My Go-To Honey Whipped Cream Frosting Recipe
Nothing against Buttercream but...
This is the frosting I turn to when I want something light, fluffy, and not overly sweet—perfect for cakes, cupcakes, or just dipping strawberries straight into the bowl. I shared this in response to a sweet comment from someone making a birthday cake for their grandma, and honestly, it made my whole week.
If you’re like me and love whipped cream more than buttercream, this one’s for you. I skip cream cheese entirely and instead go for a combo of honey, maple syrup (the real kind!), vanilla paste, and powdered sugar—just enough to sweeten, never too much. Think of it as frosting with soul. And if you’re wondering how sweet it really is? I’d say it’s balanced: sweet enough to feel like dessert, but not so sugary that it overpowers what you’re topping. The powdered sugar is added to taste—so you can make it just right for your cake, fruit, or whatever you’re serving it with.
Ingredients
1 full carton heavy whipping cream (2 cups / ~475 ml)
3 tbsp maple syrup (real, not artificial!)
3 tbsp good honey
1/2 cup powdered sugar (60g), more or less to taste
2 tsp vanilla extract or paste (8g)
Pinch of salt
Instructions
In a large chilled mixing bowl, pour in the heavy whipping cream.
Add the maple syrup, honey, vanilla, and salt.
Begin whipping on medium speed until it starts to thicken.
Slowly add powdered sugar while whipping, tasting as you go. Adjust sweetness to your liking—start with 1/2 cup and go up to 3/4 or 1 cup if you want something closer to traditional sweetness.
Whip until soft to medium peaks form. Don’t overmix—it should be smooth and spreadable.
Use right away or refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Rewhip gently if needed before using.
Iski Note
Sweetness:
You’re using:
3 tbsp honey
3 tbsp maple syrup
½ cup powdered sugar (60g, adjustable)
That’s a moderate level of sweetness for 2 cups of cream. It will be noticeably sweet, but not cloying—think more elegant and balanced than a classic buttercream.
Depth & Warmth:
- The maple syrup adds a deeper, caramelized sweetness.
- The honey brings floral notes and richness.
- The vanilla paste gives a cozy, bakery-style aroma.
- The salt enhances everything without tasting salty.
Texture:
Very light, fluffy, and soft—perfect for layer cakes, fruit dips, or cupcakes where you want the frosting to complement, not overwhelm.
Why this recipe hits
It’s the perfect not-too-sweet topping for cakes, fruit, or spoonfuls straight from the bowl. The maple syrup and honey give it depth, while the whipped cream keeps it light. No buttercream needed—just love and real ingredients. And the best part? You can adjust the sweetness to fit the vibe. Keep it mellow, or bump it up for birthdays.