Description
Fluffy, creamy, and full of rich vanilla flavor, this Vanilla Buttercream Frosting is the go-to choice for topping cakes, cupcakes, cookies, and more. Made with just butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and cream, it’s a quick and easy recipe that transforms any dessert into a bakery-style masterpiece. Whether you’re looking for a quick frosting idea, easy dessert topping, or need birthday cake frosting, this versatile buttercream will never let you down. It’s stable enough for piping, spreadable for rustic finishes, and customizable for any flavor or color. A must-have in your dessert recipe collection.
Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
3 to 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
2 to 4 tablespoons heavy cream or whole milk
Pinch salt (optional)
Instructions
1. Take butter out ahead of time and let it soften to room temperature.
2. In a large mixing bowl, beat the butter with an electric mixer until fluffy and pale, about 3–5 minutes.
3. Slowly add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing on low speed until fully incorporated.
4. Add vanilla extract and 2 tablespoons of cream or milk.
5. Beat on medium speed until smooth. Adjust consistency by adding more cream or sugar as needed.
6. Increase speed and beat on high for 2–3 minutes until frosting is fluffy and light.
7. Taste and adjust with a pinch of salt if too sweet. Use immediately or store properly.
Notes
Use gel food coloring to tint your buttercream without altering its consistency.
Always sift powdered sugar for smooth texture and avoid lumps.
If refrigerating, allow it to come to room temperature and re-whip for best results.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Frosting
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 20mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 30mg