Name: Vanilla Buttercream Frosting Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups unsalted butter, room temperature; 4 1/2 to 5 cups powdered sugar, sifted; 1/4 tsp fine salt, or to taste; 4 tsp vanilla extract; 3–4 tbsp heavy cream or whole milk (as needed for consistency)

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Vanilla Buttercream Frosting is a classic recipe that’s rich, fluffy, and perfectly sweet. This foolproof American buttercream is ideal for spreading, filling, or piping onto cakes, cupcakes, and cookies. With its smooth texture and balanced sweetness, it elevates any dessert into something special.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This buttercream is incredibly versatile and easy to master. It makes enough to frost a 9-inch layer cake, 24 cupcakes, or a batch of sugar cookies. The frosting holds its shape beautifully for decorating but remains creamy enough for spreading. Plus, you can adjust the sweetness and consistency to your taste, making it your go-to frosting recipe for all occasions.

Vanilla Buttercream Frosting

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 1/2 cups unsalted butter, room temperature
4 1/2 to 5 cups powdered sugar, sifted (to taste)
1/4 teaspoon fine salt (or to taste)
4 teaspoons vanilla extract
3–4 tablespoons heavy cream or whole milk (to desired consistency)

Directions

Beat the butter: In a stand mixer with the whisk attachment (or a hand mixer), beat the butter on high speed for about 5 minutes, until pale and whipped. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
Add powdered sugar: Gradually sift and add powdered sugar, one heaping tablespoon at a time, while mixing on medium-low speed. Continue until incorporated, adjusting the sugar to your preferred sweetness.
Mix in flavorings: Add salt and vanilla extract, mixing until smooth.
Adjust consistency: Add heavy cream or milk, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. Beat for another minute until fluffy and well combined.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 5 cups of frosting (enough for 24 cupcakes or one 9-inch cake).
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes

Variations

Chocolate Buttercream: Add 1/2 cup cocoa powder with the powdered sugar.
Citrus Twist: Replace vanilla with lemon or orange extract and add zest.
Almond Buttercream: Swap vanilla extract for almond extract.
Extra Creamy: Use half butter and half cream cheese for a tangy, rich frosting.
Colorful Frosting: Add gel food coloring for themed cakes and cupcakes.

Storage/Reheating

Room Temperature: Frosted desserts can be left covered for up to 2 days in a cool, dry environment (below 70°F).
Refrigeration: Store unused frosting in an airtight container for up to 1 week. Soften at room temperature for 1–2 hours before using.
Freezing: Freeze in a zip-top bag or airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and re-whip to restore fluffiness.

FAQs

Can I make this frosting ahead of time?

Yes, it stores well in the fridge or freezer and can be re-whipped before use.

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, but reduce or omit the added salt.

How do I make the frosting less sweet?

Use less powdered sugar or balance with a pinch of extra salt.

Can I pipe this frosting?

Yes, it holds its shape beautifully for piping designs.

Can I substitute milk for cream?

Yes, though cream makes the frosting richer and fluffier.

How do I fix frosting that’s too stiff?

Add a bit more milk or cream, one teaspoon at a time, until it loosens.

Can I fix frosting that’s too runny?

Add extra powdered sugar gradually until it thickens.

How long does buttercream stay fresh on cakes?

About 2 days at room temperature or up to a week in the fridge.

Can I flavor this frosting differently?

Yes, try coffee extract, peppermint, almond, or fruit extracts.

Can I color this frosting?

Yes, gel food coloring works best for vibrant colors without altering the texture.

Conclusion

Vanilla Buttercream Frosting is a timeless recipe that’s fluffy, rich, and versatile enough for any dessert. Whether you’re decorating cupcakes, layering a cake, or frosting cookies, this frosting spreads and pipes like a dream. With just a handful of pantry ingredients, you’ll have a sweet, creamy topping that makes every bite irresistible.