Buttercream Icing Recipe

Vanilla Buttercream recipes may seem beyond simple but I get a surprising number of questions from home bakers everywhere. So let’s set the record straight with perhaps the most ubiquitous and variable frosting recipe there is! Let me know how you enjoy this recipe; historically, I have found it to be a crowd pleaser whether decorating birthday cakes or homemade vanilla cupcakes.

Butter: I almost always specify unsalted butter in my recipes then add salt back in. I do this because different manufacturers put in various amounts of salt and I don’t want anyone to make something too salty or not salted enough when using my recipes. If you only have salted butter on hand then go ahead and use it. You can add more salt to taste if needed.

Confectioners Sugar: Not all brands are equal and some will definitely be lumpier than others. It’s always a good idea to sift it out before using, especially if you’re using piping tips. A little lump can clog the tip and cause a big problem.

Vanilla Extract: I love vanilla but there are tons of flavorings you can add, I have a whole section on this below. If you are using vanilla then try and use a nice one and I would not recommend using artificial vanilla flavor.

The Best Buttercream Frosting

The Best Buttercream Frosting really lives up to it’s name, it definitely is the best we’ve ever tried and so easy to make. This Buttercream Frosting will make anything you put it on taste better – we promise!

Prep: 10min

Total: 10min

Ingredients:

• 1 cup Butter, slightly softened (We use Salted Sweet Cream Butter)
• 2-3 teaspoons Vanilla Extract
• 1 pound Powdered Sugar (or 4 cups)
• 1-2 tablespoons Milk (as needed)

Instruction:

1. Add the “slightly softened” Butter (somewhere in between straight out of the refrigerator and room temperature) to the mixing bowl along with the Vanilla Extract.
2. Mix the Butter and Vanilla together until they are fully combined (about 2 minutes on medium speed.) You want the Vanilla to fully meld with the Butter to get the best-flavored frosting possible.
3. Scrape the sides of the bowl down before moving on to the next step of the recipe.
4. Measure 1 pound of Powdered Sugar. If you don’t have a food scale, the equivalent is 4 cups.
5. Add the Powdered Sugar to the mixing bowl.
6. Start your mixer (or electric beater) on the lowest setting. Keep on low until the butter and sugar are incorporated (about 30 seconds). Stop the mixer and scrape down the sides of the bowl. Increase the mixer speed to medium-high and mix for 30-45 more seconds until the frosting starts to be light and fluffy.
7. If the frosting is still dry or crumbly, add 1 teaspoon of Milk and mix again.
8. Taste your frosting! You are trying to determine if the consistency is correct or if it needs a tiny bit more Vanilla Extract. Depending on how it tastes, you will take the next step. If the frosting has the right taste but is too thick, add some Milk and mix again to check to see if it is now the right consistency. How much milk? That depends on the state of your frosting. A good rule of thumb is to add the milk a teaspoon at a time.

Buttercream Frosting

This simple and delicious vanilla buttercream is perfect for frosting cakes and cupcakes.

Prep: 5min

Total: 5min

Yield: 1

Serving Size: 1 batch

Nutrition Facts: servingSize 1 batch, calories 3583 kcal, Carbohydrate 455 g, Protein 2 g, Fat 200 g, Saturated Fat 126 g, Cholesterol 549 mg, Sodium 52 mg, Sugar 445 g

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp vanilla (15mL)
• 1 lb confectioner’s sugar (454g)
• 1 cup unsalted butter (225g, room temperature)
• 3 tbsp heavy whipping cream (45mL)
• 1/2 tsp salt

Instruction:

1. Whip the butter and salt for about a minute using a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment. You can use a hand mixer instead if needed.
2. Sift in the confectioner’s sugar in several batches beating on low after each addition. Scrape the bowl down and repeat the process.
3. Add a tablespoon of the cream while mixing on low then add the vanilla. Beat until you have an even, fluffy consistency. You can add more cream or milk if desired for a thinner consistency.

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:

1. 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.
2. 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.

Best Homemade Vanilla Buttercream Frosting

Vanilla buttercream frosting is the traditional choice for bakers and decorators alike. Quick and easy to make, this delicious recipe is perfect for frosting cupcakes, cakes, layer cakes and cookies.

Prep: 20min

Total: 20min

Yield: 2

Ingredients:

• 1/2 Cup Solid Vegetable Shortening ((can be substituted for an additional 1/2 cup unsalted butter))
• 1/2 Cup Unsalted Butter ((1 stick softened))
• 4 Cups Sifted Powdered Sugar ((confectioners’ sugar))
• 2 Tablespoons Milk, Heavy Cream or Water
• 1 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract ((Pure or Imitation))
• Pinch of Salt ((Optional))

Instruction:

1. Using an electric mixer fitted with beaters or a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the butter and shortening on a medium speed until light and fluffy. Beat in the vanilla extract and scrape down the bowl occasionally.
2. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time. Start by mixing each cup on a low speed then transition to beating well on medium speed. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl after each cup of sugar is added. When all the sugar has been mixed in, the frosting will appear dry and stiff.
3. Gradually add small amounts of cream or milk or water at a time until the desired consistency is reached. Continue to beat at a medium speed until light and fluffy. Scrape down the bowl once more and beat again to make sure all the ingredients are incorporated.
4. (Optional) Add a pinch of salt if too sweet and mix until completely dissolved.

Buttercream Icing Recipe / How to Make Perfect Buttercream Frosting

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