercream frosting is complete, it’s a good idea to put it in the refrigerator for a few hours to help set the texture.
Making buttercream ahead of time will also help the flavors meld together and make sure your frosting tastes great.
5. Add Extra Fat
If you find that your margarine-based buttercream frosting is too dry, you can try adding extra fat, such as cream cheese, to help make it more creamy and rich.
Recipe For Making Buttercream Frosting With Margarine
When it comes time to make your buttercream frosting, here is a simple recipe that you can use:
What You’ll Need:
– 1 cup of margarine
– 3 cups of powdered sugar
– 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
– Pinch of salt (you can also use salted margarine instead and leave out the pinch of salt)
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, cream together the margarine, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract until smooth and creamy.
2. Add a pinch of salt to taste and mix to combine.
3. Place the bowl in the refrigerator for 15 minutes to help firm up the margarine before using it to make your frosting.
4. Once the margarine has firmed up, remove from the refrigerator and use a hand mixer or stand mixer to beat the mixture until it is light and creamy.
5. Spread the frosting on your cake or cupcakes and enjoy!
As an extra tip, you can also add a tablespoon of milk to the frosting if it is too thick.
This will help create a smoother texture and make sure your buttercream frosting turns out perfectly.
Other Questions You May Have
Does Margarine Make Buttercream Runny?
As margarine has a higher water content than butter, it can cause your buttercream frosting to be runnier.
To prevent this, make sure to use a high-fat margarine and to refrigerate your frosting before serving.
Can I Use Margarine To Make Swiss Meringue Buttercream?
You can use margarine to make Swiss meringue buttercream; however, you will need to use an unsalted margarine for best results.
Making your own buttercream frosting with margarine is a great way to save money and get creative in the kitchen.
With these tips, you can be sure that your frosting will turn out perfect every time.
Can You Make Buttercream Frosting Without Butter Or Margarine?
You can make buttercream frosting without either butter or margarine.
Substitutes such as shortening, vegetable oil, and vegan margarine can be used in place of butter or margarine.
However, it is important to note that these alternatives may produce a slightly different taste and texture than butter or margarine.
Ultimately, it is up to you to decide which substitute works best for your recipe.
Final Thoughts
By following the tips shared with you in this article, you can make sure your buttercream frosting turns out great no matter which type of butter you use.
So go ahead and give margarine a try the next time you make buttercream frosting!
You’ll be amazed at how delicious it can be.