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Vanilla Buttercream Frosting


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4.7 from 24 reviews

  • Author: Fadela
  • Total Time: 10 minutes
  • Yield: 12 cupcakes/ Frost 6-inch cake

Description

This creamy vanilla buttercream frosting is light, fluffy, and perfect for cakes, cupcakes, and layer cakes. Ready in minutes with simple pantry ingredients. (Yields enough to frost a 6-inch layer cake or decorate about 10 - 12 cupcakes)


Ingredients

  • 200 g (1 cup) unsalted butter, softened
  • 350 g (3 ¼ cups) powdered sugar, sifted
  • 80 ml (⅓ cup) heavy cream (full-fat)
  • 2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 pinch salt (optional)

Instructions

  1. Place softened butter in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment. Beat on high speed for 3–5 minutes until pale, fluffy, and creamy.
  2. Reduce the speed to low and add the sifted powdered sugar in 3–4 additions until fully incorporated.
  3. Add the vanilla extract and heavy cream, then beat on high speed for 5 minutes until the frosting is smooth, light, and voluminous.
  4. Switch to a rubber spatula or the paddle attachment and mix on low speed for 1–2 minutes to remove air bubbles and get a perfectly smooth buttercream.
  5. Use immediately on cakes or cupcakes, or refrigerate covered with plastic wrap.

Notes

Storage

  • Keep the buttercream in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.
  • Before using, let it come back to room temperature and re-whip 1–2 minutes until smooth.
  • You can freeze it for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then mix again to bring back the fluffiness.

Tips

  • Always weigh your ingredients — buttercream is much more reliable with a scale.
  • Whip long enough — this is what makes it fluffy and light.
  • Always sift the sugar for a smooth frosting.
  • Add the heavy cream slowly to control consistency.
  • For an extra-smooth finish, mix 2 minutes on low speed with the paddle.
  • Use soft but not melted butter for the best texture.

Other helpful info

  • If the buttercream looks too thick, add 1–2 tsp heavy cream.
  • If it’s too soft, place it in the fridge for 10 minutes, then re-whip.
  • This frosting holds well for piping (roses, swirls, borders).It’s stable enough for layer cakes, cupcake swirls, and simple decorations.
  • For a whiter color, use clear vanilla or add a tiny touch of purple gel to neutralize yellow tones.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: frosting, icing,
  • Cuisine: american

Nutrition

  • Calories: 101
  • Sugar: 23
  • Sodium: 15
  • Fat: 1
  • Saturated Fat: 1
  • Carbohydrates: 23
  • Cholesterol: 3