The Best Buttercream Frosting Recipe

The Best Buttercream Frosting

This is my go-to buttercream frosting that I’ve been using for years and years. It’s a reader favorite too! The great thing about it is that it turns out perfect every time, it requires minimal ingredients and it’s super easy to make! And of course that rich and creamy, sweet buttery flavor is to die for! It’s the perfect compliment to just about any cake.

What Ingredients go into Buttercream Frosting?

Here are the ingredients you’ll need for this simple, yet delicious buttercream frosting:

Butter – I like to use part unsalted part salted. Otherwise if you add salt in never seems to dissolve properly and you taste little bits of it. Powdered sugar – there’s not need to sift beforehand unless it is clumpy then definitely sift before adding. Heavy cream – no substitutions here for best results. Vanilla extract – use real vanilla. No imitation flavor here.

How to Make Buttercream Frosting

In the bowl of an electric stand mixer, using the paddle or whisk attachment, whip butter on medium-high speed until nearly white and very fluffy, frequently scrapping down the sides of the bowl. Add in powdered sugar, heavy cream and vanilla extract and mix on low speed until blended, then increase speed to medium and beat until very light and fluffy, frequently scraping down the sides of the bowl. Immediately spread over cooled cake or cupcakes.

My sister and I both agree this is the best buttercream frosting recipe! Don’t forget the trick is in the technique. There are hundreds of buttercream frosting recipes out there, but the one that sets this apart from the others is preparation (and the use of salted butter).

Tips for the Best Buttercream Frosting

My sister asked if we could get a really white frosting without the yellow tint. I told her she needed a buttercream frosting, and the trick is in the technique. How you make vanilla buttercream frosting doesn’t just begin and end with the ingredients, but also the method in which you prepare the frosting. In my opinion, these are the keys to a very light, creamy, fluffy buttercream frosting:

Frosting vs Icing: What’s the difference?

Generally, frosting is thick, rich and fluffy, while icing is usually thin and glossy. Frosting usually uses lots of butter while icing uses a little, if any. Icing is great for cookies, while frosting is perfect for cakes. So is this buttercream icing or buttercream frosting? In my opinion, it’s definitely frosting but maybe you’re just used to that name icing, so go with it.

Ways to Use Buttercream Frosting

Don’t throw any leftover buttercream frosting out! Here’s some ways to use it up if you happen to end up with a little extra:

Sandwich between Nilla Waffers and roll edges in sprinkles for an easy treat the kids will love. Spread over warm toast, add a pinch cinnamon if desired. Spread over graham crackers, optionally sprinkle with chocolate chips. Add a spoonful or two to your morning bowl of oatmeal (I tried a cream cheese in my banana oatmeal one morning, wow good). Use it as a dip for pretzels. Dunk teddy grahams or gingersnaps (its like homemade Dunkaroos). Spread over fruit, such as bananas or strawberries. Melt chocolate frosting and pour over ice cream. Add chopped nuts to it, chill and cut in squares. Spread over warm pancakes or french toast. Sold in some whipped cream or cool whip and use it as a fruit dip. add some caramel sauce and dip apple slices. Turn it into a simple craft with the kids, tint it with food coloring, get out all the different varieties of sprinkles, icings and little candies you have in the cupboard and let them spread it of graham crackers and decorate as desired. Last but not least, simply place leftover frosting in an airtight container, store in refrigerator (up to 4 days) and enjoy throughout the next few days by the spoonful (if you don’t want to tempt yourself so much, freeze it for up to 3 months and thaw overnight in the refrigerator — never microwave to thaw).

How to Make Chocolate Buttercream Frosting

Looking for a chocolate recipe? I’ve got one HERE you’ll love!

More Buttercream Frosting Recipes You’ll Love:

Raspberry Buttercream Frosting Peppermint Buttercream Frosting Lemon Buttercream Frosting Vanilla Bean Buttercream Frosting Coconut Buttercream Frosting Strawberry Buttercream Frosting