5 from 340 votes
Vanilla Buttercream Frosting Recipe
Vanilla Buttercream Frosting is a creamy, fluffy topping made by whipping unsalted butter with powdered sugar, salt, vanilla extract, and heavy cream or milk. The process involves thoroughly whipping butter for lightness before gradually incorporating powdered sugar to achieve a sweet, smooth texture. Adjusting the cream amount lets you control the frosting's consistency.
Prep Time
15 mins
Total Time
15 mins
Servings:
24
cupcakes (makes 5 cups frosting)
Calories:
198 kcal
Course:
Dessert
Cuisine:
American
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups butter room temperature, unsalted
- 4 1/2 to 5 cups powdered sugar or added to taste
- 1/4 tsp salt or to taste, fine
- 4 tsp vanilla extract
- 3-4 Tbsp heavy whipping cream added to desired consistency, or whole milk
Instructions
- Beat the Butter - In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment (or handheld electric mixer), beat the butter on high speed for 5 minutes or until lightened in color and whipped, scraping down the bowl as needed.
- Sift the Powdered Sugar - Meanwhile, sift 4 1/2 to 5 cups of powdered sugar. Reduce the mixer to medium-low speed and add powdered sugar one heaping Tablespoon at a time, letting it incorporate with each addition. Add powdered sugar to taste and beat until it is fully incorporated, scraping the sides of the bowl as needed.
- Mix In - Add 1/4 tsp fine salt (or to taste), then add 4 tsp Vanilla Extract, beating until incorporated.
- Thin with Heavy Cream - Add 3 Tbsp heavy cream or milk, 1 Tbsp at a time, and add it to the desired consistency. Beat another minute until whipped and well combined.
Cup of Yum
Notes
- Keep frosted desserts covered and stored below 70˚F for up to 2 days.
- Refrigerate buttercream in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Freeze buttercream in a sealed bag up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before use.
- Before using refrigerated or thawed frosting, bring to room temperature and rewhip for best texture.
Nutrition Information
Calories
198kcal
(10%)
Carbs
23g
Protein
1g
(2%)
Fat
12g
(18%)
Saturated Fat
8g
(40%)
Cholesterol
33mg
(11%)
Sodium
27mg
(1%)
Potassium
3mg
(0%)
Sugar
22g
(44%)
Vitamin A
382IU
(8%)
Calcium
5mg
(1%)
Iron
1mg
(6%)
Nutrition Facts
Serving: 24 cupcakes (makes 5 cups frosting)
Amount Per Serving
Calories 198
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 198kcal | 10% |
| Carbs | 23g | |
| Protein | 1g | 2% |
| Fat | 12g | 18% |
| Saturated Fat | 8g | 40% |
| Cholesterol | 33mg | 11% |
| Sodium | 27mg | 1% |
| Potassium | 3mg | 0% |
| Sugar | 22g | 44% |
| Vitamin A | 382IU | 8% |
| Calcium | 5mg | 1% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.