Buttercream Vs Fondant Vs Whipped Cream: Which Cake is Right for You?

A cake is not just a piece of dessert. It’s a centrepiece of celebration. 

Planning a party? You’ve got the theme, the guest list, and excitement – but wait! What about the cake frosting? Choosing the perfect cake is not just about the flavour or shape. It’s about what’s on the outside that counts, too. 

The battle between the buttercream, fondant, and whipped cream is much deeper and more important than you ever think. Each of them has its flavour and taste, and choosing one option over the other can greatly impact the overall look and taste of the cake. 

Especially if you’re planning a custom or celebration cake, knowing the different types of cake frosting is crucial in ensuring that your cake turns out exactly as you envision. 

If you want a rich and creamy flavour, then buttercream is your go-to option. For a sleek and sculpted cake, fondant is your best bet. Whipped cream is perfect for a lighter and fluffier finish, ideally for those who prefer a less sweetened option.

In this blog post, we will break down the difference between fondant and buttercream and whipped cream. It will help you decide the best cake icing for birthday cakes and other special occasions based on your preferences and desired outcome. 

Buttercream: Classic, Creamy & Customisable

Buttercream frosting is a type of soft and creamy frosting made from butter, milk, and powdered sugar. It’s a popular choice for those who want to achieve a smooth and creamy finish on their cakes. 

Known for its rich taste and easy-to-spread texture, it is often used to coat, fill, and decorate cakes and cupcakes. It's sweet and buttery taste appeals to many, and it pairs beautifully with various cake flavours. 

Key Features of Buttercream Frosting:

1. Rich and creamy flavour

2. Smooth and spreadable texture

3. Highly customisable

4. Versatile usage: can be used as a filling, crumb coat, or final outer layer for cakes. 

5. Pairs beautifully with most cakes

6. It holds shape well for borders, swirls, rosettes, and other intricate designs. 

Buttercream Frosting is Best For: 

Ideal for people who love real and creamy frosting. It goes well for floral cakes, kids' birthday cakes, and custom cake textures.

Shelf Life:

It typically lasts 1-2 days at room temperature, and if stored in an airtight container in a refrigerator, it can stay fresh for up to 1 week. 

Fondant: Sleek and Sculpted

Fondant icing is a smooth and flexible icing made from sugar, water, gelatin, and glycerin. It’s a sugar-based, dough-like icing that is rolled out and placed over cakes to give them a smooth and polished look. 

It gives the cake a clean and professional look; that is why it’s often considered the top choice for weddings, showpieces, and themed cakes. 

Key Features of Fondant Frosting:

1. Smooth and professional finish

2. Great for intricate themes, characters, and shapes. 

3. Less sweet than buttercream and can be paired with it easily for added taste. 

4. Perfect for sculpted designs and clean edges. 

Fondant Icing is Best For:

Ideal for designer cakes, wedding cakes, and themed cakes that require intricate decoration and proper finishing. Best for those whose priority is visual presentation. 

Shelf Life:

Fondant-covered cakes last longer than buttercream or whipped cream cakes. At room temperature, they can easily last for 2-3 days. It usually doesn’t need refrigeration unless there’s perishable filling underneath. 

Whipped Cream: Light, Airy & Delicate

Whipped cream frosting is made by whipping heavy cream with sugar and sometimes stabilisers to create a light and fluffy texture. It’s a favourite choice among those who prefer a less sweet and more delicate taste. As compared with buttercream and fondant, whipped cream offers a fresher and airier finish that melts in the mouth. 

Key Features of Whipped Cream Frosting:

1. Gives a homemade and natural look to the cake.

2. Light and fully textured

3. Works best for chilled cakes and fruit-based desserts.

4. Gives the cake a soft and airy appearance. 

Best For:

Due to its soft texture, it’s perfect for rustic-style cakes, fresh fruit toppings, and light, refreshing desserts.

Shelf Life:

Whipped cream is highly perishable and needs to be stored in the refrigerator. It’s best when consumed within 1-2 days. 

Comparison Table: Buttercream vs Fondant vs Whipped Cream

The table below will help you to get a better understanding of the different types of cake frosting:

Which One Should You Choose? 

Choosing the right cake frosting depends on your priorities and requirements for taste, appearance, and occasion. If you prefer a rich, creamy, and classic flavour that’s versatile and easy to work with, then buttercream is your way to go. It's perfect for birthday cakes and floral designs. If you want a showstopper that has a smooth visual impact, especially for wedding and themed cakes, then fondant is your go-to choice.

At last, if you prefer a lighter, fresher, and less sweet frosting, then whipped cream is ideal. Ultimately, your choice should balance flavour, aesthetics, and practicality to make your celebration more memorable and delicious. At the Coco Company, we offer all three done our way—with finesse, flavour, and a little twist. We create cakes that not only taste delicious but also leave a lasting impression on your guests. 

Explore our wide range of custom Buttercream cakes with all three styles. If you’re still not sure about which cream is perfect for you, then chat with us, or feel free to visit our store to see real samples that will help you make the best decision for your special occasion.