Description
Make rich, creamy, and fluffy vanilla buttercream frosting that is perfect for piping on cakes, cupcakes, and cookies.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 2 to 4 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
Instructions
- Place the softened butter in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Beat the butter on medium speed until it is completely smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl.
- Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing on low speed until just combined after each addition.
- Add the vanilla extract and salt. Increase the mixer speed to medium-high and beat for 3 minutes. This incorporates air and makes the frosting light.
- Add 2 tablespoons of heavy cream or milk. Beat on medium-high speed for another 3 to 5 minutes until the frosting is very light and fluffy.
- If the frosting seems too stiff for your needs, add the remaining cream, one teaspoon at a time, until you reach your desired smooth consistency for spreading or piping.
- Use immediately or cover tightly to prevent drying.
Notes
- For the best texture, ensure your butter is truly room temperature, not melted.
- Sifting the powdered sugar prevents lumps in your final smooth frosting.
- If the frosting seems too soft, chill it for 10 minutes before using it for piping decorations.
- To make this frosting whiter, substitute clear vanilla extract for the standard brown extract.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 0 min
- Category: Dessert Topping
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 40
- Sodium: 65
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 11
- Unsaturated Fat: 7
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 42
- Fiber: 0
- Protein: 0
- Cholesterol: 70