Buttercream Frosting Recipe

Indulge in a luscious vanilla buttercream frosting rich with creamy unsalted butter, finely sifted powdered sugar, natural vanilla extract, and a hint of heavy cream. This American buttercream boasts a perfectly smooth and fluffy texture that elevates cakes, cupcakes, and sugar cookies into a truly irresistible treat.

I’m excited to share my favorite vanilla buttercream frosting recipe. I use 1 cup unsalted butter that’s softened along with about 3 to 4 cups of powdered sugar which gives it that perfect creamy consistency.

Adding 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract really amps up the flavor, and I top it off with 2 to 3 tablespoons of heavy cream which makes it so smooth and light. Also, a pinch of salt helps balance out the sweetness and adds a nice depth of flavor.

This frosting is super creamy, fluffy and has just the right consistency for piping onto Vanilla Cake, Cupcakes and Sugar Cookies. Its nutritional profile is balanced considering the rich butter and sugar content.

I like how this buttery blend works perfectly with easy cake flavors and has become my go-to for a smooth American buttercream frosting that makes every dessert special. Enjoy whipping up this delicious treat in your kitchen today.

Why I Like this Recipe

I really love this recipe becuz it’s super creamy and fluffy, and it makes my cakes and cupcakes taste amazing. One reason I like it is that it’s really easy to make even if I’m in a rush – I can swap out milk for cream or add extra powdered sugar if I need a thicker frosting. Another thing is that the vanilla flavor is just perfect, not too overpowering and it adds a nice sweetness without being cloying. Also, I really appreciate how forgiving it is; if I mess up by adding a bit too much of something, it still turns out pretty good and I can fix it by mixing in a little bit more cream. Finally, the way it pipes so beautifully on my desserts always makes me feel like a pro baker, even when I’m just messing around in my kitchen.

Ingredients

• Unsalted butter adds richness and creamy texture; it contains mostly fats and no fiber.
• Powdered sugar sweetens the mix; it offers simple carbs without many extra nutrients.
• Vanilla extract deepens flavor; it has a slight sugary taste and aromatic notes.
• Heavy cream enriches the frosting; it supplies a smooth texture, extra fat, and little protein.
• A pinch of salt highlights other flavors; it adds essential minerals in trace amounts.
• These ingredients combine perfectly for a sweet, smooth finish in your buttercream.
• Simple pantry staples yield delightful, homemade frosting ideal for cakes and cupcakes.
• Experiment with ratios for desired consistency; a little adjustment goes a long way.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened (about 2 sticks)
• 3 to 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
• 2 to 3 tablespoons heavy cream (or milk, if you wanna keep it simple)
• A pinch of salt

How to Make this

1. Place the softened butter in a large bowl and beat it on medium speed until its smooth and creamy.

2. Gradually add 3 cups of sifted powdered sugar while beating on low speed so the sugar doesn’t blow everywhere.

3. Mix in the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt, and beat just until they combine.

4. Slowly add 2 tablespoons of heavy cream, beating well after each addition to get a perfect creamy texture.

5. Increase the speed to medium-high and beat the mixture until it’s light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes.

6. If you want it sweeter or a thicker frosting, add the extra powdered sugar one cup at a time and continue mixing.

7. If the frosting seems too thick, mix in a little more heavy cream (or milk if you prefer) until you reach the right consistency.

8. Stop the mixer and scrape down the bowl to make sure everything is evenly blended.

9. Give the frosting one more quick beat on high speed to ensure it’s completely smooth.

10. Use immediately to pipe on your favorite cakes, cupcakes, or sugar cookies and enjoy your delicious creation!

Equipment Needed

1. Large mixing bowl
2. Hand mixer or stand mixer
3. Measuring cups and spoons
4. Sifter or fine mesh sieve for powdered sugar
5. Rubber spatula
6. Optional: Piping bag and tips if you wanna decorate your cakes or cupcakes later

FAQ

Buttercream Frosting Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• Unsalted butter: If you’re out, you can use margarine or even shortening, but keep in mind they might change the flavor a bit.
• Powdered sugar: You could use icing sugar instead since they’re basically the same thing, just sift well to avoid lumps.
• Vanilla extract: Almond extract works fine if you prefer a slightly different taste, but use a little less since it’s a bit stronger.
• Heavy cream: You can swap in whole milk or even coconut cream if you’re looking for a dairy-free alternative, though you might have to tweak the amount.
• A pinch of salt: Try using a bit of sea salt if that’s what you got, it won’t mess up the overall taste.

Pro Tips

1. Make sure your butter is super soft before you start, cuz if it’s too hard the mix won’t turn out smooth and creamy like you want.
2. When adding powdered sugar, sift it really well so you dont end up with lumps and clumps in your frosting.
3. Keep the heavy cream on hand and add it bit by bit – this way you can control the texture better and prevent it from being too runny or too thick.
4. Don’t forget to scrape down the bowl while mixing, cause sometimes the sides hold onto extra sugar and butter which can mess up the consistency.