Basic Buttercream Icing
Indulge in the creamy simplicity of this Basic Buttercream Icing recipe—a versatile classic that’s perfect for frosting cakes, cupcakes, and cookies. Made with just five pantry staples—softened unsalted butter, powdered sugar, heavy cream (or milk), vanilla extract, and an optional pinch of salt—this recipe whips up in only 15 minutes to create a light, fluffy, and perfectly sweet frosting. Customize the texture to suit your needs by adjusting the cream or sugar, making it ideal for smooth piping or effortless spreading. Whether you’re preparing a birthday cake or dressing up simple sugar cookies, this easy homemade buttercream icing is a must-have for every home baker’s repertoire.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup Unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups Powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons Heavy cream or milk
- 2 teaspoons Vanilla extract
- 1 pinch Salt (optional, for balancing sweetness)
Instructions
In a large mixing bowl, use a hand or stand mixer to beat the softened butter on medium speed for 2–3 minutes, until it's smooth and creamy.
Gradually add the powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, mixing on low speed initially to avoid spills. Once combined, increase the speed to medium and mix until fully incorporated and fluffy.
Pour in the heavy cream (or milk), vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Beat on medium-high speed for another 2–3 minutes until the frosting is light, fluffy, and spreadable.
Taste the buttercream and adjust the consistency if needed. To thin it out, add a small amount of cream or milk (1 teaspoon at a time). To thicken, add additional powdered sugar (1 tablespoon at a time).
Use the buttercream immediately to frost cakes, cupcakes, or cookies, or store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Bring to room temperature and re-whip if needed before using.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
3695 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 202.8 g | 260% | |
| Saturated Fat | 128.5 g | 642% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 551 mg | 184% | |
| Sodium | 191 mg | 8% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 481.1 g | 175% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.0 g | 0% | |
| Total Sugars | 471.5 g | ||
| Protein | 2.6 g | 5% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 76 mg | 6% | |
| Iron | 0.5 mg | 3% | |
| Potassium | 88 mg | 2% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
