Basil Buttercream
Make homemade basil buttercream with pantry staples and fresh basil leaves. Naturally green, this fluffy frosting is great on sweet treats!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 12-14 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 tablespoons (113 grams) unsalted butter, room temperature
- 3 cups (600 grams) of granulated sugar
- 3 tablespoons cornstarch
- ¾ cup (around 30 grams) fresh basil, loosely packed, rinsed and patted dry
- ⅓ cup (85 Grams) heavy cream (for a thicker frosting) or milk (for thinner)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon almond extract
- Pinch of salt
- Optional: A few drops of lemon or lime juice (or white vinegar) to cut sweetness; add to your preference
Instructions
Basil Buttercream (See notes*)
- To a food processor, add your rinsed and patted dry fresh basil, as well as your granulated sugar. Pulse until ingredients are mixed and then add cornstarch, pulse until you have the texture of powdered sugar. Now you have basil-flavored powdered sugar!
- In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, or in a large mixing bowl using a handheld mixer, beat the unsalted butter, basil-infused powdered sugar, salt, heavy cream or milk, and vanilla extract on low for about 30 seconds before increasing speed to medium high for 5 minutes.
- Test taste and add a drop or two of lemon juice to cut sweetness if desired.
- Set aside frosting in bowl until ready to use for topping cupcakes. You’ll then add it to a piping bag fitted with a tip of your choice or use a spoon or spatula to spread it onto your baked goods.
Notes
Granulated vs. powdered sugar and choosing the option that best matches your food processor’s strength. Opt for powdered if using a weaker food processor (or if you're out of cornstarch):
- If using granulated sugar, blend it with fresh basil and cornstarch to create basil-infused sugar before adding to the buttercream.
- If using powdered sugar, skip the cornstarch and use three cups of powdered sugar instead. This method may leave small basil bits but avoids any gritty texture in the end result.
Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients, brands, and preparation methods. For the most accurate information, please consult a registered dietitian or nutritionist.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: ~322 kcal
- Sugar: ~50 g
- Fat: ~15 g
- Saturated Fat: ~9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: ~3 g
- Carbohydrates: ~53 g
- Fiber: ~0 g
- Protein: ~0.2 g
- Cholesterol: ~41 mg
Find it online: https://susanbringsdessert.com/basil-buttercream/