No-Grit Nutella Buttercream

My No-Grit Buttercream Technique

Seven years ago, I discovered a clever trick through trial and error to create non-gritty buttercream by dissolving powdered sugar in hot water. This simple yet effective technique significantly improved the buttercream's texture and flavor, much to my surprise and delight.

I shared this technique with my then 10,000 YouTube followers, and the video quickly gained nearly 600K views. Although my method was soon copied by many others, I eventually embraced the positive impact it had on the cake decorating community. However, it saddens me that some people have taken this recipe as their own and are charging for it. Please do not pay; this recipe and technique will always be free on my YouTube channel and blog.

Ingredients in No-Grit Nutella Buttercream

Hot Water or Hot Milk

• Function: Dissolves the powdered sugar to eliminate grittiness.
• Substitution: Hot milk can be used instead of hot water for a richer flavor.

Powdered Sugar

• Function: Sweetens and stabilizes the buttercream.
• Note: Using more powdered sugar results in a firmer buttercream.

Vanilla Extract

• Function: Adds a rich, aromatic flavor that enhances the overall taste of the buttercream.

Unsalted Butter, Softened

• Function: Forms the creamy base of the buttercream.
• Preparation: Ensure butter is fully softened to blend smoothly.

Nutella

• Function: Adds a rich, chocolaty flavor and creamy texture.
• Substitution: Any chocolate hazelnut spread can be used.

Hazelnut Syrup, Optional (2 teaspoons)

• Function: Enhances the hazelnut flavor in the buttercream.
• Note: Optional but recommended for a deeper hazelnut taste.

These ingredients combine to create a smooth, flavorful No-grit Nutella Buttercream perfect for various desserts. Adjusting the quantities allows for different textures and flavors, making this recipe versatile for all your baking needs.

How To Make No-Grit Nutella Buttercream

Mixing Powdered Sugar and Liquid

Begin by placing the powdered sugar into a large bowl. Add the hot water (or hot milk) and vanilla extract to the powdered sugar. Stir the mixture thoroughly to ensure that the powdered sugar dissolves completely. This step is crucial for achieving a smooth, non-gritty texture in the final buttercream.

Straining the Mixture

Pour the dissolved sugar mixture through a fine mesh strainer into a jug or another container. Straining helps to remove any undissolved lumps or particles, ensuring a smooth consistency. Set the strained mixture aside to cool completely.

Preparing the Butter

Place the softened unsalted butter into the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Mix the butter on medium speed (speed 3) for about 5 minutes. During this time, occasionally scrape down the sides of the bowl to ensure the butter is evenly whipped.

Incorporating the Sugar Mixture

With the mixer running on low speed, slowly pour in the cooled, dissolved sugar mixture. Add the mixture very slowly to prevent the buttercream from splitting. If added too quickly, the butter and sugar mixture may not combine properly, resulting in a separated or curdled texture.

Mixing to Achieve Smooth Texture

Continue to mix on low speed (level 2 or 3) for about 10 minutes. This prolonged mixing time allows the ingredients to blend thoroughly, creating a silky smooth buttercream. The low mixing speed helps to minimize air bubbles, resulting in a denser, more stable frosting.

Adding Nutella and Optional Hazelnut Syrup

Add the Nutella to the buttercream and, if desired, the hazelnut syrup. Mix for an additional minute to fully incorporate the Nutella and syrup into the buttercream. The Nutella provides a rich, chocolaty flavor, while the hazelnut syrup enhances the nutty taste. This process makes the most amazing silky smooth No-Grit Nutella Buttercream.

Final Touches

Your no-grit Nutella buttercream is now silk smooth and ready for use. This buttercream is perfect for layering, covering, and decorating cakes, cupcakes, macarons, and more. Any leftover buttercream can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week or frozen for up to two months.

Fay's Top Tips for No-Grit Nutella Buttercream

Dissolve the powdered sugar completely: Dissolving the powdered sugar in hot water (or hot milk) ensures a smooth, non-gritty texture. Strain the mixture to remove any undissolved lumps before incorporating it into the butter.

Add the dissolved sugar mixture slowly: Pour the cooled, dissolved sugar mixture into the butter very slowly while mixing on low speed. This prevents the buttercream from splitting and ensures a smooth, stable consistency.

How To Use My No-Grit Nutella Buttercream

• Frosting Cakes: Use this buttercream to frost layer cakes. Its smooth texture makes it perfect for spreading evenly between layers and over the entire cake.
• Decorating Cupcakes: Pipe swirls of Nutella buttercream on top of cupcakes for a delicious and visually appealing finish. Use different piping tips for various designs.
• Filling Macarons: Fill macaron shells with a dollop of Nutella buttercream for a rich and creamy filling that complements the delicate cookies.
• Cookie Sandwiches: Spread a generous layer of buttercream between two cookies to create delightful cookie sandwiches. This works especially well with chocolate or hazelnut cookies.
• Topping Brownies: Add a layer of Nutella buttercream on top of brownies for an extra layer of flavor and sweetness. It pairs wonderfully with the fudgy texture of my Nutella Brownies.
• Filling Whoopie Pies: Use the buttercream to fill whoopie pies, creating a rich and creamy center that enhances these classic treats.

Recipe Variations

• Chocolate Buttercream: Replace Nutella with melted dark chocolate. Add ¾ cup of cooled, melted dark chocolate to the buttercream after incorporating the sugar mixture. Mix until fully combined for a rich, chocolatey flavor.
• Coffee Buttercream: Add 2 teaspoons of instant coffee granules to the hot water or milk when dissolving the powdered sugar. This will infuse a subtle coffee flavor into the buttercream, perfect for pairing with chocolate or vanilla cakes.
• Peanut Butter Buttercream: Swap Nutella with creamy peanut butter. Use ¾ cup of peanut butter and follow the same steps. This variation is great for peanut butter lovers and pairs well with chocolate desserts.
• Salted Caramel Buttercream: Add ¾ cup of homemade or store-bought salted caramel sauce to the buttercream after the sugar mixture is fully incorporated. Mix until smooth. This creates a rich, buttery frosting with a hint of saltiness.
• Fruit-Flavored Buttercream: Add ½ cup of fruit puree (such as strawberry, raspberry, or mango) to the buttercream after the sugar mixture is incorporated. For a more intense flavor, reduce the puree on the stove until thickened before adding it to the buttercream.
• Mint Chocolate Buttercream: Add 1 teaspoon of peppermint extract to the buttercream along with the Nutella. Mix well to combine. This variation adds a refreshing mint flavor, making it perfect for pairing with chocolate cakes and cupcakes.

More Buttercream and Frosting Recipes

• No-Grit Biscoff Buttercream
• Cream Cheese No-Grit Buttercream
• No-Grit Mocha Buttercream
• Cherry Buttercream No-Grit Recipe
• Espresso Martini Buttercream
• No-Grit Honeycomb Buttercream