How to Deal With Broken Buttercream

Wondering how to fix broken buttercream? Learn what causes buttercream to split and how to bring it back to smooth, fluffy perfection with these easy tips.

If your buttercream keeps splitting, looking curdled, or just won’t come together — don’t panic! This easy guide breaks down what causes broken buttercream and the simple tricks to fix it every time. Plus, grab my free Sweet Six ebook for more dessert essentials!

Welcome back to The Secret Crunch, baking besties! My name is Lisa, and I am the founder of this deliciously sweet blog – and today, we’re talking: buttercream.

Well… broken buttercream, that is.

Buttercream Can Be Frustrating

I remember when I first started baking, I wanted to impress my friends with some homemade cupcakes – so I got to work. I was in a rush, and just wanted everything to be perfect, but in a short timeframe.

The cupcakes were a good texture and flavour, and were cooled down, ready to be decorated. I hopped over to my mixer and started on the buttercream.

But that buttercream failed me.

A collage of a cupcakes ready to be frosted, with a closeup shot of buttercream being mixed in a stand mixer

No matter what I did, the consistency was just not right. I added more milk, more confectioners’ sugar… I mixed until I couldn’t mix much longer. I was defeated.

It kept on splitting!

It happened over 15 years ago, but I somehow still remember it. I don’t remember what I did as an alternative solution, but I am pretty sure I didn’t have cupcakes to show off. I knew that I never wanted to go through that again.

What Is Broken Buttercream?

If your buttercream looks lumpy, curdled, or like it’s separating into clumps of fat and liquid, you’ve got broken buttercream. It might look like a lost cause, but good news — it’s almost always fixable.

I wish I had known this when I was younger!

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Why Does Buttercream Break?

Here are a few reasons this frosting meltdown happens:

  • Temperature Issues: If your butter’s too cold or your kitchen’s too warm, your buttercream can throw a tantrum.
  • Adding Liquids Too Quickly: Pouring in milk, cream, or flavorings too fast can cause the emulsion to break.
  • Butter and Sugar Didn’t Cream Properly: If your butter and sugar aren’t fully combined and fluffy before adding other ingredients, it won’t hold together.
  • Overmixing or Undermixing: Yep — both can cause issues. You want it just right.

How to Fix Broken Buttercream

Okay, deep breath. Here’s how to bring your broken buttercream back to life:

If It’s Too Cold:

Warm the bowl slightly by placing a warm cloth around it or briefly using a hair dryer on the side of the bowl (seriously, it works – but make sure you’re using a metal bowl). Then whip it again — it should come back together.

If It’s Too Warm:

Pop the whole bowl in the fridge for about 10-15 minutes. Once it firms up, beat it again and it should emulsify properly.

If You Added Liquids Too Fast:

Add a little more confectioners’ sugar, one tablespoon at a time, while mixing on low. It helps the mixture rebind.

Always Use Softened Butter

Your best bet is to make sure to soften your butter ahead of time, so that it’s ready for buttercream-making.

Closeup of vanilla buttercream on a colorful spatula

Bonus: My Foolproof Buttercream Recipe

If you’ve had one too many broken buttercream moments, I’ve got you. My go-to, beginner-friendly buttercream recipe is part of The Sweet Six — a free e-book I created with six of my absolute favorite, foolproof dessert recipes for beginner bakers.

You’ll get:

  • My never-split, silky-smooth buttercream recipe
  • The cupcake base I pair it with
  • And four other recipes every baker should master

Grab The Sweet Six here — it’s free and super cute.

Desserts That Use This Buttercream

Once you’ve nailed your buttercream game, you have to try it out on a few of my most-loved recipes:

  • Cookie Monster Donuts — bright blue, stuffed with buttercream, and totally adorable.
  • Rainbow Donuts — colorful, happy, and topped with a swirl of my signature buttercream.

Both of these are total crowd-pleasers and proof that buttercream isn’t just for cakes. If you haven’t tried piping it onto a donut yet… what are you waiting for?

Indulge in these delightful baked blue donuts adorned with candy-covered chocolates in vibrant rainbow colors and topped with fluffy buttercream clouds. Learn how on our easy-to-follow recipe!

Buttercream can be a little dramatic sometimes, but once you know what causes it to break and how to fix it, you’ll be frosting cakes, piping donuts, and swirling cupcakes like a total pro. And remember — every baking “fail” is just a lesson in disguise (plus an excuse to lick the spatula).

If you try my tips or recipes from The Sweet Six, let me know! I love hearing about your baking wins.

If You Enjoyed These Tips about Broken Buttercream, You May Also Like:

Loving these recipes? Be sure to follow us on socials: Instagram, TikTok and Youtube for more inspiration for your sweet tooth! Plus, you can get my free recipe e-book by clicking here!

If your buttercream keeps splitting, looking curdled, or just won’t come together — don’t panic! This easy guide breaks down what causes broken buttercream and the simple tricks to fix it every time. Plus, grab my free Sweet Six ebook for more dessert essentials!
Don’t toss that split, curdled buttercream! This beginner-friendly baking guide shows you how to fix broken buttercream fast and why it happens in the first place. Your cakes and cupcakes will thank you.
Dealing with split, grainy, or greasy buttercream? Learn the easiest trick to bring it back to silky-smooth perfection. Plus, discover my favorite desserts using this buttercream recipe — including my Cookie Monster and Rainbow Donuts!

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