Learn how to make this vanilla buttercream frosting recipe that’s super creamy and light as a cloud. It’s perfect for layer cakes, piping on cupcakes, and for frosting sugar cookies.
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Vanilla Buttercream Frosting
This vanilla buttercream recipe is one that I’ve been making for, well, forever! I just never gave it it’s own proper post.
In my opinion, this is seriously the best vanilla buttercream frosting recipe ever. It’s so creamy and so light. It’s literally like eating a cloud. If you like vanilla frosting recipes, this will be right up your alley!
I use this frosting in my gingerbread sandwich cookies, gluten free sugar cookie bars, and I made a dairy free version for my Gluten Free Sugar Cookies, Chocolate Sugar Cookies, Gluten Free Funfetti Cake, and a turned it into Cookies and Cream Buttercream for my Chocolate Cookies and Cream Cake.
Did you make this recipe? Leave a star rating and let me know in the comments! You can also leave a photo/comment on this pin for others to see.
Tips to make this Vanilla Buttercream Frosting Recipe:
- Be sure to soften the unsalted butter before mixing it in.
- Don’t forget that pinch of salt!
- Make sure to use powdered sugar for this recipe- not confectioners!
- I recommend using an electric mixer if you have one. A stand mixer would work best.
- You can make vanilla frosting ahead of time and refrigerate until you are ready.
- If you make a cake ahead of time, they also freeze well until you are ready to frost the cakes with your delicious frosting!
What to Pair with Vanilla Buttercream Frosting
Use this vanilla buttercream frosting for gluten free vanilla cupcakes, gluten free chocolate cupcakes, making gorgeous layer cakes, brownies, or cookies. It’s smooth and is easy to spread with a knife or pipe using your favorite piping tips.
I also love vanilla frosting with vanilla cake or chocolate cake. Vanilla with chocolate is such a classic flavor pairing, it’s a little different from your standard chocolate on chocolate, and you can make it any color you’d like! What’s better than a beautifully and colorfully decorated cake only to cut into it and find out that it’s chocolate inside? Nothing, my friends! Enjoy!
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My Favorite Vanilla Buttercream Frosting Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup 2 sticks butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- pinch of fine sea salt
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 Tablespoons heavy cream
- food coloring if desired
Instructions
- Add the butter to the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment and beat until smooth.
- Add half of the powdered sugar and a pinch of sea salt and beat on low until the sugar is mostly incorporated. Add the remaining powdered sugar and beat on low until combined. Increase speed to medium and beat for 3 minutes.
- Stop the mixer and scrape down the bowl. Add the vanilla extract, whipping cream, and food coloring (if using) and beat for an additional minute on low, increasing the speed to medium once the whipping cream is incorporated.
- Use for cakes, cupcakes, or your favorite baked goods!
Notes
- This frosting can be made ahead and refrigerated until ready to use. If refrigerated, bring to room temperature and whip slightly before using.
Recommended Products
Nutrition Information
Disclaimers
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Nutrition Facts are estimated and aren’t always accurate. Please consult a doctor or nutritionist if you have special dietary needs.
Did you make this recipe? Leave a star rating and let me know in the comments! You can also leave a photo/comment on this pin for others to see.
Phots by Jess Larson.
Is this enough for a 2 layer cake? It says 16 servings but I don’t really know how much that is for cake.
It’s just enough to frost a 2 layer cake. If you want extra frosting for piping or a thick layer for decorating, I would make 1.5 batches or double it. You can freeze any leftover frosting. Hope that helps!
We used oat milk to substitute for the cream, making it dairy free, for your gluten free lemon cake last weekend. It was delicious and the perfect texture!
Love it!
Should you use salted butter or unsalted butter?
I use unsalted butter and add a pinch of salt.