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5.0 from 600 votes

Vanilla Buttercream Frosting Recipe

This American buttercream frosting recipe has just the right amount of sweetness to complement any dessert. It spreads, fills, and pipes beautifully and makes enough to cover a 9-inch layer cake, 24 cupcakes, or many sugar cookies! This recipe is fool-proof and so easy to master. Be sure to save this recipe to top all your favorite desserts.

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 unsalted butter room temperature
  • 4 1/2 to 5 cups powdered sugar or added to taste
  • 1/4 tsp fine salt or to taste
  • 4 tsp vanilla extract
  • 3-4 Tbsp heavy cream or whole milk added to desired consistency

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. Mix In - Add 1/4 tsp fine salt (or to taste), then add 4 tsp Vanilla Extract, beating until incorporated.
  4. 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.

Notes

  • Keep buttercream frosted desserts covered for up to 2 days in a cool and dry environment (below 70˚F).
  • At Room Temperature: Keep buttercream frosted desserts covered for up to 2 days in a cool and dry environment (below 70˚F).
  • Refrigerate Buttercream in an airtight container up to 1 week.
  • To Freeze: Transfer to a freezer-safe zip-top bag, press out excess air, and freeze up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before using.
  • Remove from the fridge 1-2 hours or until softened.
  • Re-whip for best texture with a stand mixer or hand mixer to restore its fluffy 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: 24cupcakes (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.