Favorite Vanilla Buttercream Frosting
Indulge in the creamy perfection of our Favorite Vanilla Buttercream Frosting, a must-have recipe for any baking enthusiast. Made with just five simple ingredients — softened unsalted butter, powdered sugar, heavy cream, pure vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt — this luscious frosting comes together in just 10 minutes and delivers a luxurious, smooth texture with a perfectly balanced sweetness. Whether you’re adorning cupcakes, layering a celebration cake, or decorating cookies, this versatile frosting is a classic choice that’s easy to customize for any occasion. Achieve bakery-quality results with ease as the light, fluffy consistency and rich vanilla flavor elevate your homemade confections to the next level. Pro tip: Adjust the thickness to your liking by tweaking the cream or powdered sugar, and you’ll have a frosting that’s as flexible as it is irresistible!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup Unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups Powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons Heavy cream or milk
- 2 teaspoons Pure vanilla extract
- 1 pinch Salt
Instructions
In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with a hand mixer or stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment on medium speed until creamy and smooth, about 2-3 minutes.
Gradually add the powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, mixing on low speed after each addition to avoid a sugar cloud. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
Once all the powdered sugar is incorporated, add the heavy cream (or milk), vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt.
Increase the mixer speed to medium-high and beat the frosting for 2-3 minutes until light, fluffy, and smooth. If the frosting is too thick, add an additional tablespoon of cream or milk; if it's too thin, add a bit more powdered sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time.
Taste the frosting and adjust as needed. Add a tiny pinch more salt if the flavor is too sweet.
Use immediately to frost cakes, cupcakes, or cookies, or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 24 hours, or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Bring to room temperature and re-whip if needed before using.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
306 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 16.6 g | 21% | |
| Saturated Fat | 10.4 g | 52% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 45 mg | 15% | |
| Sodium | 15 mg | 1% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 40.1 g | 15% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.0 g | 0% | |
| Total Sugars | 39.3 g | ||
| Protein | 0.2 g | 0% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.2 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 6 mg | 0% | |
| Iron | 0.0 mg | 0% | |
| Potassium | 6 mg | 0% | |
*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.
