Ultimate Fluffy & Stable American Vanilla Buttercream Frosting (10-Minute Recipe)
I am so glad you are here. This recipe shows you how to make the best vanilla buttercream frosting. It is creamy, fluffy, and stable enough for piping cakes and cupcakes. You get rich vanilla flavor with simple ingredients in just 10 minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 0 min
- Total Time: 10 min
- Yield: About 3 cups 1x
- Category: Dessert Topping
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup (2 sticks or 226g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 4 cups (480g) powdered sugar, sifted
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 to 4 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Place the softened butter in 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.
- Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing on low speed until just combined after each addition.
- Add the vanilla extract and the pinch of salt. Increase the mixer speed to medium-high and beat for 3 minutes until the frosting becomes light and fluffy. Scrape down the bowl again.
- Add 2 tablespoons of heavy cream or milk. Beat on medium-high speed for another 2 to 3 minutes until the frosting is smooth and reaches your desired consistency. If the frosting seems too stiff for spreading, add the remaining cream, one teaspoon at a time, until you reach a creamy, smooth texture perfect for piping.
- Use immediately to frost your cakes, cupcakes, or cookies.
Notes
- For the best results, make sure your butter is truly at room temperature, not melted. This helps create a smooth base.
- Sifting the powdered sugar prevents lumps and helps you achieve a flawless, smooth topping.
- If you want a very stiff frosting for intricate piping designs, use only 2 tablespoons of liquid or substitute with a tablespoon of meringue powder for extra stability.
- This American buttercream recipe is the classic vanilla topping you need for decorating.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 40
- Sodium: 55
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 11
- Unsaturated Fat: 7
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 41
- Fiber: 0
- Protein: 1
- Cholesterol: 45