In need of a classic cake frosting? This simple 4-ingredient recipe is my go-to vanilla frosting recipe for cakes, cupcakes, cookies, and more.
You should know how to make a super simple homemade cake frosting. There’s no point in relying on shelf-stable canned frosting as cake frosting is easy to make and tastes better. My mother taught me how to make this frosting recipe when I was a child.
- Using an electric mixer, whip 2 sticks softened butter until pale and fluffy.
- Add 4 cups organic powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, whipping after each addition just to combine.
- Add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and ¼ teaspoon fine salt. Whip on medium speed until creamy and spreadable.
Vanilla Buttercream Frosting
For many people, cake is just the delivery vehicle for the real star of the show—the frosting. If you agree, you’ll love this five-star buttercream frosting recipe. It’s rich, sweet and foolproof. With 4 ingredients and 10 minutes of effort, this vanilla buttercream frosting will be ready to turn any cake, cookie or cupcake into a special-occasion dessert—never underestimate the power of a good frosting! Memorize this recipe and you’ll always have a frosting to complement whatever’s for dessert. (P.S. If you fall for this recipe, you’ll be glad to know there’s a 2.0 version: Marshmallow Buttercream Frosting is a must try!)
Prep: 10min
Total: 10min
Yield: 12
Serving Size: 1 Serving
Nutrition Facts: calories 170 , Carbohydrate 30 g, Cholesterol 15 mg, Fat 1 , Fiber 0 g, Protein 0 g, Saturated Fat 2 1/2 g, servingSize 1 Serving, Sodium 35 mg, Sugar 29 g, Trans Fat 0 g
Ingredients:
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1/3 cup butter, softened
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
- 1 to 2 tablespoons milk
Instruction:
- In medium bowl, mix powdered sugar and butter with spoon or electric mixer on low speed. Stir in vanilla and 1 tablespoon of the milk.
- Gradually beat in just enough remaining milk to make frosting smooth and spreadable. If frosting is too thick, beat in more milk, a few drops at a time. If frosting becomes too thin, beat in a small amount of powdered sugar. Frosts 13×9-inch cake generously, or fills and frosts an 8- or 9-inch two-layer cake.
Basic Vanilla Cake Frosting
Looking for an easy, classic cake frosting? This simple 4-ingredient recipes is my go-to vanilla frosting recipe for cakes, cupcakes, and more!
Prep: 5min
Total: 5min
Yield: 12
Nutrition Facts: servingSize None, calories 217 calories, Sugar 37.4 g, Sodium 62.9 mg, Fat 7.6 g, Saturated Fat 4.8 g, Trans Fat 0.3 g, Carbohydrate 38.2 g, Fiber 0 g, Protein 0.2 g, Cholesterol 20.3 mg
Ingredients:
- 1 stick (1/2 cup) salted butter, softened
- 1 lb powdered sugar (about 4 cups)
- 1 tsp vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract
- 3–4 tbsp milk
Instruction:
- In the bowl of a stand mixer, or in a large bowl with a hand mixer, beat butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
- Add milk, one tbsp at a time, until you reach spreading consistency.
- Use right away, or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to use.
Vanilla Frosting
Giada DeLaurentiis’ Vanilla Frosting recipe is the perfect topper to your next batch of cupcakes.
Prep: 0 5min0
Total: 0 5min0
Yield: about 1 pound (enough for 12 cupcakes)
Serving Size: 1 of 8 servings
Nutrition Facts: servingSize 1 of 8 servings, calories 283, Fat 12g, Saturated Fat 7g, Carbohydrate 45g, Fiber 0g, Sugar 44g, Protein 0g, Cholesterol 31mg, Sodium 6mg
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, at room temperature
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1/4 cup whole milk, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Instruction:
- In a medium bowl, using an electric hand mixer, beat the butter until light and smooth. Beat in the powdered sugar, milk and vanilla until smooth and creamy.
Buttercream Icing Recipe / How to Make Perfect Buttercream Frosting
FAQ
What is the best frosting for covering a cake?
What is the difference between cake icing and cake frosting?
Which frosting is best for beginners?
This is the most basic type of buttercream, made by creaming butter and sugar until light and fluffy. The firmness and stability of this buttercream makes it suitable for anything, from frosting to filling cakes. You don’t need to worry about the decorations melting when the cake’s on display!
What frosting do professionals use?