Vanilla Buttercream Frosting Recipe

bowl of vanilla buttercream frosting with a spatula

5 from 4 votes

Vanilla Buttercream Frosting Recipe

This classic vanilla buttercream frosting recipe is my go-to base for all of my American buttercream recipes. It is delicate, creamy, perfectly sweetened, and so simple to make. Learn how to adjust the consistency based on how you'd like to use it, and tint it any color you desire.

Prep Time15

Total Time15

Recipe Author Lynn April

Servings: 3 cups

Ingredients

▢ 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter softened to room temperature
▢ 4 cups (480g) powdered sugar
▢ 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
▢ ¼ to ⅓ cup (30-80mL) milk or cream
▢ ¼ teaspoon salt

Instructions

In a large bowl with a handheld mixer or a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the the butter on medium-high until smooth, about 2 minutes.
1 cup (227g) unsalted butter
Reduce the mixer to low, then slowly add the powdered sugar and mix until everything is combined. Add the vanilla extract and mix again.
4 cups (480g) powdered sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Slowly add the milk or cream, watching for and stopping at desired consistency. Add the salt, then increase the mixer speed to medium and beat until completely smooth.
¼ to ⅓ cup (30-80mL) milk or cream, ¼ teaspoon salt
If after beating, the frosting is too stiff, add more cream. If it is too thin, add more powdered sugar, about 2 Tablespoons at a time.
Turn off the mixer and use a spatula to stir the buttercream by hand to remove air bubbles and make it smooth and creamy. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes, but can take longer, especially if your mixer is very strong. Buttercream is ready to use right away. Store leftovers covered at room temperature up to 3 days or in the refrigerator up to 6 weeks. Frosting freezes well, up to 3 months. Thaw at room temperature. You may need to beat it again for a minute or two to bring it back to life.

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Nutrition Disclosure

All nutritional values are approximate and provided to the reader as a courtesy. Changing ingredients and/or quantities will alter the estimated nutritional calculations.