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4.30 from 275 votes
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Vanilla Buttercream Frosting

Created by: Courtney
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Yield: 6 cups
This is the best vanilla buttercream frosting recipe—smooth, creamy, fluffy, and perfectly sweet. Whether you're frosting cupcakes, cakes, or just your finger (no judgment), this easy vanilla buttercream frosting is here to steal the spotlight and will become your go-to buttercream!

Ingredients 

  • 2 cups (454 g) unsalted butter room temperature
  • 6 cups (720 g) powdered sugar minimum 4 cups/maximum 7 cups - adjust to your taste
  • 1 tbsp (15 ml) vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste
  • ½ tsp (3 g) salt
  • ¼ cup (60 g) heavy cream

Instructions

  • In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment or in a large mixing bowl with an electric hand mixer, whip the room temperature unsalted butter for 5 minutes until light, pale, and creamy.
  • Add in half of the powdered sugar and mix on the lowest speed until the sugar is combined with the butter. Add the remaining half of the powdered sugar and continue to mix on low speed until fully combined. 
  • Add the vanilla extract and salt. While mixing on low speed, drizzle in the heavy cream. Scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl to ensure the ingredients are well incorporated.
  • Increase the mixer speed to medium and whip the buttercream for about 2 to 3 minutes until it is smooth and creamy. Then, turn the mixer to low speed and mix the buttercream for several minutes to remove air bubbles.
  • Optional: To smooth out the buttercream, heat 1 cup of the frosting in the microwave for 15 seconds. Pour the melted frosting back into the mixing bowl and mix the frosting on low speed until the buttercream is super smooth and creamy.

Notes

Storage: Store the buttercream in an airtight container at room temperature for 1 to 2 days, in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks, and in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Baking Tips & FAQ: Scroll up the blog post to check out my expert baking tips, learn more about storing and serving, and to see frequently asked questions to make the most out of this recipe! 
Baking Tools & Supplies: Check out my Amazon Storefront to see my favorite tools and supplies I use to create my recipes.
Note: Metric conversions and nutritional information are calculated automatically. I cannot guarantee the accuracy of this information.

Nutrition

Calories: 1049kcal | Carbohydrates: 120g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 65g | Saturated Fat: 41g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 17g | Trans Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 174mg | Sodium: 207mg | Potassium: 33mg | Sugar: 118g | Vitamin A: 2037IU | Vitamin C: 0.1mg | Calcium: 26mg | Iron: 0.1mg

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