The Best Vanilla Buttercream Frosting

5 from 1 vote

This is the best vanilla buttercream frosting recipe that takes just 5 minutes to make and uses simple ingredients. It results in a smooth, creamy, and perfect buttercream that any beginner or home baker can make. Use it to top your favorite vanilla cupcakes and birthday cakes!

Prep Time5

Total Time5

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Servings:

Calories: 267kcal

Author: Karissa Parrish

Equipment

Electric Stand Mixer
Rubber Spatula
Piping Bag

Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
3 cups powdered sugar
3 tablespoons heavy whipping cream
2 teaspoons vanilla extract

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

In the bowl of an electric stand mixer using the paddle attachment, beat the butter on high speed until creamy (about 1-2 minutes).
Add the powdered sugar, heavy whipping cream, and vanilla extract and mix on low speed until combined (about 30 seconds).
Then increase the speed to high and beat for another 1-2 minutes (frosting should be light and creamy).
Use it to frost your favorite cupcakes and cake recipes!

Notes

This frosting recipe is enough to frost 12 cupcakes.

If you want to layer a cake with it, I recommend 1.5x the recipe for any 2 or 3 layered cake. If making a sheet cake, there's no need to make extra!

With a one layer cake, cut the recipe in half (unless you want extra frosting).

Room Temperature: The butter needs to be at room temperature in order to create the perfect consistency of buttercream frosting. If you start with cold butter, you'll have a difficult time getting the frosting to come together.

Vanilla: In order to get the best vanilla flavor possible, please use pure vanilla extract. You could also use vanilla bean paste.

Baked Desserts: Make sure any dessert you use this frosting on is completely cooled before frosting. If not, the frosting will melt right off.

Nutrition