Oreo Swiss meringue buttercream is light, silky, and filled with real Oreo crumbs, making this smooth cookies and cream frosting perfect for layer cakes and cupcakes.

Oreo Swiss meringue buttercream is a cookies and cream version of classic Swiss meringue buttercream, with a light, silky texture and real Oreo flavor.
Made with whipped egg whites, unsalted butter, and finely crushed Oreos, this frosting is smooth, not too sweet, and perfect for cakes and cupcakes.
It pairs especially well with chocolate desserts and Oreo bakes, and while it looks technical, it’s absolutely doable at home with the right method.
Why this recipe works
- Stable Swiss meringue base - Cooked egg whites create a smooth, reliable buttercream that holds its shape.
- Balanced Oreo flavor - Finely crushed Oreos add flavor without weighing down the frosting.
- Perfect texture for cakes - Silky, light, and easy to spread or pipe on layer cakes and cupcakes.
Ingredients You Need
Ingredients for Oreo Swiss Meringue Buttercream:
- Egg whites – Use large egg whites. Make sure there’s no yolk, or the meringue won’t whip properly.
- Granulated sugar – Extra fine white sugar works best for a smooth Swiss meringue. Avoid brown or powdered sugar.
- Unsalted butter – Softened to room temperature. Take it out about 20 minutes before starting.
- Vanilla extract – Use pure vanilla extract or scraped vanilla bean seeds for more flavor.
- Oreo cookies – Use classic chocolate Oreo cookies or golden Oreos. Grind them into fine crumbs using a food processor or a rolling pin in a sealed bag.

Tips for this recipe
- Wipe your tools with vinegar or lemon to remove grease before whipping the egg whites.
- Use room temperature butter for a smooth, lump-free texture.
- Whip the meringue until cool before adding butter to avoid melting.
- Add crushed Oreos last, and avoid overmixing to keep the texture light.
- Use a scale for precise measurements—especially for sugar and butter.
How To Make Oreo Swiss Meringue Buttercream Frosting
Start by preparing the Swiss meringue, then turn it into my Swiss meringue buttercream base before adding the flavoring.
Heat the egg whites and granulated sugar over a double boiler, whisking constantly until the sugar is fully dissolved and the mixture reaches 160°F (71°C).

Transfer to a stand mixer fitted with the whisk and whip on medium-high speed until stiff, glossy peaks form and the bowl feels completely cool.

Reduce the speed and gradually add the softened unsalted butter, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt, mixing until smooth and fluffy.

Fold in the crushed Oreo crumbs and mix briefly until the buttercream is light, creamy, and ready to use.

How to use it
Use this Oreo Swiss meringue buttercream to frost and fill layer cakes, pipe cupcakes, or smooth a crumb coat for clean, sharp edges.

Storage instructions
- Fridge: Store leftover Oreo Swiss meringue buttercream in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Let it come to room temperature and re-whip before using.
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then bring to room temp and whip again until smooth.
Recipe variations
- Chocolate Oreo: add a spoon of cocoa powder for a deeper chocolate flavor
- Vanilla Oreo: use Golden Oreos instead of classic chocolate cookies
- Extra crunchy: fold in slightly larger Oreo chunks at the end
- Less sweet: reduce Oreo crumbs slightly and add a pinch of salt
- Cookies & cream filling: use it as a cake filling instead of frosting
I love using this Oreo buttercream on my Oreo cake and Oreo cupcakes—it adds the perfect cookies and cream finish to both.
Recipe Questions
Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes, prepare it up to 5 days ahead, refrigerate, then bring to room temperature and re-whip.
Why is my buttercream soft?
The butter or meringue is too warm. Chill briefly, then whip again.
Can I freeze it?
Yes, up to 2–3 months. Thaw in the fridge, then re-whip until smooth.

More Buttercream Frostings
- Nutella Swiss meringue buttercream
- Strawberry Swiss meringue buttercream
- White chocolate Swiss meringue buttercream
- Caramel Swiss meringue buttercream
I hope you’ll love this recipe! Rate it ★★★★★ and leave a quick comment — it always helps. Happy baking!
Print
Oreo Swiss Meringue Buttercream
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 portions
Description
Light and creamy Oreo Swiss meringue buttercream, perfect to frost 12 cupcakes or cover a 6-inch (15 cm) layer cake. Made with real Oreo crumbs and a silky meringue base for the smoothest cookies and cream frosting.
Ingredients
- 6 large egg whites
- 150 g (¾ cup) granulated sugar
- 300 g (1 ¼ cups) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 14 Oreo cookies, finely crushed into powder
Instructions
- Place the egg whites and granulated sugar in a heatproof bowl set over a saucepan of gently simmering water.
- Whisk constantly until the sugar is fully dissolved and the mixture reaches 160°F (71°C).
- Transfer to a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment and beat on high speed for about 10–15 minutes, until the meringue is stiff, glossy, and completely cool.
- Reduce the speed and gradually add the softened butter, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. The mixture may look loose or curdled at first—keep mixing until it comes together.
- Increase to medium-high speed and whip until the buttercream is thick, smooth, and fluffy.
- Fold in the crushed Oreo cookies, then switch to the paddle attachment and mix on low speed for 1–2 minutes to remove air bubbles and smooth the texture.
Notes
Storage: Up to 1 week in the fridge in an airtight box, up to 3 months in the freezer.
Tips:
- Use a kitchen scale for accurate measurements—especially for sugar and butter.
- Make sure no egg yolk gets into the whites or the meringue won’t whip.
- Whisk the egg whites and sugar until fully dissolved—you shouldn’t feel any grains.
- Add butter only when the meringue has cooled down, or it may melt.
- If the buttercream looks curdled, keep mixing—it will smooth out.
- Mix on low speed at the end to remove air bubbles and get a silky finish.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Frosting, fillings
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 247
- Sugar: 13.4 g
- Sodium: 37.1 mg
- Fat: 20.6 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Protein: 2.1 g
- Cholesterol: 53.8 mg









Emily
Just made this and it turned out so smooth and light! The Oreo flavor really pops. Has anyone tried using it on cupcakes instead of a cake?