Buttercream frosting is typically made with butter and sugar. It is a tasty delicacy that stays well in the refrigerator or freezer but hardens after being chilled or frozen. However, re-softening buttercream frosting is simple and will not affect the taste or texture. There are various techniques for softening chilled buttercream icing. To ensure freshness and quality, most people keep leftover buttercream in the refrigerator. Buttercream frosting, on the other hand, is best served at room temperature. If you have buttercream in the fridge, allow it to soften before using it to decorate. Depending on your needs, you will learn how to soften chilled buttercream frosting in a variety of ways.
Microwave Method
If you're in a hurry and need to soften your buttercream quickly, you can use the microwave. If you use a microwave, you must be careful not to overheat it. If the buttercream gets too hot, it will melt. To soften buttercream in the microwave, use a low power setting and no more than fifteen seconds at a time, depending on the amount of buttercream. To avoid melting the buttercream, microwave it in 30-second increments. Stir the buttercream every time to ensure that the heat is properly distributed throughout the icing.
If you have a lot of buttercream, microwave small amounts and mix them in with the remainder of the buttercream. By incorporating a small amount of microwaved buttercream into the rest of your buttercream, heat will be transferred and softened. If you have a lot of frosting to soften, this is a terrific way.
At Room Temperature
If you're not in a rush, leave your buttercream frosting at room temperature in your kitchen. You can let the icing to rest for 30 to 45 minutes. This allows the frosting to gradually reach the desired temperature without melting.
After the frosting has reached room temperature, combine it using a small stand mixer or a nice wooden spoon. Buttercreams might separate after a few days and must be re-mixed to achieve the desired consistency.
Water Bath
A warm water bath is another effective approach to soften your buttercream. Simply lay the buttercream in a metal bowl over a saucepan of hot or warm water. Leave the frosting bowl above the water until it reaches room temperature, swirling regularly to ensure even heating.
Corn Syrup
To soften your buttercream quickly, add some clear corn syrup. If your buttercream has become firm, this will help loosen it. Add a few drops at a time, mixing until the buttercream reaches the desired texture.
Whisk Frosting
You can also use a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment to soften your buttercream frosting. Allow the buttercream to sit for a few minutes before turning on your mixer to medium speed and beating the frosting for a few minutes. Scrape the sides of the bowl with a spatula and, if necessary, beat the frosting for longer.
Manual Method
If you only have a small amount of buttercream to soften, put it in a piping bag and use the warmth of your hands to soften it. Squeeze the frosting bag with your hands until it reaches the appropriate consistency.