The Viral Buttercream Bread – Girls Can Grill

The first time I tasted buttercream bread, I literally tracked down the chef to ask what I was eating. It’s thinly sliced sourdough spread with buttercream, sprinkled with sugar and griddled until it caramelizes into a sweet, crispy cracker you cannot stop eating.

The best part? You don’t need to be a pastry chef to make it. My version uses a can of cake frosting and takes about 15 minutes on a griddle or skillet. Three ingredients, and everyone who tries it will beg you for the recipe.

What is buttercream bread?

Buttercream bread is simply thinly sliced bread spread with cake frosting, sprinkled with sugar, and cooked in a pan until caramelized and crispy.

I first experienced this bread at a party in Utah served atop a panna cotta. It was so addictive, I had to ask the chef how it was made.

The original recipe was created by Chef Ruty of Lux Catering & Events. It was made with homemade buttercream icing and sourdough bread.

While buttercream icing isn’t that hard to make, I created this recipe with canned cake frosting, and it worked great.

After posting the video on Instagram, several people commented about international versions of this recipe. In Indonesia, they have Bagelen. In the Philippines, they have mamon tostado and Biscocho. And in Mexico they have molletes dulces.

What you’ll need

• Sourdough Bread: It’s best to buy an unsliced loaf, so that you are able to create super thin slices. You can also bake your own.
• Buttercream Frosting: You can make homemade buttercream or buy a can of frosting in the cake aisle. Vanilla or cream cheese flavors are best.
• Sugar

See the full recipe card above for servings and a full list of ingredients.

How to cook buttercream bread

For this recipe, you will either need a griddle like a Blackstone or a large flat pan or skillet on the stove.

Step 1: Slice the bread

Start by slicing your loaf of sourdough into very thin slices. This ensures the final pieces are thin and crispy like crackers.

Step 2: Ice the bread

Spread a thin layer of cake frosting on both sides of the bread slices. Then, sprinkle both sides with some sugar.

PRO TIP: Don't use too much icing. Otherwise, when you cook it, it will melt and ooze all over. Just a thin layer is enough. 

Step 3: Cook the buttercream bread

Heat your griddle or pan over medium heat to about 325F degrees. Once your griddle is heated, add the sliced bread. Cook for about 2 minutes per side or until golden brown.

Step 4: Cool the bread

Once the bread is golden, transfer the slices to a silicone-lined or wax paper-lined baking sheet to cool. Sprinkle on a pinch of salt. As it cools, it will become crispy.

How to serve buttercream bread

Buttercream bread is addictive on its own. I love eating a few pieces as a snack.

But the sweet, crispy slices are ideal for sweet cheese dips or other dessert dips. They even go fabulously with a bowl of ice cream.

---

Storage

Once the buttercream bread is cool, store it in an airtight container on the counter for a few days. The slices will start to soften over time. To prevent them from sticking together, you can add pieces of wax paper between them.

---

GCG Pro Pitmaster Tips

• Slice the bread really thin
• Save time by using canned frosting
• Don’t over frost the bread
• Allow time for the slices to cool, so they crisp up

---

Frequently Asked Questions

What is buttercream?

Buttercream is a type of cake frosting made with butter and powdered sugar.

Do I have to use homemade buttercream in this recipe?

No. I cheat and use canned cake frosting. It’s usually made with oil and sugar and doesn’t actually contain butter. It works just fine. The vanilla and cream cheese flavors work best.

Newest Recipes

Want even more great grilling recipes and tips? Subscribe to my newsletter and follow me on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok for my latest grilling adventures. If you make a recipe, please leave a comment and rating below.