Vanilla Buttercream Frosting

This Vanilla Buttercream Frosting recipe is easy, creamy, and extremely versatile. Made with basic ingredients, this vanilla frosting is a staple for decorating cakes, cupcakes, or cookies.

Author Amber Brady

Prep Time 10

Total Time 10

Yields servings

Ingredients

1 cup (226 g) butter, (2 sticks) softened to room temperature
¼ tsp salt*
3-4 cups (360-480 g) powdered sugar
2 tsp vanilla extract
3-4 Tbsp heavy cream, (or milk**)

Instructions

With an electric mixer and the paddle attachment, beat the butter with the salt until creamy.
Add the powdered sugar, 1 cup at a time, mixing completely before adding more. Repeat until all powdered sugar is added.
Add vanilla and mix until incorporated. Then add heavy cream 1 Tablespoon at a time, and mix at low speed, until the desired consistency is reached. (*Can mix at medium-high speed if using milk.)
Spread or pipe frosting onto cakes, cupcakes, or cookies. May add food coloring first, if desired.

Video

Notes

YIELD: This recipe makes approximately 3 cups of frosting. Enough to cover a 13x9-inch sheet cake, two-layer, 8-inch round cake, OR pipe onto 12-15 cupcakes, depending on how much is piped on top. If frosting is spread on top of cupcakes with a knife or spatula, it should be enough for 24 cupcakes.

*Adjust salt as needed if using salted butter.

**Milk (preferably whole) or half & half can be used in place of heavy cream. As always, add in small increments.

***Use the smaller amounts of powdered sugar and cream for a less sweet frosting.

Nutrition