Description
This Vanilla Buttercream Frosting recipe is a silky, creamy, and pipeable classic perfect for cakes, cupcakes, cookies, and more. Made with real butter, powdered sugar, and pure vanilla extract, it’s the best easy homemade frosting that’s smooth, sweet—not overly—and ideal for decorating or layering.
Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter, softened
3–4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
2–3 tablespoons milk or heavy cream
Pinch of salt (optional)
Instructions
1. Place softened butter in a mixing bowl and beat on medium-high speed for 3–5 minutes until pale and fluffy.
2. Reduce mixer speed and gradually add sifted powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition.
3. Add vanilla extract and 1 tablespoon of milk or cream. Beat until smooth and fully incorporated.
4. Increase speed to medium-high and whip for an additional 3 minutes until the frosting becomes light and airy.
5. Adjust consistency: if too thick, add milk one teaspoon at a time. If too thin, add more powdered sugar.
6. Use immediately to frost cakes, cupcakes, or cookies—or store for later use.
Notes
Make sure your butter is at true room temperature—not melted or cold—for the creamiest result.
For ultra-smooth frosting, sift the powdered sugar before adding it to the butter.
Always whip the frosting at the end to add volume and make it fluffy and spreadable.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Frosting
- Method: Whipped
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 20mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 30mg