Basic Vanilla Buttercream Frosting
This post may contain affiliate links. For more information, see the disclosure policy.
Basic Vanilla Buttercream Frosting is so versatile, you can use it for just about anything. Made with just a handful of ingredients, this frosting comes together in a snap. Not only is this a great vanilla frosting, it’s also the perfect base for other flavor additives. Mix in any other flavored extract to create your own unique frosting. You won’t be disappointed in the light, creamy texture. Use this homemade frosting to top cakes and cupcakes or sandwich it between your favorite cookie.
Basic Vanilla Buttercream Frosting
It’s always a good idea to have a basic frosting recipe in your archives and this is one you’ll want to keep!
My coconut buttercream frosting is always a huge hit around here but sometimes you just need something basic. This vanilla frosting is just that!
It’s light, fluffy, smooth, and creamy. It’s the perfect frosting for a basic vanilla cake or any cake for that matter.
This frosting can also be used as a base for other flavors. Try adding in almond extract or any other extracts that you love. Or turn it into pineapple frosting!
Tips for a smooth, fluffy frosting
Make sure the butter and heavy cream are at room temperature. The butter should be soft enough to bend without breaking but not so soft that it’s melty.
Whip the butter with an electric mixer until it’s smooth and free of lumps before adding the cream and salt. Once the cream and salt are added, whip the mixture until it’s very well combined.
[optin-monster-shortcode id=”sczzmsq0hzwq665a”]
When adding the confectioners’ sugar, start with two cups and beat it in well before adding more. Depending on how soft the butter was when you started, you may or may not need to add any more confectioners’ sugar. If the frosting does need more sugar, add it in one cup at a time and mix well after each addition.
After adding the desired amount of sugar, let the mixer run on medium high until the frosting is light and fluffy.
Tools needed to make vanilla buttercream
More frosting recipes you’ll love
Salted Caramel Frosting – Homemade caramel sauce is what gives this frosting such an incredible flavor and texture.
7 Minute Frosting – It’s made completely from scratch and so simple you will want to whip it up every time you get a craving for something sweet.
Cookie Butter Frosting – Flavored with Biscoff cookie spread, you’ll want to put this frosting on everything!
Basic Vanilla Buttercream Frosting
Basic Vanilla Buttercream Frosting is so versatile, you can use it for just about anything. Made with just a handful of ingredients, this frosting comes together in a snap. Not only is this a great vanilla frosting, it’s also the perfect base for other flavor additives. Mix in any other flavored extract to create your own unique frosting. You won’t be disappointed in the light, creamy texture. Use this homemade frosting to top cakes and cupcakes or sandwich it between your favorite cookie.
Ingredients
- 2 cups unsalted butter softened
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 3-5 cups confectioners' sugar sifted
Instructions
-
In a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment or with an electric hand mixer, beat the butter on medium-high speed until smooth. Add the cream, vanilla, and salt. Continue to beat until incorporated.
-
Add 2 cups of confectioner's sugar, beat on medium-low speed until most of the sugar is moistened. Gradually add in the remaining sugar, one cup at a time. You may need more or less depending on how soft the butter is. Beat on medium-low speed until the sugar is moistened. Turn the speed up to medium-high and beat until light and fluffy. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
Make ahead tip
-
Frosting will keep for up to 4 days stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container. Let stand at room temperature to soften before use.
Or it can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to use, place in the refrigerator overnight to thaw. Let stand at room temperature to soften before use.
Recipe Notes
This recipe makes enough to frost 24 cupcakes or a double layer cake. Halve the recipe to make enough for 12 cupcakes or a single layer cake.
Amanda
I’ve had trouble with buttercream in the past, so I’m excited about these tips! Can’t wait to give it another try. This looks perfect!
Marietta Greene
Used this recipe tonight for your Vanilla Cake recipe and I used 2 STICKS of butter, not 2 CUPS as that seemed excessive and 2x what most recipes call for. I think your suggestion of 1 TBS of vanilla is what made this recipe better than most. Thank you!!
Jen Sobjack
Using 2 cups of butter will yield enough frosting to frost and fill a layer cake. But that also depends on how much frosting you like to use. The recipe notes say to use half the amount of ingredients for half the amount of frosting and it sounds like that’s what you did. I’m glad you enjoyed it!
Rebecca
I made this frosting to use on my nieces bday cake. She turned 8 and I did a tie dye effect cake with this frosting lion king theme. I made 2 8″ cakes stacked. There was no cake left…. got soooooo many compliments on this icing. One girl even said oh no I’ll probably never see you again and you just ruined me…I’m addicted! Haha
Anyway I’m making a cake now using your vanilla cake recipe for a woman that was at the bday party and that batter is delicious! Haven’t tasted actual cake yet, but using the same frosting since she was In love with it 🙂
Thanks for posting this
Oh yea….I’ve made your cherry filling cupcakes as well for work. I was told by more than one person (a male) that was the best cupcake he has ever had.
Love your recipes 🙂
Jen Sobjack
Thank you so much for the wonderful feedback!