Description
Ready to take your cakes and cupcakes to the next level? This Vanilla Buttercream Frosting is a luscious, fluffy topping that spreads like a dream and pipes like a pro. Made with real butter, pure vanilla extract, and a touch of cream, it’s the ultimate classic frosting for decorating your favorite baked goods. Perfect for everything from quick breakfast pastries to birthday cakes and elegant desserts. If you’re looking for an easy recipe that checks all the boxes—versatile, crowd-pleasing, and packed with flavor—this is it. Great for party desserts, food ideas, and your go-to frosting for cookies or easy dinner desserts.
Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 to 3 tablespoons heavy cream (or milk)
1/8 teaspoon salt
Instructions
1. Add room-temperature butter to a large bowl or stand mixer and beat on medium-high for 2–3 minutes until creamy.
2. Reduce mixer speed and gradually add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, until fully combined.
3. Add vanilla extract and 2 tablespoons of heavy cream. Beat until incorporated.
4. Check consistency—add more cream if needed.
5. Beat on medium-high for another 2–3 minutes until light and fluffy.
6. Use immediately or store for later.
Notes
For stiffer buttercream (for piping roses or intricate designs), use less cream.
To make it ahead, refrigerate up to 1 week or freeze up to 3 months. Bring to room temp and re-whip.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Frosting
- Method: Whipped
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 23g
- Sodium: 20mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: easy frosting, buttercream, vanilla frosting, cake topping, cupcake icing