Vanilla Buttercream Frosting Recipe

November 19, 2018

dessert· recipes

You can’t go wrong with this easy vanilla buttercream frosting recipe! It is perfectly creamy, not too sweet, and stiff enough to hold its shape when piped.

Vanilla Buttercream Frosting

I’ll admit, just a year ago I was quite intimidated by the idea of making homemade buttercream frosting. Before I had a stand mixer, whenever I’d try to make buttercream frosting using a hand mixer, it would end up gritty. I figured I was probably doing something wrong so when I got my stand mixer, I did my research, tried different combinations of basic ingredients, learned aboutsifting,and landed on the perfect recipe. Guys, I am NOT a natural baker. I mean, sifting seems like such an obvious concept, but I had no idea what the point of it was. Turns out, it’s a game changer! (read more about it here.)

This combination of powdered sugar, milk, vanilla extract, and stick butter makes for a perfectly smooth and creamy vanilla buttercream frosting. It is just sweet enough to compliment the cake without overpowering it. I prefer to use clear vanilla extract because it gives it that whiter color, but regular vanilla extract works just as well! Also, I prefer to use salted butter. If you use unsalted stick butter, throw a little pinch of salt in there. I love these Country Crock baking sticks – they are ready to bake as soon as you take them out of the refrigerator – no need to let them soften!

This recipe is enough for 18-24 cupcakes. When piping as shown in these photos, it will only cover about 18. If you are spreading the buttercream, or not piping such high peaks, it will of course go further.

Be sure to pin this vanilla buttercream frosting recipe so you can easily find it next time you bake a cake/cupcakes and want to skip the canned frosting!

4.6 from 14 reviews

Vanilla Buttercream Recipe

Save Print

Prep time

5 mins

Total time

5 mins

Author: Heather Tenneson

Yield: 18-24 cupcakes

Ingredients

1 cup butter, softened (2 sticks)
3.5 cups powdered sugar
2-3 tbsp milk
2 tsp clear vanilla extract

Instructions

Beat softened butter in large bowl of stand mixer (or mix with hand mixer if stand mixer is not available.)
Sift powdered sugar into bowl and begin mixing on low-medium speed
Add milk and vanilla and mix on medium-high speed for 2-3 minutes until creamy
If too thick, add more milk, about a tsp at a time. If too thin, add more powdered sugar until desired consistency is reached.

If you enjoyed this recipe, you may also enjoy:

Strawberry Lemonade Cupcakes
Strawberry Icebox Cake
Pumpkin Spice Bread Recipe

Strawberry Lemonade Cupcake RecipeAmerican Flag Fruit Pizza RecipeNo-Bake Strawberry Icebox Cake Recipe

Meet Heather

I am a proud wife, a child of God, and a mother to three sweet little girls, navigating my way through this thing called life and sharing my journey with you along the way. I enjoy sharing little bits of parenting, travel, food, parties, organization, and a lot of family. Welcome, y’all! I hope you’ll grab a cup of coffee and stay a while!

Reader Interactions

Comments

Marlies Vater says
August 27, 2019 at 1:38 am
Das Buttercreme-Rezept ist gut. Hab ich so noch nicht gekannt. Ein Problem gibt es bei den Mengen Angaben .
Wir arbeiten mit Grammangaben. Wie kriege ich Butter in eine Tasse und wie groß ist die Tasse?
Reply
Angel says
October 8, 2019 at 5:59 pm
I followed this recipe word for word & it turned out awful 🙁 the taste, texture, everything!!
Reply
- Heather Tenneson says
  October 8, 2019 at 8:00 pm
  Oh no! I’ve had recipes that I’ve made time and time again not turn out right for some reason that I couldn’t put my finger on. Just a couple things that can effect the recipe – if the sticks of butter is not completely soft, not creaming the butter first before adding anything else, using a hand mixer instead of a stand mixer, not sifting the sugar. It took a lot of playing around for me to get it right. I hope it comes out better next time!
  Reply
Jill says
December 14, 2019 at 2:30 pm
We just made this frosting for our Christmas cookies. It turned out perfectly! It is creamy, flavorful and not too sweet. Thanks for the great recipe!
Reply
- Heather Tenneson says
  December 15, 2019 at 10:42 am
  Thank you, Jill! I’m so glad you enjoyed the recipe!!
  Reply
these paper says
January 4, 2020 at 1:59 pm
The cream is so gentle. I am sure that you will get a lot of pleasure while eating these cupcakes. I will definitely try to cook them.
Reply
Rosie says
January 16, 2020 at 7:40 pm
See Also
Easy Cassava Cake Recipe - Foxy Folksy Soft and Fluffy Siopao Recipe Easy Dinner Rolls Recipe Kutsinta Recipe (Kutchinta) - Today's Delight
I want to make a batch but use in a few days. What’s the best way to store the frosting? Do I whip it again before I used it?
Reply
- Heather Tenneson says
  January 24, 2020 at 5:41 pm
  I’ve actually never made it ahead of time. I’ve always gone ahead and piped it onto the cupcakes and it’s good at room temp for about a week. I would think it would be fine to keep covered at room temp
  Reply
Renee says
February 6, 2020 at 11:55 pm
Loved this icing! Turned out great! I have recently started making buttercream icing and this has been the best recipe.
Reply
- Heather Tenneson says
  February 7, 2020 at 8:18 am
  I’m so happy to hear that!! So glad you liked it!
  Reply
Rubi Kaur says
March 16, 2020 at 12:41 am
I have stuffed chicken breast before, with feta cheese and arugula or something like this. And my Family was indeed impressed ? The Caprese combo sounds pretty amazing!
Reply
Hannah Flack says
June 3, 2020 at 1:44 am
YUMMY!!!!! Thanks for sharing your recipe! I’ve heard about your blog a couple of times and will now spend my afternoon reading 🙂
Reply
- Heather Tenneson says
  June 4, 2020 at 10:58 am
  I’m so glad you enjoyed the recipe, Hannah! Thanks for reading!!
  Reply
Sandra Robinson says
June 11, 2020 at 1:39 pm
Can you make this into chocolate
Reply
Kathleen Arata says
August 14, 2020 at 4:16 pm
Love this vanilla buttercream My husband is more of a cake guy He only likes a small amount of frosting,, well he loves this frosting Now I can make a cake with the right cake to frosting ratio ( and add a little more frosting if I want)
It’s delicious and I consider myself a frosting expert! Lol. Thank you for sharing this recipe
Reply
- Heather Tenneson says
  August 14, 2020 at 5:45 pm
  I’m so glad you enjoyed this recipe!!!
  Reply
Rose Martine says
September 14, 2020 at 10:38 pm
YUMMY!!!!! Thanks for sharing your recipe! I’ve heard about your blog a couple of times and will now spend my afternoon reading 🙂
Reply
Hannah Flack says
September 25, 2020 at 5:40 am
YUMMY!!!!! Thanks for sharing your recipe! I’ve heard about your blog a couple of times and will now spend my afternoon reading 🙂
Reply
medisonclark says
December 2, 2020 at 10:16 pm
you are actually a good webmaster. The website loading velocity is amazing. It seems that you are doing any distinctive trick. In addition, The contents are masterpiece. you’ve done a excellent process on this subject
Reply
Putin says
December 29, 2020 at 11:14 pm
Its like you read my mind! You appear to know a lot about this, like you wrote the book in it or something. I think that you can do with some pics to drive the message home a bit, but instead of that, this is wonderful blog. A great read. I’ll definitely be back
Reply
Tamara KSA says
February 19, 2021 at 2:35 am
Good article and right to the point. I don’t know if this is really the best place to ask but do you folks have any thoughts on where to employ some professional writers? Thanks in advance
Reply
medisonclark says
See Also
The Best Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe Ever
February 27, 2021 at 5:17 am
This harmony of advancement and also design proficiency develops a stamina that results in an efficient on-line shop development process.
Reply
Hannah Flack says
March 1, 2021 at 4:39 am
Sounds wonderful!! I’ll have to try this on weight watchers :). I love spaghetti squash so I usually poke a hole in it and cook it in the microwave about ten minutes. That gets it half way done. Then I finish by roasting it cut side down in the oven because it has better flavor!!
Reply
Jessica newa says
April 21, 2021 at 10:40 pm
“An impressive share! I have just forwarded this onto a coworker who had been doing a little
homework on this. And he actually ordered me dinner simply because
I found it for him… lol. So allow me to reword this….
Thank YOU for the meal!! But yeah, thanks for spending some time to discuss
this topic here on your blog.”
Reply
Alisha Ross says
April 21, 2021 at 11:38 pm
Its such as you learn my thoughts! You seem to grasp a lot about this, such as you wrote the ebook in it or something. I think that you just could do with some p.c. to pressure the message house a little bit, but instead of that, this is great blog. An excellent read. I’ll definitely be back
Reply
MOSESBRODIN says
April 23, 2021 at 2:24 am
“I’m really loving the theme/design of your website. Do you ever run into any internet browser compatibility issues?
A handful of my blog visitors have complained about my website not working correctly in Explorer but looks great in Chrome.”
Reply
Ashley Jones says
June 25, 2021 at 12:57 am
recipe looks wonderful. i hope you don’t mind but i added this recipe to my site with working links to your page. can’t wait to try this one out.
Reply
1ZsGirl says
December 24, 2021 at 5:28 pm
Turned out great! I used a hand mixer. I reduced the sugar a little bit and still found it a bit too sweet, but I dont like too much sweetness in treats.
The key is to mix your butter first until it’s nice and fluffy.
Perfect texture for cupcakes and cakes.
Reply
Ashley Jones says
May 14, 2022 at 8:42 am
What’s up, all is going nicely here and ofcourse every one is sharing facts, that’s truly fine, keep up writing.
Reply
Motivational Quotes in Tamil says
December 27, 2022 at 7:20 am
I appreciate you sharing your recipe! I’ve heard about your blog before, and I’m going to spend the afternoon reading it.
Reply

Trackbacks

… [Trackback]
[…] Read More here: poppyandgrace.com/2018/11/vanilla-buttercream-frosting-recipe/ […]
Reply
… [Trackback]
[…] Find More Information here on that Topic: poppyandgrace.com/2018/11/vanilla-buttercream-frosting-recipe/ […]
Reply
… [Trackback]
[…] Information to that Topic: poppyandgrace.com/2018/11/vanilla-buttercream-frosting-recipe/ […]
Reply
… [Trackback]
[…] Read More Info here to that Topic: poppyandgrace.com/2018/11/vanilla-buttercream-frosting-recipe/ […]
Reply
… [Trackback]
[…] Find More on that Topic: poppyandgrace.com/2018/11/vanilla-buttercream-frosting-recipe/ […]
Reply
… [Trackback]
[…] Read More on on that Topic: poppyandgrace.com/2018/11/vanilla-buttercream-frosting-recipe/ […]
Reply
… [Trackback]
[…] Information on that Topic: poppyandgrace.com/2018/11/vanilla-buttercream-frosting-recipe/ […]
Reply
… [Trackback]
[…] Find More here to that Topic: poppyandgrace.com/2018/11/vanilla-buttercream-frosting-recipe/ […]
Reply
… [Trackback]
[…] There you will find 67467 more Info to that Topic: poppyandgrace.com/2018/11/vanilla-buttercream-frosting-recipe/ […]
Reply
… [Trackback]
[…] There you can find 6284 more Info to that Topic: poppyandgrace.com/2018/11/vanilla-buttercream-frosting-recipe/ […]
Reply
… [Trackback]
[…] Information on that Topic: poppyandgrace.com/2018/11/vanilla-buttercream-frosting-recipe/ […]
Reply
… [Trackback]
[…] Find More Info here to that Topic: poppyandgrace.com/2018/11/vanilla-buttercream-frosting-recipe/ […]
Reply
… [Trackback]
[…] Read More Information here on that Topic: poppyandgrace.com/2018/11/vanilla-buttercream-frosting-recipe/ […]
Reply
… [Trackback]
[…] Find More Information here to that Topic: poppyandgrace.com/2018/11/vanilla-buttercream-frosting-recipe/ […]
Reply
… [Trackback]
[…] Info to that Topic: poppyandgrace.com/2018/11/vanilla-buttercream-frosting-recipe/ […]
Reply
… [Trackback]
[…] Find More here to that Topic: poppyandgrace.com/2018/11/vanilla-buttercream-frosting-recipe/ […]
Reply
… [Trackback]
[…] Read More to that Topic: poppyandgrace.com/2018/11/vanilla-buttercream-frosting-recipe/ […]
Reply
… [Trackback]
[…] Find More to that Topic: poppyandgrace.com/2018/11/vanilla-buttercream-frosting-recipe/ […]
Reply
… [Trackback]
[…] Here you will find 77003 additional Info on that Topic: poppyandgrace.com/2018/11/vanilla-buttercream-frosting-recipe/ […]
Reply
… [Trackback]
[…] Read More on that Topic: poppyandgrace.com/2018/11/vanilla-buttercream-frosting-recipe/ […]
Reply
… [Trackback]
[…] Read More on on that Topic: poppyandgrace.com/2018/11/vanilla-buttercream-frosting-recipe/ […]
Reply
[…] Click here if the page doesn't appear […]
Reply

Vanilla Buttercream Frosting Recipe - Poppy + Grace (2024)

FAQs

What is the trick to buttercream frosting? ›

6 Secrets for Perfect Buttercream

Use the right powdered sugar the right way. ...
Beat, beat, beat the butter! ...
You can use cream OR milk, just use the right amount. ...
Adjust the sugar to your preference. ...
Never add too much liquid to your buttercream. ...
Prevent your buttercream from melting on a hot or humid day.

Jan 15, 2018

Discover More Details ›

What is the most difficult buttercream to make? ›

Italian Meringue Buttercream

This is considered one of the very difficult methods for making buttercream because the sugar syrup must be cooked to a specific temperature and then, while piping hot, poured into the whipped egg whites.

Read The Full Story ›

What's the difference between vanilla icing and vanilla buttercream? ›

The best way to distinguish frosting from buttercream is through the ingredients. While both contain powdered sugar, fat, flavouring and sometimes milk or water, frosting does not contain any butter whatsoever.

Show Me More ›

Can you over whip buttercream frosting? ›

If your frosting appears chunky or curdled, it's over-whipped. To fix, stir 1 Tablespoon of heavy cream into the frosting by hand to smooth out again. Use more heavy cream if needed to smooth out. Use it: After you make the whipped frosting, it's ready to frost your cupcakes, cake, or other confections.

Learn More ›

Is it better to use shortening or butter for buttercream frosting? ›

The results were drastic: the all-butter buttercream melted and spread down the sides of the cupcake, while the buttercream made with shortening held its shape. But you trade stability for flavor. So if heat isn't a problem, you might want to stick with a Classic Buttercream recipe.

Discover More Details ›

What buttercream do professional bakers use? ›

Swiss meringue buttercream is probably the most standard buttercream for pastry professionals. It is incredibly smooth, making it an extremely popular choice for icing cakes. Compared to American buttercream, it has a much stronger butter flavor, but is considerably less sweet.

Show Me More ›

Which buttercream is most delicious? ›

1. Swiss Meringue Buttercream. This is the Queen of Frosting. Imagine the melt-in-mouth texture of ice cream, just at room temperature.

Learn More Now ›

What is the easiest type of buttercream to make? ›

American Buttercream

Base: Powdered sugar, cream, and vanilla extract. American buttercream is deliciously creamy, super sweet, and incredibly fluffy, and by far the easiest buttercream to master.

Keep Reading ›

What pairs well with vanilla buttercream? ›

Any fruit-flavor, incorporated in the buttercream, like orange, lemon, strawberry, blueberry, pineapple, mint, works well, because it ends up being the primary flavor anyway. Also, chocolate ganache always works! Also, try working with crazy combinations like an orange or coconut cake with chocolate ganache.

Discover More Details ›

Does vanilla buttercream need to be refrigerated? ›

If your buttercream recipe is made with all butter, it will need to be refrigerated. An all-butter recipe may melt off your cake once it's reached room temperature. If you're making a pure white buttercream with no butter and just shortening, it can stay out at room temperature for up to 2 days.

Know More ›

Which frosting is best for beginners? ›

In terms of ease, buttercream is the best frosting to use as it's easy to make and relatively easy to spread.

Learn More Now ›

What's wrong with my buttercream frosting? ›

If your butter is too firm it will be difficult to combine with your icing sugar and you'll end up with lumpy buttercream. Too soft and your buttercream will be runny and oily, unable to hold it's shape particularly if you intend to use it for any kind of piping.

View Details ›

What can I add to buttercream to make it stiffer? ›

Give it another taste. Do you want it sweeter or need a firmer consistency of buttercream? Add more powdered sugar. You can add as much powdered sugar as you like.

Show Me More ›

How to tell when buttercream is done? ›

If you stick your spatula into the buttercream, your frosting should maintain a stiff peak. If your buttercream is too thick and can't flow through a piping tip, add more milk – about 1 teaspoon at a time – to slightly thin it out.

Vanilla Buttercream Frosting Recipe - Poppy + Grace (2024)

Vanilla Buttercream Frosting

Related posts:

Meet Heather

Reader Interactions

Comments

Trackbacks

Leave a Reply

FAQs

What is the trick to buttercream frosting? ›

Which frosting is best for beginners? ›

References