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
- 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.
- Reduce the speed to low and add the sifted powdered sugar in 3–4 additions until fully incorporated.
- Add the vanilla extract and heavy cream, then beat on high speed for 5 minutes until the frosting is smooth, light, and voluminous.
- 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.
- 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



