Best Buttercream Frosting Recipe, Quick, Easy and Delicious!

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Get ready to frost your favorite cakes, cupcakes, and cookies with the most delicious buttercream frosting recipe! This easy-to-follow recipe uses simple ingredients like softened butter, powdered sugar, and a touch of vanilla extract to create a luscious and creamy frosting that’s perfect for any occasion.

canilla buttercream frosted cake with cocoa powder sprinkled

Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, you’ll love how quickly and effortlessly this buttercream frosting recipe comes together. Plus, with a few simple additions, you can easily customize it with flavors like chocolate, lemon, or almond. So gather your mixing bowl and get ready to experience the joy of creating a truly delightful dessert!

canilla buttercream frosted cake with cocoa powder sprinkled

Best Buttercream Frosting Recipe

A simple and delicious buttercream frosting recipe is made with pantry staples and is perfectly beautiful and delicious! With instructions for creating chocolate buttercream and other flavor variations!
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Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
0 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Calories: 121kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Electric Mixer with Whisk attachment
  • 1 Medium sized bowl

Ingredients

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature 2 sticks
  • 3 cups powdered sugar cane sugar
  • 1/4 cup milk whole milk is best, but reduced fat works too.
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt fine ground

Instructions

  • Beat the butter: In a large bowl, using an electric mixer on medium speed, beat the softened butter until smooth and creamy.
  • Gradually add sugar: Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well after each addition. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
  • Add milk and vanilla: Once all the sugar is incorporated, beat in the milk and vanilla extract until the frosting is light and fluffy.
  • Add salt: Add the salt and beat for another minute.
  • Use immediately or store: Use the frosting immediately to frost cakes, cupcakes, or other treats. If not using immediately, store the frosting in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Bring to room temperature before using.
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Notes

  • Soften Butter Properly: Ensure the butter is softened to room temperature for easier beating and a smoother frosting.
  • Gradually Add Powdered Sugar: This prevents the sugar from flying everywhere and makes it easier to incorporate.
  • Adjust Sweetness: Add more powdered sugar for a sweeter frosting or a touch more milk for a thinner consistency.
  • Flavor Variations: Get creative! Try adding citrus zest, cocoa powder, fruit purees, or different extracts to customize the flavor.
  • Storage: Store leftover frosting in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Bring to room temperature before using.

Nutrition

Serving: 12g | Calories: 121kcal | Carbohydrates: 30g | Protein: 0.2g | Fat: 0.2g | Saturated Fat: 0.1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.01g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.03g | Cholesterol: 1mg | Sodium: 27mg | Potassium: 9mg | Sugar: 30g | Vitamin A: 8IU | Calcium: 7mg | Iron: 0.02mg

Buttercream Frosting Variations

Chocolate Buttercream Frosting: Add cocoa powder: For chocolate buttercream, add 1/4 to 1/3 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder to the butter before adding the sugar. Adjust sweetness: You may need to add a bit more powdered sugar to balance the bitterness of the cocoa.

Other Flavors

  • Lemon: Add the zest of 1 lemon and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice.
  • Almond: Add 1 teaspoon of almond extract.
  • Coffee: Add 1 tablespoon of instant coffee powder.
  • Mint: Add 1/4 teaspoon of peppermint extract.
  • Strawberry: Add 1 teaspoon of strawberry extract and a few drops of red food coloring.

Buttercream Frosting Recipe Tips

Room Temperature Butter: Ensure the butter is softened to room temperature. This will make it easier to beat and create a smoother frosting.
Gradually Add Sugar: Adding the powdered sugar gradually prevents it from flying everywhere.
Beat Thoroughly: Beating the frosting well incorporates air and creates a light and fluffy texture.
Adjust Consistency: If the frosting is too thick, add a little more milk. If it’s too thin, add a bit more powdered sugar.
making buttercream frosting in bowl, and vanilla buttercream frosted cake with text

Butter VS. Butter Flavored Crisco

Both butter and butter-flavored shortening (like Crisco) can be used to make buttercream frosting. However, there are some key differences:
Flavor
Butter: Provides a rich, buttery flavor that is classic for buttercream.  Crisco: Offers a milder, slightly less intense flavor. Some people find it has a subtle shortening taste.
Texture
Butter: Creates a richer, creamier frosting. Crisco: Can result in a slightly lighter and fluffier frosting.
Stability
Butter: Can be more prone to melting in warm temperatures due to its higher fat content. Crisco: Tends to be more stable in warmer conditions, making it a good choice for summer baking or humid climates.
Which to Choose
If you prioritize a rich, classic buttery flavor, use real butter.
If you prefer a slightly lighter texture or need a more stable frosting, consider butter-flavored shortening.

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