Vanilla Buttercream Frosting

Save this recipe on:

When it comes to finishing touches, few things beat the silky charm of Vanilla Buttercream Frosting. This classic frosting is rich, fluffy, and just sweet enough to complement everything from cupcakes to celebration cakes. Its pale cream color and smooth consistency make it a favorite choice for piping, spreading, and decorating.

Whether you’re baking for a birthday or simply feel like dressing up a batch of cookies, this vanilla frosting elevates any dessert into something special. The best part? It only takes a few simple ingredients and a mixer to whip up a batch of pure joy.

Why You’ll Love This Vanilla Buttercream Frosting

This buttercream is a dream for both beginner bakers and seasoned decorators. Its stability makes it ideal for piping intricate designs or layering between cakes without sliding off. The flavor is mellow and creamy, allowing it to pair beautifully with chocolate, citrus, fruit, and even spice-based desserts.

Plus, it stores well, can be made ahead of time, and is super customizable with colors and flavor extracts. Whether you want pastel shades for spring cupcakes or a bold hue for birthday cakes, this frosting has your back.

What Kind of Butter Should I Use?

For best results, always go with unsalted butter. This allows you to control the salt content and lets the vanilla flavor shine through without interference. Make sure it’s softened to room temperature so it whips up light and airy. If you’re in a pinch, salted butter can be used, but be sure to reduce or eliminate any added salt in the recipe.

Ingredients for the Vanilla Buttercream Frosting

You don’t need anything fancy to create luscious vanilla buttercream. Just a few pantry staples, and you’re on your way to swoon-worthy swirls.

Butter: Provides the rich, creamy base and structure. Room temperature is key for proper whipping.

Powdered Sugar: Sweetens and thickens the frosting. Sift it for the smoothest texture.

Heavy Cream: Adds a velvety finish and helps control the consistency.

Vanilla Extract: The star of the show, bringing warmth and depth. Pure extract is always worth it.

Salt: Just a pinch enhances the sweetness and rounds out the flavor.

How To Make the Vanilla Buttercream Frosting

Step 1: Beat the Butter

Start by adding the room temperature butter to a large mixing bowl. Using a hand or stand mixer, beat on medium speed for 3 to 4 minutes until it becomes pale and fluffy.

Step 2: Add the Sugar

Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating on low speed to prevent clouds of sugar. Scrape the bowl down occasionally. Once all the sugar is in, beat on medium for another 2 minutes.

Step 3: Add Cream, Vanilla, and Salt

Pour in the heavy cream, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Mix on low to combine, then switch to high for about 2 more minutes. The frosting should be fluffy, light, and easy to spread or pipe.

Step 4: Adjust Consistency

If the frosting is too thick, add a bit more cream, a teaspoon at a time. Too runny? Add more powdered sugar. Once it’s just right, it’s ready to use.

Serving and Storing Vanilla Buttercream Frosting

This frosting is enough to generously frost 12 cupcakes or lightly frost a two-layer 9-inch cake. For denser piping or multiple layers, consider doubling the batch.

Once made, it can be used immediately or stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Before using chilled frosting, let it sit at room temperature and rewhip until creamy again. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months.

What to Serve With Vanilla Buttercream Frosting?

Chocolate Cupcakes

The classic match of vanilla and chocolate never disappoints. A rich chocolate base makes this frosting pop.

Funfetti Cake

Sweet, colorful, and nostalgic, this combo is perfect for birthdays and celebrations.

Sugar Cookies

Pipe this frosting on cooled cookies for a soft, bakery-style finish.

Red Velvet Cake

A perfect contrast to the tangy cocoa notes of red velvet.

Lemon Bars

A small swirl of vanilla buttercream adds elegance and sweetness.

Cinnamon Rolls

Swap out your cream cheese icing for a decadent vanilla topping.

Strawberry Shortcakes

Dollop or pipe it on top for an extra boost of creamy texture.

Carrot Cake

Try it as a sweeter alternative to cream cheese frosting for those who prefer a lighter taste.

Want More Frosting Ideas?

If this Vanilla Buttercream Frosting has you in the mood for sweet toppings, check out these other delicious ideas:

• Mini Cinnamon Roll Cheesecakes for a spiced base that loves frosting.
• Best Cheesecake Deviled Strawberries that pair beautifully with a touch of vanilla.
• Ooey Gooey Bars that benefit from a frosted drizzle.
• Old Time Oven Peach Cobbler for a warm dessert contrast.
• Cherry-Topped Coconut Macaroons to pipe a swirl on top for flair.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dessert board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add food coloring or stick with classic white? Maybe tried almond extract instead of vanilla?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too — let’s help each other bake smarter.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks on Mia Recipes on Pinterest and discover your new go-to for feeling great!

Print

Save this recipe on: