Description
This ultra-creamy Vanilla Buttercream Frosting is the perfect finishing touch for cakes, cupcakes, cookies, and all your favorite desserts—a sweet little upgrade to any quick breakfast treat, easy dinner celebration, or late-night healthy snack craving. It whips up in minutes with simple ingredients, making it an easy recipe to keep in your back pocket whenever you need dessert or party food ideas, birthday cake inspiration, or crowd-pleasing dessert and dinner ideas that feel special without extra fuss.
Ingredients
1 cup unsalted butter softened
3 1/2 cups powdered sugar sifted
2 to 3 tablespoons heavy cream or whole milk
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1/8 teaspoon fine sea salt
Instructions
1. Beat the softened unsalted butter in a large mixing bowl with a hand mixer or stand mixer on medium speed until smooth, pale, and creamy.
2. With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the powdered sugar a little at a time, mixing until each addition is incorporated before adding more. Scrape down the bowl as needed.
3. Add the vanilla extract and fine sea salt, then pour in 2 tablespoons of heavy cream or milk. Beat on medium speed until the frosting looks smooth and thick.
4. Increase the mixer speed to medium high and whip the frosting for 2 to 3 minutes, or until light, fluffy, and slightly increased in volume.
5. Check the consistency: if the buttercream is too thick for spreading or piping, add up to 1 more tablespoon of cream, a teaspoon at a time, beating well after each addition. If it is too soft, mix in a spoonful of powdered sugar until it firms up.
6. Use the frosting immediately on completely cooled cakes, cupcakes, or cookies, or store it in an airtight container until ready to use.
Notes
For the best texture, make sure the butter is softened but not greasy or melted—if it’s too soft, the frosting can turn loose and won’t hold tall swirls when piped.
- Prep Time: 10
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 18
- Sodium: 45
- Fat: 8
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Unsaturated Fat: 3
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 19
- Fiber: 0
- Protein: 0
- Cholesterol: 20
Keywords: vanilla buttercream frosting, cake frosting, cupcake frosting, easy frosting, homemade buttercream, birthday cake frosting, easy recipe, dessert ideas, food ideas