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Four cupcakes topped with perfectly piped swirls of creamy vanilla buttercream frosting on a white plate.

Best Classic Vanilla Buttercream Frosting for Piping


  • Author: Lina Kohn
  • Total Time: 10 min
  • Yield: About 3 cups
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Make a simple, creamy, and fluffy American buttercream frosting perfect for decorating cakes and cupcakes. This recipe yields a stable frosting ideal for piping.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 2 to 4 tablespoons heavy cream or milk


Instructions

  1. Beat the softened butter in a large bowl using an electric mixer until it is light and creamy, about 2 minutes.
  2. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing on low speed until combined after each addition.
  3. Add the vanilla extract and salt. Beat on medium speed for 1 minute.
  4. Add 2 tablespoons of heavy cream or milk. Beat on medium-high speed for 3 to 5 minutes until the frosting is light and fluffy.
  5. If the frosting seems too stiff for piping, add the remaining cream or milk, one teaspoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
  6. Use immediately for frosting cakes or piping decorations.

Notes

  • For a very stiff frosting suitable for detailed piping, use only heavy cream and start with less liquid.
  • If the frosting becomes too soft while working, chill the bowl for 10 minutes and then re-whip.
  • Sift your powdered sugar to prevent lumps in your finished frosting.
  • You can substitute milk for heavy cream, but heavy cream provides a richer texture.
  • Prep Time: 10 min
  • Cook Time: 0 min
  • Category: Dessert Topping
  • Method: No Cook
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/4 cup
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 45
  • Sodium: 75
  • Fat: 18
  • Saturated Fat: 11
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7
  • Trans Fat: 0
  • Carbohydrates: 48
  • Fiber: 0
  • Protein: 1
  • Cholesterol: 45