buttercream

American

[buht-er-kreem] / ˈbʌt ərˌkrim /

noun

a vanilla-flavored cake frosting or filling made principally of softened butter and powdered sugar.
a similar mixture used as a filling for bonbons or to flavor ice cream.

Etymology

Origin of buttercream

First recorded in 1950–55; butter + cream

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

“Big wasn’t a crush, he was a crash,” Carrie says to Miranda as she peels down the wrapper on a cupcake topped with bright pink buttercream frosting.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 11, 2026

Susan Prunty’s bakery in Medford, Ore., sold about 25 Christmas cookie decorating kits through the middle of last December, complete with a dozen freshly baked sugar cookies, buttercream frosting, and sprinkles.

From Barron's • Dec. 24, 2025

Our signature dessert, the Pistachio Paris Brest, calls for a pistachio French-style buttercream.

From Salon • Dec. 4, 2024

The special goes on sale later this month and consists of seven filled-doughnuts with rolled buttercream, two galaxy-themed cake doughnuts and safety glasses so customers can watch the event while snacking away.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 15, 2024

Bram nudges the box open, revealing an extravagantly decorated buttercream cake with polka dots and rosette flowers.

From "Leah on the Offbeat" by Becky Albertalli

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023