How many calories does buttercream frosting have?

December 29, 2025 •

4 min read

A standard two-tablespoon serving of ready-made buttercream frosting typically contains around 140 calories, though homemade versions can be significantly higher due to variations in ingredients. Understanding precisely how many calories does buttercream frosting have depends on the specific recipe and portion size, from the richness of American-style to the airiness of meringue-based varieties.

Quick Summary

The calorie count for buttercream frosting varies significantly based on the type of recipe and ingredients used. Homemade versions can be richer, while commercial frostings often have a standardized count. Factors like butter, sugar, egg whites, and cream influence the final caloric value, with different styles of buttercream presenting unique nutritional profiles.

Key Points

Calorie Variations: Buttercream calories range from approximately 70-140 per tablespoon, influenced heavily by the type and ingredients.
American Buttercream is Calorie-Dense: Due to its high butter and powdered sugar content, American buttercream is typically the highest-calorie variant.
Meringue-Based Options are Lighter: Swiss and Italian meringue buttercreams use egg whites, resulting in a lighter texture and a less sugary, lower-calorie profile than American buttercream.
Homemade vs. Store-Bought: Homemade buttercream allows for ingredient control but can be richer. Store-bought options often provide a consistent, lower-calorie count per serving.
Ingredient Substitutions Matter: Swapping heavy cream for milk, using alternative sweeteners, or incorporating shortening can alter the final calorie count of your frosting.
Portion Control is Key: Regardless of the type, mindful portion sizes are the most effective way to manage the calorie intake from any buttercream frosting.

Decoding the Calories in Buttercream Frosting

Buttercream is a staple in the world of baked goods, cherished for its rich, smooth texture and sweet flavor. However, for those monitoring their caloric intake, its indulgence comes with a question: exactly how many calories does buttercream frosting have? The answer is not one-size-fits-all, as the calorie content can fluctuate dramatically based on the type of buttercream and the ingredients used. American buttercream, for example, is typically the most dense, while meringue-based versions offer a lighter alternative.

American Buttercream: The Standard Calorie Load

American buttercream is the most common variety, known for its intense sweetness and simple preparation. It is made by creaming together butter, powdered sugar, and a splash of milk or cream. The calorie density comes primarily from these two main components: butter and sugar. A two-tablespoon serving of a standard homemade American buttercream can easily range from 140 to over 200 calories, or more, especially if heavy cream is used instead of milk. The ratio of powdered sugar to butter is a key determinant, with more sugar increasing the overall carbohydrate and calorie count.

Lighter Meringue-Based Buttercreams

European buttercreams, like Swiss and Italian meringue, offer a lighter, less sweet alternative to their American counterpart, though they still contain a fair amount of butter. Instead of relying solely on powdered sugar for structure, these recipes incorporate a stable meringue made from egg whites and hot sugar syrup. This process results in a silkier texture and a flavor that is less overwhelmingly sweet, which can be perceived as lighter. While the total calories per gram may be less dense, the high fat content from butter still means they are not a low-calorie food.

Comparing Swiss Meringue vs. American Buttercream

Ingredients: Swiss meringue buttercream uses egg whites and granulated sugar, cooked over a water bath, and then whipped with butter. American buttercream uses a high quantity of powdered sugar, softened butter, and milk or cream.
Sugar content: Swiss meringue uses less sugar overall, which contributes to a less sugary flavor profile. American buttercream is almost half powdered sugar by volume, making it much sweeter.
Airiness: The incorporation of whipped egg whites in Swiss meringue creates a much lighter, fluffier texture. American buttercream is denser and richer due to its simple ingredients.

The Calorie Impact of Different Ingredients

The specific ingredients chosen have a profound impact on the total calorie count.

Fat source: Substituting butter with vegetable shortening, as is common in some recipes, can affect the fat composition and caloric density. Vegan buttercreams, which use plant-based fats, can also have different calorie profiles.
Liquid: Using heavy cream instead of milk will add more calories and fat. Some recipes also call for water, which adds no calories.
Flavorings: Incorporating extra ingredients like chocolate, fruit purees, or caramel will add to the total calorie and sugar content. Chocolate buttercream, for instance, adds cocoa powder or melted chocolate, which increases both calories and depth of flavor.

Homemade vs. Store-Bought Buttercream

There's a notable difference in the caloric content and ingredient profile between homemade and store-bought frostings.

Homemade: Recipes can be customized for sweetness and richness, leading to a wide calorie range. A simple American buttercream is quick to make and typically contains fewer additives. For example, one homemade recipe yields approximately 100 kcal per tablespoon, demonstrating the high energy density.
Store-Bought: Commercial brands are formulated for shelf stability and often contain emulsifiers, preservatives, and specific types of fats. They generally provide a standardized nutrition label, with many products falling around 140 calories per two-tablespoon serving. This consistency can be helpful for tracking calories accurately, but they may lack the freshness of homemade.

Comparison Table: Buttercream Varieties


Buttercream Type	Main Fat Source	Sweetener	Approximate Calories (per 2 tbsp)	Texture	Notes
American	Butter	Powdered Sugar	140–230+	Rich, dense, very sweet	Calories vary based on ingredient ratio; highest in sugar.
Swiss Meringue	Butter	Granulated Sugar	Varies (often lower than American)	Light, silky, less sweet	Stabilized with whipped egg whites.
Italian Meringue	Butter	Granulated Sugar	Varies (often lower than American)	Very smooth, silky, light	Stabilized with whipped egg whites and hot sugar syrup.
German / Pastry Cream	Butter	Sugar, Cornstarch, Milk, Egg Yolks	Varies	Creamy, Custard-like	A rich, custard-based filling with butter added.
Vegan	Plant-based butter/shortening	Powdered Sugar	Varies (Approx. 114–124 kcal per serving)	Texture depends on fat substitute	Lower in saturated fat depending on the plant-based butter used.

Reducing Calories in Buttercream

If you're looking to enjoy the flavor of buttercream with fewer calories, here are some actionable steps:

Reduce Sugar: Use less powdered sugar or consider a sugar alternative. While not sugar-free, a reduced-sugar recipe like the "Sweet Celebrations Buttercream" can help.
Substitute Fats: While butter is key to the flavor, some recipes use a portion of shortening, or you can explore vegan butter substitutes with different fat profiles.
Lighten with Meringue: Opt for a Swiss or Italian meringue buttercream recipe instead of American for a naturally lighter texture and less sugar.
Flavor with Extracts: Use concentrated flavors like vanilla extract, lemon zest, or cocoa powder to add depth without adding significant calories.
Use Low-Fat Milk: For American buttercream, use low-fat milk or water instead of heavy cream to thin the frosting to the desired consistency.

Conclusion: Mindful Indulgence

Ultimately, the calorie count of buttercream frosting is highly dependent on its type and preparation. While a dense American buttercream packs more calories, a meringue-based version offers a lighter, less sweet alternative. Understanding the nutritional impact of your ingredients, whether homemade or store-bought, empowers you to make informed decisions. By choosing lighter variations or simply enjoying smaller, more mindful portions, you can still savor the rich, delicious flavor of buttercream frosting on your favorite baked goods.

For more detailed information on different types of frosting and their components, you can consult authoritative baking resources like BAKERpedia.

Frequently Asked Questions

The primary sources of calories in buttercream are butter and sugar, which are also responsible for its rich flavor and texture.

Generally, homemade buttercream can be higher in calories because it often contains a greater proportion of fresh, high-quality butter. Store-bought options are often formulated with ingredients to lower the fat content.

Meringue-based varieties like Swiss and Italian buttercream are typically lower in calories per volume compared to American buttercream. They achieve a lighter, fluffier texture by incorporating whipped egg whites, reducing the reliance on sugar for bulk.

Yes, using heavy cream will increase the calorie and fat content of your buttercream compared to using milk. Recipes that incorporate milk or even water to thin the frosting will be lighter.

To reduce calories, you can use less sugar, substitute some butter with a lighter alternative, or opt for a meringue-based recipe. Flavoring extracts can also add taste without calories.

The calorie count for a tablespoon of buttercream varies greatly. Some sources cite roughly 70 calories per tablespoon, while others are closer to 100 calories, depending on the recipe's richness.

Vegan buttercream calories depend on the fat substitute used. Some recipes use plant-based butters or shortening, which may have different fat profiles, and some specific vegan recipes can be lower in calories.