How to Fix Grainy Buttercream Easily

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!

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.

BUTTERCREAM IS AN EMULSION

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.

WHY DOES THIS HAPPEN?

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.

HOW TO FIX IT?

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. 

WHAT IF IT IS STILL BROKEN?

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?

How to Fix Grainy Buttercream Easily