A deliciously rich and creamy Vanilla Buttercream Frosting recipe that is perfect for cupcakes, cakes, and other desserts.
Made with butter and cream, this Vanilla buttercream frosting recipe is best buttercream frosting - a fluffy frosting made with simple ingredients that is perfect for your favorite cakes and cupcakes.
Best part is that comes together in just about 30 minutes! Perfect for frosting sugar cookies, vanilla cupcakes ore a layer cake.
Why This Recipe
This vanilla buttercream frosting recipe is rich, creamy, and tasty. Made with just a few ingredients, it is my go-to recipe for cakes, cookies, or cupcakes.
The rich buttercream is flavored with vanilla, but it is a very versatile recipe. You can change up the flavorings, and add coloring to make it into a lemon, strawberry, or chocolate frosting.
This is my favorite Vanilla frosting recipe for cupcakes and cakes. It works great with decorating tips and spreads nicely as well. It is not greasy or artificial tasting.
Frosting can make or break a dessert. This recipe is a nice balance of sweet and creamy that works well every time.
Ingredients For Vanilla Buttercream Frosting
Softened Butter - I like to use unsalted buttercream so that the butter is pure. You can add a pinch of salt to the frosting once it is made if you wish. The butter should be at room temperature. I do not recommend substituting margarine for butter in this recipe.
Confectioners Sugar - Also known as powdered sugar. It’s always a good idea to sift it before using it, as it makes a big difference in the texture of your buttercream.
Vanilla Extract - Vanilla can be expensive but I do not recommend using a generic brand. The flavor is key and you want to use quality vanilla for your dessert. Use pure vanilla extract. Mexican Vanilla works well as does Vanilla bean paste.
Equipment and Kitchen Tools Needed
- hand or stand mixer
- spatula
- measuring cups
How to Make Classic Vanilla Buttercream Frosting
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Place room temperature butter in a bowl or in stand mixer bowl.
- Whip the butter until fluffy using a standing electric mixer or hand mixer.
- Add vanilla and cream or milk.
- Add powdered sugar and whip until frosting reaches a fluffy consistency and mixture doubles.
Notes:
This buttercream can be made with milk, heavy cream, half in half, coffee creamer, or water. The thicker the liquid (heavy cream or coffee creamer) the creamier the icing will be!
Timesaving Tips to make Homemade Buttercream frosting perfect every time
- Be sure to allow the butter to soften at room temperature. When whipping it, make sure there are no lumps left.
- Use real butter for the perfect buttercream
- When adding the powdered sugar, keep the mixer at low speed and add sugar a little at a time so that the powdered sugar doesn't fly everywhere.
- You can add a little more or less powdered sugar to reach the desired consistency.
- For the vanilla, you can use clear vanilla if you want the frosting to be as white as possible. If using food coloring, be sure to just add a little at a time to get the desired color.
- Store buttercream wrapped in plastic wrap in the refrigerator and it will last about a week.
Recipe FAQs
What Should I Serve With Vanilla Buttercream Frosting?
So many things! Buttercream goes great on cupcakes, cakes, pound cakes and cookies.
Can You Freeze Buttercream Frosting?
Yes, you can freeze buttercream frosting fin an airtight container or ziploc freezer bag or up to 3 months. Defrost in the refrigerator the day before you plan to use it.
Can I Use Food Coloring?
Yes, gel food coloring is best to tint the frosting in different colors.
Related recipes
Cream Cheese FrostingA simple frosting recipe that goes great on banana cakes, carrot cakes and pound cakes.
Dulce De Leche Frosting - A simple two-ingredient frosting recipe with the delicious flavor of Dulce De Leche.
Mango Coconut Cake - A delicious summer cake recipe that goes lovely with vanilla buttercream.
Don't forget to bookmark this buttercream icing recipe.
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📖 Recipe
Vanilla Buttercream Frosting
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cup of butter
- 6 cups powdered sugar scooped and leveled
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ¼ cup heavy cream or milk
Instructions
- In a bowl or stand mixer (with a paddle attachment), whip up room temperature butter to the mixer until light and fluffy.
- Add powdered sugar slowly.
- Add vanilla and creamer or milk.
- Blend on LOW for about 30 seconds, with a handheld mixer medium-high speed. Then whip on HIGH for 4-5 minutes until the buttercream is fluffy and it doubles in volume.
Notes
Nutrition
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Tamara
hmm.. what to use - cream or milk?? I have been using the same buttercream recipe for my whole adult life, and while I love buttercream, I need to switch it up. Thanks!