Basic Vanilla Buttercream Frosting

This classic vanilla buttercream frosting is smooth, creamy, and perfectly sweet—ideal for topping cakes, cupcakes, cookies, and more! With its light vanilla flavor and buttery richness, it’s a go-to recipe that’s easy to whip up and guaranteed to elevate any dessert.

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Below you will find tips, tricks and helpful hints for making this recipe including step by step instructions with pictures. If you would like to go directly to the recipe, scroll down to the recipe card or tap "Jump to Recipe" at the top of the page.

Why You'll Love This Easy Vanilla Buttercream Frosting Recipe

You’re going to love this vanilla buttercream frosting—it’s fluffy, rich, and just the right amount of sweet! It’s the kind of frosting that takes any homemade dessert up a notch, giving cakes, cupcakes, or even cookies a creamy, buttery finish that melts in your mouth.

Plus, it’s super easy to make, uses simple ingredients, and can be customized to your perfect level of sweetness. Once you try it, you’ll never go back to store-bought frosting!

Ingredients Needed for Classic Vanilla Buttercream Frosting

*Ingredient amounts are located in the recipe card at the end of this post.

• Butter- As I mentioned above, both salted and unsalted butter can be used to make classic vanilla buttercream frosting.
• Powdered Sugar- You will need about 4 cups of powdered sugar (sometimes known as confectioners sugar) to make this recipe.
• Vanilla Extract- I like to use pure vanilla extract, but imitation can also be used. To keep your frosting extra white, use clear vanilla extract. For vanilla bean frosting, use vanilla bean paste.
• Salt- A pinch of salt is optional, but it does help to bring out the flavors in the frosting.
• Milk or Heavy Cream- You will add this once the frosting has been mixed together to affect the consistency of the frosting.

How to Make Perfect Buttercream Frosting

[Step 1] Add the softened butter to the bowl of a stand mixer or a standard large mixing bowl. Beat the butter with a paddle attachment for 1-2 minutes.

[Step 2] Next, add the vanilla to the butter and mix until combined.

[Step 3] Mix in 2 cups of powdered sugar and the salt.

[Step 4] Add the remaining 2 cups of powdered sugar and beat for 1-2 minutes.

[Step 5] If needed, add the milk or heavy cream one tablespoon at a time until the desired consistency is reached. Beat the frosting for an additional 1-2 minutes.

Helpful Kitchen Tools:

• Stand Mixer or Mixing Bowl and Hand Mixer
• Spatula
• Measuring Cups and Measuring Spoons

How to Store Buttercream Frosting

To store buttercream frosting, first, ensure it's at room temperature. Transfer it to an airtight container, pressing down gently to remove any air bubbles. Seal the container tightly to prevent air exposure, which can cause the frosting to dry out or absorb odors from the fridge.

Store it in the refrigerator for up to one week. Before using it again, allow the frosting to come to room temperature, then give it a quick whip to restore its smooth texture. If you need to store it for longer, you can freeze buttercream frosting for up to three months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before using, and again, bring it to room temperature and whip to restore its consistency.

Frequently Asked Question

• Can I make other frosting flavors with this homemade buttercream? The great thing about this classic vanilla buttercream frosting recipe, is that it provides the perfect base for almost any flavor of buttercream you can imagine. I use this recipe as a base for chocolate buttercream frosting, strawberry frosting, pineapple frosting, cinnamon frosting, white chocolate frosting, brown sugar frosting, and more!
• Should I use salted or unsalted butter to make buttercream frosting? This is really up to you. For the most part, I think that the salt content in salted butter, really enhances the flavor and sweetness of what ever flavor frosting you choose to make. But, if you choose to use unsalted butter, you will only need to add any a little bit of salt. Make sure your butter is softened and at room temperature.
• How much milk or cream should I add to get the desired consistency? The amount of milk or cream that you add, will depend on how thick or thin you would like your buttercream frosting. It also depends on the humidity in the room you are making the frosting. The best way to determine how much milk or cream you will need, is to mix it in one tablespoon at a time, then reassess the consistency of the frosting from there.
• How much frosting is needed to frost a cake? This easy buttercream frosting recipe will make about 2 cups of frosting. Generally, for a two-layer cake, you will need about two cups.
• How to Get Smooth Buttercream? The best way to get smooth buttercream frosting is to beat it for 2-3 minutes. Doing this will also whip more air into it and make it fluffy.
• What is the best way to use this vanilla buttercream frosting? Classic buttercream frosting is not only great to top cakes and cupcakes, but you can also use it to frost your favorite cookies. This is my go-to recipe for my drop sugar cookies as well as my classic sugar cookie recipe. It is also great on top of cinnamon rolls!
• How Much Frosting is Needed for Cupcakes? For 12 cupcakes, you will most likely need about 1 cup of frosting. But, that really depends on how you frost them as well. You will need less if you frost the cupcakes with a knife, and more if you pipe it on top with a frosting tip.

More Frosting Recipes to Try:

• Strawberry Buttercream
• Perfect Cream Cheese Frosting
• Peanut Butter Whipped Cream
• Salted Caramel Chocolate Ganache

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