Disclaimer!
This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you purchase through these links—at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting my blog! 💕
Vanilla buttercream frosting is a timeless classic that pairs beautifully with cakes, cupcakes, and cookies. Its rich, creamy texture and perfect sweetness make it a go-to frosting for both beginner and experienced bakers. This recipe is simple yet indulgent, with a silky-smooth finish that will elevate any dessert.
Plus, with just a few ingredients, you can whip up a batch in no time! One of the best things about this frosting is how versatile it is. You can adjust the sweetness and consistency to match your preference, making it suitable for piping intricate designs or simply spreading over your favorite treats.
Whether you're decorating a birthday cake, frosting a batch of cupcakes, or layering it between cookies, this buttercream is sure to impress. If you’re looking for high-quality baking tools and ingredients, I’ve linked some of my favorite finds from Amazon below. These tools make baking effortless and enjoyable!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (16 Tbsp; 226g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature.
- 4 – 5 cups (480-600g) confectioners’ sugar (see note)
- 1/4 cup (60ml) heavy cream, half-and-half, or whole milk, at room temperature
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- Salt, to taste
Instructions:
- 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 and add a pinch of salt if the frosting is too sweet. I typically add about 1/8 teaspoon.
- Adjust the consistency as needed—add up to 1/2 cup more confectioners’ sugar if the frosting is too thin or more heavy cream if it’s too thick (add only 1 tablespoon at a time, beat together, then taste and adjust as desired).
- 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 and then beat on medium speed for a few seconds to make it creamy again. If needed, add a splash of heavy cream or milk to thin it out.
- Use high-quality butter for the best flavor and texture.
- Sift your confectioners’ sugar if it's lumpy to ensure a smooth buttercream.
- Use room-temperature ingredients to prevent separation and grainy frosting.
- For a stiffer consistency, add more sugar; for a softer, fluffier texture, increase the heavy cream.
- Experiment with flavors—add almond extract, a touch of cinnamon, or even a bit of espresso powder for a unique twist.
Shop the Recipe Essentials:
Say Goodbye to Lumpy Batter – This Hand Mixer is a Game Changer! Tired of mixing by hand or dealing with a bulky stand mixer? This hand mixer is the perfect kitchen upgrade! With powerful speeds and lightweight design, it makes whipping cream, mixing batter, and kneading dough effortless and fast It’s compact, easy to use, and super easy to clean—no more sore arms from manual mixing! Whether you're baking cookies, cakes, or homemade bread, this mixer will make your life so much easier! Get yours now before it sells out! Get it now.
Level Up Your Baking with This Stand Mixer! If you love baking but hate the arm workout, this stand mixer is a total game-changer! With powerful speeds and a sturdy design, it effortlessly whips up cookie dough, cake batter, bread dough, and more—no more tiring hand mixing! The large bowl lets you mix big batches at once, and the attachments make everything so much easier—from kneading dough to whipping cream! Plus, it looks sleek on your countertop! Baking has never been this easy—grab yours now before it’s gone! Get it here!.
Let me know if you try this recipe—I’d love to see your creations! Tag me on Pinterest or Instagram with your beautifully frosted treats.
