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The Best Fluffy Vanilla Buttercream Frosting: Bakery Style in 10 Minutes

A large mound of fluffy, perfectly piped vanilla buttercream frosting in a white bowl.
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Welcome to My Kitchen! I am Carla Davis, and I share my foolproof recipe for classic American vanilla buttercream frosting. This recipe guarantees a creamy, smooth, and stable texture perfect for piping cakes and cupcakes, and it comes together in just 10 minutes using simple pantry staples.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
  • 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
  • 3–4 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Place the softened butter into the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Beat the butter on medium speed until it is completely smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl.
  2. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing on low speed until just combined after each addition. Scrape down the bowl frequently.
  3. Add the vanilla extract and salt. Mix on low speed until incorporated.
  4. Increase the mixer speed to medium-high. Add 3 tablespoons of heavy cream or milk. Beat for 3 to 5 minutes until the frosting is light, fluffy, and smooth. If the frosting seems too stiff, add the remaining tablespoon of cream, one teaspoon at a time, until you reach your desired spreading or piping consistency.
  5. Use immediately to frost your cakes and cupcakes, or store covered at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Notes

  • For the smoothest vanilla buttercream, make sure your butter is truly softened, not melted. This prevents graininess.
  • Sifting the powdered sugar is essential for achieving that light and fluffy texture and avoiding lumps in your homemade vanilla icing.
  • If you need a very stable buttercream for intricate piping work, use only cold heavy cream, adding it slowly until the frosting holds stiff peaks.
  • This recipe makes enough creamy vanilla frosting to generously frost one 9-inch layer cake or about 18 standard cupcakes.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://carlacooking.com/vanilla-buttercream-best-10-minute-recipe/