Buttercream Frosting Recipe

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If you’ve been looking for the perfect Buttercream Frosting recipe, look no more! This recipe will give you the most delicious frosting every single time that’s creamy, fluffy, and with the perfect level of sweetness!

This buttercream frosting is made with the most simple, pantry-staple ingredients, so you can whip it up whenever you want in no time! It’s neither too sweet nor bland, giving you a creamy buttercream that perfectly complements any cake or cupcake you want to frost it with!

It’s the perfect frosting recipe for any occasion, be it your kid’s birthday cake or your family’s favorite Christmas cake, and is my go-to recipe for all cupcakes! 

BUTTERCREAM FROSTING INGREDIENTS

This buttercream frosting is quick and easy to whip up from scratch, and all you need are some simple ingredients to get going!

You can scroll down to the recipe card for further details and instructions.

Butter: You’ll need some room temperature, unsalted butter as the base of the buttercream frosting. Try to get the best quality you can find because much of the flavor comes from the butter.

Confectioner’s sugarFor the smoothest consistency, we’ll use some confectioner’s sugar (powdered sugar) in this frosting recipe.

Vanilla extract: We’ll also need good-quality vanilla extract to get the classic vanilla flavor. Always remember that the better the quality, the better the flavor of your end product!

Milk (or water): Add milk or water to the buttercream to adjust the consistency to your preference. 

Coconut cake frosted with buttercream frosting.

HOW TO MAKE BUTTERCREAM FROSTING

The full instructions are in the recipe card below, but let’s look at the main steps to making this dessert.

Step 1:

Add butter and vanilla to a mixing bowl and beat on high speed until fluffy for 3 minutes.

Adding vanilla to butter.
Beating vanilla and butter.

Step 2:

Now add in confectioners’ sugar and beat to combine for 3 minutes.

Adding confectioners sugar.

Step 3: 

Add in water or milk to adjust the consistency and make it thick enough to pipe. Beat for 3 minutes on high speed till it’s all mixed.

Adding milk to frosting.
Smooth Buttercream frosting.

Step 4

Fill a piping bag with the frosting, and your delicious buttercream frosting is ready to be piped on top of your favorite cakes and cupcakes!

Frosted cupcake.

💭 COOKING TIPS

  • Make sure to use good-quality vanilla extract and butter for this recipe, as that’s where most of the flavor will come from.
  • Add more water or milk if you want a smoother consistency.
  • Measure the sugar properly, or the frosting will come out too sweet.

📖 DELICIOUS VARIATIONS

This vanilla buttercream frosting is absolutely delicious and perfect as it is, but if you’re looking to customize the flavor, here are some ideas you can try:

Flavors: You can change up the flavor of the buttercream by just switching out the vanilla extract for any other one you like! Peppermint extract goes well, especially if you plan on piping the frosting on top of chocolate cupcakes.

Color: If you want to decorate cupcakes for a special occasion or party, add a few drops of food color to the frosting to change the color to whichever one you like. This recipe takes color on really well.

Strawberry cupcakes decorated using buttercream frosting.

💬 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What can I use buttercream frosting for?

There are dozens of ways you can use this delicious buttercream frosting recipe. It goes well not only on cakes but also on all kinds of cupcakes! I particularly love having it on top of some homemade marble cupcakes! You can even put it inside your cupcakes!

What is the easiest type of buttercream frosting to make?

American buttercream frosting is the easiest one you can make, and that’s exactly what this recipe is all about!

Is this recipe beginner-friendly?

Yes, it is! It’s the easiest buttercream frosting recipe you’ll ever come across and is a great one for beginners. So, even if you’ve never made buttercream frosting before, I’m sure you’re going to be able to make this perfectly, even the first time!

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STORING BUTTERCREAM FROSTING

Fridge: You can easily store this buttercream in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week. Add milk or water to adjust the consistency before putting it into a piping bag.

Freezer: This buttercream frosting also freezes well! You can store it in a freezer-safe container for up to one month. When you want to use it, let it thaw in the fridge overnight. Add milk or water to adjust the consistency before putting it into a piping bag.

Please Review and Rate

If you have tried this Buttercream Frosting recipe and liked it, please give it a 5-star rating and leave a comment below with your experience!

Close image of creamy buttercream frosting on a cupcake.

Vanilla Butter Cream Frosting

This homemade buttercream frosting will give you the tastiest one you've ever had. It's creamy and fluffy, with the perfect balance of sweetness.
5 from 1 vote
Print Pin Rate
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: buttercream frosting
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 7 people
Calories: 248kcal
Author: Muna Kenny

Ingredients

  • ½ cup unsalted butter
  • 2 cup confectioner’s sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 tablespoon water or milk Read notes
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
Get the Conversion Chart

Instructions

  • In a mixing bowl, add in butter and vanilla. Beat on high speed until fluffy for 3 minutes.
  • Add in the confectioners’ sugar and beat to combine for 3 minutes.
  • Gradually add the milk or water a tablespoon at a time and beat for 3 minutes.
  • You can add more water or milk until until it reaches the smooth consistency you are looking for, but keep it thick enough to pipe and hold the shape.
  • Fill a piping bag with the frosting and start decorating your cake.

Video

Notes

  • You can add more water or milk, one tablespoon at a time, if you want the frosting to be creamier and fluffier.
  • Adding water instead of milk makes the shelf life of the cake longer.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 Serving | Calories: 248kcal | Carbohydrates: 39g | Protein: 4g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 1mg | Sodium: 89mg | Potassium: 111mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 36g | Vitamin A: 7IU | Calcium: 15mg | Iron: 0.3mg
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