Perfect Vanilla Buttercream
This is my very favorite frosting that I have ever made, and it is my most used frosting. It’s smooth and creamy, spreads beautifully, and isn’t to sweet.
I have made several variations by adding different flavorings and mix-ins, but the simple, sweet vanilla will always be my favorite.
Perfect Vanilla Buttercream [Printable Recipe]
Makes about 24 ounces
Ingredients
1 cup (2 sticks or 226 grams) unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 lb. (about 4 cups or 500 grams) confectioners’ sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 to 3 tablespoons (30 to 45 ml)Â heavy cream
2 teaspoons (10 ml) vanilla extract
Food coloring (optional)
In a large bowl, or the bowl of a standing mixer, beat the butter for 3 minutes. Beat in the sugar and salt until combined. Add 2 tablespoons heavy cream and whisk on high for 4 minutes, until light and fluffy. If the frosting is too thick, add more cream, 1/2 teaspoon at a time, until desired consistency is reached.
Stir in the vanilla and food coloring.
Recipe by Darla
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Hi!!! Can I ask if you sift the confectioner sugar before using it? Thanks!
You certainly can. I’ve found, over time, that it isn’t necessary, but it doesn’t hurt either.
hi.what kind of a heavy cream are you using?tnx!
Just basic heavy whipping cream.
This made a beautiful, smooth buttercream. Thanks for the recipe. I had to double it (with some left over) to cover 24 cupcakes with the taller piped icing. If I was just doing dollops, I think the single batch would be fine.
I just finished making this for a Hobbit/LOTR- themed cake. All I have to say is, Darla, I love you. This is without question the best buttercream EVER!!!
I used this recipe and Infused it with some raspberry and blackberry juice and it was absolutely amazing! thank you!
So I am going to attempt this for the first time and am nervous about adding in the vanilla towards the end. Do you just do it with a spatula? Does mixing run the risk of loosing your fluffiness? Could I just add the vanilla in with the sugar and butter towards the beginning or will that lead to disaster? And the with the coloring… Just mix with a spoon or with the mixer? Sorry for all the newbie questions!!!
You can add the vanilla whenever you want. Typically, I add flavorings at the end of mixing so I can make more than one flavor if I choose too. You can mix it in with the mixer and it only takes about 30 seconds to get the flavor incorporated. You won’t break the frosting by doing it this way.
Thank you Darla! It was a success! My husband said it was the best buttercream he has ever had!!! I put it on your chocolate cupcake recipe which was so good as well! I added in some nutella to experiment after frosting some with the regular buttercream and it made for a much creamier frosting texture but was fantastic with the chocolate cupcakes!
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