What You’ll Love About This Recipe
This buttercream frosting is a dream to work with, and it’s perfect for everything from cupcakes to layer cakes. You’ll love how easy it is to make, and the results are always smooth, creamy, and delicious.
- Silky Smooth Texture – Whipped to perfection, this frosting spreads like a dream and holds its shape beautifully.
- Customizable Flavors – Add vanilla, chocolate, or even fruit extracts to match any dessert.
- Quick & Simple – Just a few basic ingredients and five minutes are all you need for a bakery-quality finish.
Recipe
Buttercream frosting is a classic, versatile topping for cakes, cupcakes, and cookies. This easy recipe yields a rich, creamy frosting that can be customized with flavors and colors for any occasion.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar (confectioners’ sugar), sifted
- 2-3 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
- In a large bowl, beat the softened butter on medium speed with an electric mixer until smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes.
- Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing on low speed after each addition until combined. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
- Add the heavy cream or milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Beat on medium-high speed for 2-3 minutes until the frosting is light, fluffy, and smooth.
- Adjust the consistency by adding more powdered sugar for thickness or more cream for a softer texture.
Notes:
- For chocolate buttercream, add ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder with the powdered sugar.
- Store leftover frosting in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week or freeze for up to 3 months.
Equipment:
- Electric mixer or stand mixer with paddle attachment
- Large mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula
Time:
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 0 minutes
Cuisine:
American
Serving:
Enough to frost 12 cupcakes or one 9-inch cake.
Nutrition
Buttercream frosting is a rich and creamy topping for cakes and cupcakes. While delicious, it is high in calories and sugar.
| Nutrition | Per Serving (2 tbsp) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 140 |
| Fat | 7g |
| Carbs | 19g |
| Sugar | 18g |
| Protein | 0g |
What To Serve With It
I love pairing homemade buttercream frosting with fluffy vanilla cupcakes because the flavors blend perfectly. It’s also amazing spread on sugar cookies, giving them a sweet, creamy finish. If you’re feeling creative, try experimenting with chocolate or red velvet cupcakes for a fun twist!
Cupcake Pairings
When I’m baking cupcakes, I love pairing them with buttercream frosting because it’s so versatile and brings out the best in flavors. For classic vanilla cupcakes, a creamy vanilla frosting is my go-to—it’s simple but always a hit. Chocolate cupcakes? I can’t resist a rich chocolate buttercream, though a tangy cream cheese frosting adds a fun twist. Lemon cupcakes shine with a zesty lemon buttercream, while red velvet feels incomplete without a smooth vanilla or cream cheese frosting. For something fruity, I’ll top strawberry cupcakes with strawberry buttercream. The combinations are endless, and experimenting never gets old!
Cookie Combinations
Moving from cupcakes to cookies, it’s just as exciting to think about what to pair with them. I love slathering buttercream frosting on sugar cookies—it’s a classic combo that never disappoints. Chocolate chip cookies get a fun twist with a swirl of vanilla buttercream, while snickerdoodles pair perfectly with cinnamon-spiced frosting. For something bold, try red velvet cookies with cream cheese buttercream. Shortbread? Keep it simple with a thin layer of lemon buttercream. Don’t forget sandwich cookies—frosting between two soft oatmeal or peanut butter cookies is heavenly. Experiment, and you’ll find your favorite match in no time!
