Description
This is the ultimate creamy and fluffy Vanilla Buttercream Frosting recipe. It is easy to make, uses standard ingredients, and holds its shape perfectly for decorating cakes, cupcakes, and cookies. You will achieve a smooth, professional finish every time.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup (2 sticks or 226g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 4 cups (480g) powdered sugar, sifted
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2-4 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Place the softened butter in a large mixing bowl. Beat the butter with an electric mixer on medium speed until it is very smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl.
- Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar to the butter, one cup at a time, mixing on low speed until just combined before adding the next cup.
- Once all the sugar is incorporated, add the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Increase the mixer speed to medium-high.
- Add 2 tablespoons of heavy cream or milk. Beat for 3 to 5 minutes until the frosting is light, fluffy, and pale in color.
- Check the consistency. If the frosting is too thick, add the remaining cream or milk one teaspoon at a time until you reach your desired spreading or piping consistency.
- Beat on high speed for one final minute to incorporate air for maximum fluffiness. Use immediately or cover tightly.
Notes
- Always use room temperature butter for the creamiest results.
- Sifting the powdered sugar prevents lumps in your final frosting.
- If your frosting seems too thin, add a few more tablespoons of sifted powdered sugar.
- If your frosting tastes too sweet, add another small pinch of salt to balance the flavor.
- For a whiter frosting, use clear vanilla extract instead of pure vanilla extract.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Baking/Dessert Topping
- Method: American Buttercream
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup
- Calories: Approx. 240
- Sugar: Approx. 30g
- Sodium: Approx. 30mg
- Fat: Approx. 13g
- Saturated Fat: Approx. 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: Approx. 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: Approx. 32g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: Approx. 30mg