Best Buttercream Recipe: Perfect for Beginners

Buttercream is the ultimate frosting for cakes, cupcakes, and cookies, and mastering it is easier than you might think! This American Buttercream recipe is creamy, smooth, and easy to customize. Whether you're new to baking or an experienced decorator, this recipe will give you consistently delicious results. A stand mixer is ideal, but if you only have a hand mixer, don't worry—you’ll just get a little arm workout in the process! One of the best parts about this recipe is its simplicity. 

With just a handful of pantry staples like butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk, you can whip up a frosting that’s perfect for any occasion. The secret to achieving that light and fluffy texture is all in the mixing. Let the butter whip until it’s pale and airy, then gradually add the other ingredients for a smooth and luscious finish. Plus, the sweetness is adjustable, so you can tweak it to your liking. 

 Whether you're keeping it classic with vanilla or adding vibrant colors for special occasions, this buttercream is your blank canvas. Follow the steps below to make a batch that’s perfect for spreading, piping, and decorating. You’ll wonder why you ever settled for store-bought frosting once you taste this homemade delight!

Ingredients  

1. 2 cups (4 sticks) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature (454 g)
2. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (6 g)
3. A pinch of salt
4. 4–6 cups powdered sugar, sifted (480 g–720 g)
5. 2 tablespoons milk (30 g)
6. Optional: Gel food coloring

Instructions  

Step 1: Prepare Ingredients  

1. Soften the Butter

1. Leave the butter out at room temperature for 1–2 hours until softened. In warmer kitchens, this may take only 30 minutes to 1 hour.

2. Warm the Milk

1. Let the milk sit out for 10–15 minutes to reach room temperature.

Step 2: Whip the Butter  

1. Place the softened butter in a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment (or use a hand mixer).
2. Beat the butter on low speed for 10 minutes until it becomes fluffy and pale white.

Tips!
This step is essential for a white buttercream; beating for long enough reduces the natural yellow tint.

Step 3: Sift the Powdered Sugar  

1. While the butter is mixing, sift your powdered sugar to remove lumps and ensure a smooth final texture.

Step 4: Mix the Ingredients  

1. Gradually add 4 cups of sifted powdered sugar to the whipped butter, mixing on medium speed. Scrape down the bowl to ensure everything is fully incorporated.
2. Add the milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt, then continue mixing until combined.

Step 5: Adjust Sweetness  

1. Taste the buttercream.  

1. If it’s sweet enough, move to the next step.
2. If you want it sweeter, gradually add more powdered sugar in ½-cup increments, tasting as you go.

2. Note how much sugar you use for future reference.  

Step 6: Add Optional Food Coloring  

1. If using gel food coloring, add a drop or two at a time. Mix thoroughly before adding more to reach your desired color.

Tips!
For concentrated gel colors, use a toothpick to transfer small amounts into the buttercream.

Step 7: Smooth the Buttercream  

1. Once you’ve achieved the desired taste and color, set the mixer to low speed and let it run for an additional 10–15 minutes.
2. This final step helps smooth the buttercream and removes air bubbles.

Notes! Food Coloring Tips:

1. Gel food coloring is ideal for buttercream as it won’t thin the consistency like liquid coloring.
2. Start with small amounts, mix, and build up the color gradually.

This buttercream is perfect for spreading, piping, or creating colorful designs. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Before reuse, let it soften and whip it briefly to restore its texture.

Enjoy your delicious, creamy buttercream creations! 🎂🍰