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Easy Homemade Vanilla Buttercream Frosting Recipe for Cakes, Cupcakes and Cookies

sy Homemade Vanilla Buttercream Frosting Recipe

4.8 from 29 reviews

This Easy Homemade Vanilla Buttercream Frosting is a classic, creamy, and fluffy topping perfect for cakes, cupcakes, and cookies. Made with simple ingredients like unsalted butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and cream, this buttercream is smooth, sweet, and customizable to your preferred consistency. It whips up quickly and provides a deliciously rich vanilla flavor to elevate any dessert.

Ingredients

Scale

Buttercream Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
  • 4 1/2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1/4 tsp fine salt, or to taste
  • 4 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • 34 Tbsp heavy cream or whole milk, for desired consistency

Instructions

  1. Whip the Butter: In a stand mixer with a paddle attachment or using a hand mixer, beat the softened butter on high speed until pale and fluffy, about 5 minutes. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl as needed to ensure even mixing.
  2. Add Powdered Sugar: Sift the powdered sugar to avoid lumps. With the mixer on medium-low, add the sugar gradually one heaping tablespoon at a time, allowing each addition to fully incorporate before adding more. Adjust the sweetness to your taste by controlling how much sugar you add. Scrape the bowl to ensure an even mix throughout.
  3. Incorporate Flavorings: Add the fine salt and pure vanilla extract to the mixture. Beat until they are completely combined, imparting a subtle saltiness and aromatic vanilla flavor to the frosting.
  4. Adjust Texture: Gradually add 3 tablespoons of heavy cream or whole milk one tablespoon at a time. Continue beating on high speed after adding the liquid for about one minute to achieve a light, fluffy, and spreadable consistency. Add the fourth tablespoon of cream or milk if you desire a thinner texture.

Notes

  • Make sure the butter is softened but not melted for best results.
  • Sifting powdered sugar helps avoid lumps and creates a smooth frosting.
  • Adjust powdered sugar quantity to your preferred sweetness level.
  • For a dairy-free version, substitute butter with vegan butter and use plant-based milk.
  • Buttercream can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week; bring to room temperature and re-whip before using.
  • If frosting is too thick, add a little more cream or milk; if too thin, add a bit more powdered sugar.

Nutrition

Keywords: vanilla buttercream, buttercream frosting, vanilla frosting, homemade frosting, cupcake frosting, cake frosting, easy buttercream