What You’ll Love About This Recipe
This homemade buttercream frosting recipe is simple, delicious, and perfect for any occasion. You’ll love how easy it is to whip up with just a few basic ingredients. It’s incredibly smooth and creamy**, making it ideal for cakes, cupcakes, and cookies. You can customize it with flavors and colors**, from classic vanilla to vibrant hues for special celebrations. Plus, It’s ready in under 10 minutes****, so you can spend more time decorating and less time prepping.
Recipe
Buttercream frosting is a classic, versatile topping for cakes, cupcakes, and cookies. It’s smooth, creamy, and easy to customize with different flavors and colors. This recipe uses simple ingredients to create a rich and delicious frosting perfect for any dessert.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 2-3 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
- In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter on medium speed until smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes.
- Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing on low speed after each addition until fully incorporated.
- Add the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt, and mix to combine.
- Pour in the heavy cream or milk, one tablespoon at a time, until the desired consistency is reached. Increase the mixer speed to medium-high and beat for 2-3 minutes until the frosting is light and fluffy.
- Use immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Bring to room temperature and re-whip before using.
Notes:
- For a stiffer frosting, use less cream or milk. For a softer consistency, add more cream or milk.
- Customize the flavor by adding citrus zest, cocoa powder, or other extracts.
- For colored frosting, add gel food coloring and mix thoroughly.
Equipment:
- Stand mixer or hand mixer
- Large mixing bowl
- Spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Sifter
Time:
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 0 minutes
Cuisine:
American
Serving:
Makes enough frosting for 12 cupcakes or one 9-inch cake.
Nutrition
This buttercream frosting is rich and sweet, perfect for cakes and cupcakes. However, it’s high in calories and sugar, so enjoy it in moderation.
| Nutrition | Per Serving (1 tbsp) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 90 |
| Total Fat | 6g |
| Saturated Fat | 4g |
| Cholesterol | 15mg |
| Sodium | 10mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 10g |
| Sugars | 9g |
| Protein | 0g |
What To Serve With It
I love pairing my homemade buttercream frosting with classic cakes like vanilla or chocolate, but I also enjoy getting creative with desserts like cookies or brownies. You can spread it on cupcakes, sandwich it between whoopie pies, or even use it to top a batch of cinnamon rolls. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to put this frosting on everything!
Classic Cake Pairings
When I’m whipping up a batch of buttercream frosting, I always think about what cake it’ll go on because, let’s be honest, the pairing makes all the difference. For me, nothing beats a classic vanilla cake—it’s like a blank canvas letting the frosting shine. Chocolate cake is another favorite, with its rich flavor balancing the sweetness perfectly. I also love pairing it with red velvet; that slight tanginess works so well. If I’m feeling light and airy, angel food cake is my go-to. And carrot cake? It’s a match made in heaven with cream cheese buttercream.
Creative Dessert Matches
If you’ve ever wondered how to take your buttercream frosting beyond cakes, let’s explore some fun, unexpected pairings that’ll make your desserts shine. Try spreading it on warm cinnamon rolls for a gooey, sweet upgrade, or dollop it atop fluffy pancakes instead of syrup. Sandwich it between two soft cookies for a decadent twist, or swirl it into hot cocoa for a creamy surprise. Even fresh fruit like strawberries or bananas taste dreamy dipped in buttercream. Don’t forget pretzels—salty and sweet is a match made in heaven. Get creative, and let your frosting steal the show in new ways!
