Creamy Vanilla Buttercream Frosting Recipe
This creamy vanilla buttercream frosting is a smooth, fluffy, and sweet topping perfect for cakes, cupcakes, and cookies. Made with unsalted butter, powdered sugar, heavy cream, and pure vanilla extract, it delivers a rich vanilla flavor with a velvety texture that spreads easily and tastes delicious.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: Enough to frost one 9-inch layer cake or approximately 24 cupcakes
- Category: Frosting
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 4 cups powdered sugar (sifted)
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
Instructions
- Beat Butter: In a large mixing bowl, beat the room temperature unsalted butter on medium speed for about 3 minutes until it becomes light and fluffy, which creates the perfect base for a smooth frosting.
- Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar while mixing on low speed to prevent sugar dust. Once all the sugar is combined, increase the mixer speed to medium-high and beat for an additional 2 minutes to incorporate air and achieve a fluffy texture.
- Add Vanilla and Salt: Mix in the pure vanilla extract and a pinch of salt, continuing to beat until these ingredients are fully blended, which enhances the flavor and balances the sweetness.
- Adjust Consistency: If the frosting is too thick, add more heavy cream, a teaspoon at a time, until the desired spreadable consistency is reached. Taste the frosting and adjust sweetness if necessary, then beat briefly to combine.
Notes
- Ensure the butter is at room temperature for the best whipping results.
- Sift powdered sugar to avoid lumps in the frosting.
- Adjust the heavy cream quantity to get your preferred consistency, whether for spreading or piping.
- Store unused frosting in an airtight container in the refrigerator and allow it to come to room temperature before using.
- This frosting is perfect for decorating cakes, cupcakes, and cookies.
Keywords: vanilla buttercream frosting, creamy frosting, cake frosting, cupcake frosting, easy buttercream, homemade frosting
