Last Updated on October 27, 2020
Buttercream frosting is fairly easy to make, but it is not foolproof. Sometimes everything just goes wrong and you are left with cottage cheese-like buttercream that you cannot possibly use on your perfectly baked goodies. Why is my buttercream grainy? Find out here!
Why is my Buttercream Grainy: Buttercream Is an Emulsion
This means that it is a mixture of fat and liquid, two things that normally would not be together. By whipping them, we force them to coexist. This bond, however, is easily broken, and the oils can separate from the liquids given the right conditions.
Why is my Buttercream Grainy: Why Does This Happen?
There are many reasons your buttercream did not work out. The main one is the temperature of the ingredients. Cold butter will not mix evenly with the sugar and it will create lumps.
If you did not sift your powdered sugar it will also be difficult to dissolve evenly in the butter. Make sure your sugar is always lump-free before using it, as it tends to get humid and clump together.
How to Fix It?
Before getting into the tips, be mindful that maybe you are undermixing the frosting. Try mixing it a few more minutes on high. The difference between grainy and creamy can take a little bit, but it does come eventually in most cases if you did not commit the aforementioned mistakes.
If it does not fix itself, try one of the following hacks:
Adjust the temperature. If the bowl is too cold, you can wrap a hot towel around it or mix over a double boiler to warm everything up and hopefully melt the butter a little bit more.
If it is too hot because the butter you used was melted or runny or it is Summer, mix over an ice bath or add cold butter instead of room temperature butter.
You can also try adding melted chocolate. This will, of course, change the flavor, but it can potentially save the mixture, as chocolate is an emulsifying agent that will help the fat and liquids bond.
To do this, start by melting enough chocolate to cover half the amount of butter that is in the mixture. While still mixing, pour into the buttercream. If you find this is not enough chocolate, you can always add some more.
Why is my Buttercream Grainy: What If It is Still Broken?
If you cannot fix it and there are not enough ingredients for another batch, it is time to bring out the big guns.
Grab a strainer and pass the mixture through it. This will separate the liquids from the solid fat that was not able to be emulsified.
Grab the liquids and mix them on medium speed for 3 minutes. Afterward, add the solid fats slowly to make sure that they dissolve and incorporate properly.
Did this ever happen to you? It surely is a pain when it does. A fast and easy recipe like buttercream can turn into a nightmare. How did you fix it? Did you find our tips useful? Comment down below!
Karen is a passionate pastry chef who loves to create delicious baked goods. She has been in the culinary arts for over 10 years, honing her skills and perfecting her craft. Karen is known for her creativity and attention to detail, creating unique desserts that bring a smile to everyone’s face. She is always looking for ways to challenge herself and come up with new recipes that are both tasty and visually appealing. Karen loves to experiment with different flavors and textures, and she is committed to providing the highest quality of products to her customers.