Vanilla Buttercream Frosting
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter
softened to room temperature, 230g
- 4 – 5 cups confectioners’ sugar
480-600g
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
half-and-half, or whole milk, at room temperature, 60ml
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- to tastesalt
Directions
- 1
With a handheld or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the butter on medium speed until creamy, about 2 minutes. Add 4 and 1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar, the heavy cream, and vanilla extract. Beat on low speed for 30 seconds, then increase to medium-high speed and beat for 2 full minutes. Taste. Add a pinch of salt if frosting is too sweet. I always add 1/8 teaspoon.
- 2
Adjust if needed: You can control the consistency at this point– add up to 1/2 cup more confectioners’ sugar if frosting is too thin or more heavy cream if frosting is too thick (add only 1 Tablespoon at a time, beat together, then taste and add more if desired).
- 3
Use immediately or cover tightly and store for up to 1 week in the refrigerator or up to 3 months in the freezer. After freezing, thaw in the refrigerator then beat the frosting on medium speed for a few seconds so it’s creamy again. After thawing or refrigerating, beating in a splash of heavy cream or milk will help thin the frosting out again, if needed.
Vanilla Buttercream Frosting
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About this Recipe
Looking for that perfect, creamy topping for your cakes and cupcakes? This vanilla buttercream frosting delivers a classic flavor and smooth texture every time, ideal for all your baking creations, whether for a special occasion or an everyday treat.
This recipe relies on simple, readily available ingredients to create a rich, velvety frosting that holds its shape beautifully and pipes like a dream. It's designed to give you a stable, delicious buttercream that makes your desserts look and taste professional, avoiding common pitfalls like a greasy or overly sweet result.
You can expect a wonderfully smooth and creamy buttercream, rich with the warmth of pure vanilla. It's sweet without being cloying, with a perfectly balanced texture that spreads or pipes effortlessly. This simple recipe comes together quickly, making it a fantastic choice for last-minute decorating needs, ensuring your treats always have that homemade touch and delightful finish.
Feel free to adjust the consistency and sweetness by varying the amount of confectioners’ sugar within the suggested range. For the liquid, you can use heavy cream for the richest texture and most stable frosting, half-and-half for a slightly lighter touch, or whole milk for a classic, all-purpose finish. Don't forget the salt, as even a tiny pinch helps to balance the sweetness and enhance the vanilla flavor.
This versatile vanilla buttercream is perfect for frosting birthday cakes, elegant cupcakes, or even sandwiching between cookies. Its classic flavor complements almost any sweet treat, making it a go-to for any baker.