Vanilla Buttercream Frosting Recipe
This American buttercream frosting recipe has just the right amount of sweetness to complement any dessert. It spreads, fills, and pipes beautifully and makes enough to cover a 9-inch layer cake, 24 cupcakes, or many sugar cookies! This recipe is fool-proof and so easy to master. Be sure to save this recipe to top all your favorite desserts.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups Unsalted Butter, room temperature
- 4 1/2 to 5 cups powdered sugar, or added to taste
- 1/4 tsp fine salt, or to taste
- 4 tsp vanilla extract
- 3-4 Tbsp heavy cream or whole milk, added to desired consistency
Instructions
- Beat the Butter - In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment (or handheld electric mixer), beat the butter on high speed for 5 minutes or until lightened in color and whipped, scraping down the bowl as needed.
- Sift the Powdered Sugar - Meanwhile, sift 4 1/2 to 5 cups of powdered sugar. Reduce the mixer to medium-low speed and add powdered sugar one heaping Tablespoon at a time, letting it incorporate with each addition. Add powdered sugar to taste and beat until it is fully incorporated, scraping the sides of the bowl as needed.
- Mix In - Add 1/4 tsp fine salt (or to taste), then add 4 tsp Vanilla Extract, beating until incorporated.
- Thin with Heavy Cream - Add 3 Tbsp heavy cream or milk, 1 Tbsp at a time, and add it to the desired consistency. Beat another minute until whipped and well combined.
Notes
How to Store Buttercream Frosting:
- At Room Temperature: Keep buttercream frosted desserts covered for up to 2 days in a cool and dry environment (below 70˚F).
- Refrigerate Buttercream in an airtight container up to 1 week.
- To Freeze: Transfer to a freezer-safe zip-top bag, press out excess air, and freeze up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before using.
- Remove from the fridge 1-2 hours or until softened.
- Re-whip for best texture with a stand mixer or hand mixer to restore its fluffy texture.
Nutrition Facts
Vanilla Buttercream Frosting Recipe
Amount per Serving
Calories
198
% Daily Value*
Fat
12
g
18
%
Saturated Fat
8
g
50
%
Cholesterol
33
mg
11
%
Sodium
27
mg
1
%
Potassium
3
mg
0
%
Carbohydrates
23
g
8
%
Sugar
22
g
24
%
Protein
1
g
2
%
Vitamin A
382
IU
8
%
Calcium
5
mg
1
%
Iron
1
mg
6
%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
