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The Best Classic American Vanilla Buttercream Frosting

A small, round cake generously covered in fluffy vanilla buttercream frosting, sitting on a white plate.
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Learn how to make this creamy, smooth, and fluffy vanilla buttercream frosting. This classic American buttercream is perfect for piping details on cakes and cupcakes and comes together quickly.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (2 sticks or 226g) unsalted butter, softened to cool room temperature
  • 4 cups (480g) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
  • 3 to 4 tablespoons heavy cream or whole milk
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Place the softened butter into the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Beat the butter on medium speed until it is completely smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl.
  2. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing on low speed until just combined after each addition. Stop and scrape the bowl frequently.
  3. Once all the sugar is incorporated, add the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt.
  4. Add 3 tablespoons of heavy cream or milk. Increase the mixer speed to medium-high. Beat the frosting for 3 to 5 minutes until it becomes very light, fluffy, and pale in color. This whipping time is key for a smooth texture.
  5. Check the consistency. If the vanilla buttercream frosting is too stiff for spreading or piping, add the remaining tablespoon of cream, one teaspoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency for your cake or cupcakes.
  6. If the frosting seems too soft, add a small amount of extra sifted powdered sugar (1/4 cup at a time) until it firms up.
  7. Use immediately for frosting cakes or piping decorations.

Notes

  • Use cool room temperature butter. If the butter is too warm or melted, your frosting will be greasy and will not whip up light and fluffy.
  • Sift your powdered sugar to prevent lumps in your smooth buttercream.
  • For a stronger vanilla flavor, use a high-quality pure vanilla extract.
  • If you need a stiffer buttercream frosting piping consistency, reduce the amount of cream used initially.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://savoryskies.com/vanilla-buttercream-frosting-recipe/