Every baker needs a dependable vanilla buttercream frosting recipe. This classic American buttercream is soft, creamy, and just the right amount of sweet — easy to whip up and perfect for piping onto cakes and cupcakes.
A recipe that has been in our family for decades. Passed down from my grandmother to my mom, and now me. It’s easy, reliable, and delicious.
What Is Buttercream?
Buttercream is a sweet, creamy frosting made by whipping fat (usually butter), powdered sugar, and flavorings together until light and fluffy. It’s one of the most popular frostings for cakes and cupcakes because it spreads easily, pipes beautifully, and holds its shape well.
There are several types of buttercream, but the most common in home kitchens is American buttercream, which is made with butter and powdered sugar.
Can Buttercream Be Made With or Without Shortening?
Yes — buttercream can be made both with and without shortening.
Butter-Only Buttercream
This version uses 100% butter as the fat.
Pros:
- Rich, natural flavor
- Creamy texture
- Melts beautifully in your mouth
Cons:
- Softer in warm temperatures
- Can melt if left in heat
This is the version most home bakers prefer for flavor.
Buttercream Made with Shortening
Some recipes use part butter and part vegetable shortening.
Pros:
- More stable in warm weather
- Holds sharp piping details
- Bright white color (great for wedding cakes)
Cons:
- Slightly less rich flavor
- Can feel heavier on the palate
Which Is Better?
It depends on your goal.
- For the best flavor → Use all butter.
- For hot weather or detailed piping → Use a butter and shortening blend.
Many bakers use half butter and half shortening for a balance of flavor and stability.
What Does Buttercream Frosting Taste Like?
Buttercream frosting is sweet, creamy, and rich with a smooth, buttery flavor. American buttercream is the sweetest style because it uses powdered sugar, while other styles like Swiss or Italian buttercream are lighter and less sweet. The flavor can easily be customized with extracts, cocoa powder, citrus zest, or other additions.
Easy and Classic Vanilla Buttercream Frosting Recipe
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Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 Cup Butter softened, 2 sticks, we use Salted Sweet Cream Butter
- 4 Cups Powdered Sugar
- 2-3 Tablespoons Heavy Cream or milk
- 2 Teaspoons Pure Vanilla Extract
Instructions
How to Make Buttercream Frosting
- In a large mixing bowl, cream butter in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment until smooth and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.1 Cup Butter
- Gradually beat in confectioners’ sugar until fully incorporated. Add one cup at a time, mixing at a low speed until combined.4 Cups Powdered Sugar
- Mix in vanilla extract and 2 tablespoons of cream. Increase speed and beat for 2–3 minutes until fluffy, about 3 to 4 minutes.2-3 Tablespoons Heavy Cream, 2 Teaspoons Pure Vanilla Extract
- Adjust Consistency: Add more cream (1 teaspoon at a time) if too thick. Add more powdered sugar for a stiffer frosting.
- Beat on medium-high for another minute for that light, fluffy texture.
- If using, add food coloring and beat for 30 seconds until smooth or until desired color is reached.
- It’s ready to frost your favorite cakes and cupcakes.
Notes
How Much This Recipe Frosts
This batch will frost:- 24 cupcakes
- One 9×13 cake
- A lightly frosted two-layer 8-inch cake
Recipe Tips
Butter Temperature Matters Use room temperature butter — soft enough to press with your finger but not melted or greasy.Butter that is too warm can make frosting runny. Butter that is too cold can cause curdling. Sift the Powdered Sugar (Optional but Helpful) Sifting prevents lumps and creates a smoother texture, especially if your sugar has been sitting in the pantry. Add Liquid Slowly Start with 2 tablespoons of cream and add more only if needed.
Too much liquid is the most common reason buttercream becomes too soft. Adjust for Weather On hot days, chill the frosting for 10–15 minutes before piping.
In cooler weather, you may need slightly more cream for a spreadable texture. This is especially helpful for readers who live in humid climates. For Piping vs. Spreading
- For piping: Use less cream and beat slightly longer for structure.
- For spreading: Add an extra teaspoon of cream for a softer finish.
Nutrition
Troubleshooting Buttercream
How to Fix Buttercream Frosting That Is Runny
Runny buttercream usually happens from too much liquid or warm butter.
To fix:
- Add powdered sugar ¼ cup at a time.
- Chill 15–20 minutes and re-whip.
- Avoid adding extra liquid.
How to Fix Split Buttercream
Split buttercream often looks curdled or separated.
To fix:
- Bring to room temperature and whip again.
- Gently warm the bowl slightly if too cold.
- If too warm and greasy, chill briefly and re-whip.
Temperature adjustments solve most issues.
Buttercream Basics
Can You Over Whip Buttercream?
Yes, you can over whip buttercream.
Over whipping incorporates too much air, which can make the frosting:
- Look puffy or bubbly
- Harder to smooth
- Slightly dry in texture
If this happens, switch to low speed and mix slowly for a few minutes to smooth it out and remove excess air.
Can You Paint on Buttercream?
Yes, you can paint on buttercream once it has crusted or chilled.
For best results:
- Chill the cake until the frosting is firm.
- Use gel food coloring mixed with a small amount of clear alcohol (like vodka or lemon extract).
- Use soft, clean brushes.
This works beautifully for floral designs, watercolor effects, and detailed decorating.
Best Food Coloring for Buttercream Icing
Gel food coloring is best for buttercream.
Why?
- Highly concentrated color
- Doesn’t thin the frosting
- Produces vibrant shades
Liquid food coloring can make buttercream too soft and may require extra powdered sugar to rebalance the texture.
Cake Decorating Techniques with Buttercream
Buttercream is incredibly versatile. Popular techniques include:
- Rosettes and swirls
- Basket weave piping
- Smooth finishes with a bench scraper
- Rustic textured frosting
- Ombre color blending
- Piped borders and shells
Chilling between layers of frosting helps achieve smoother finishes.
Storage & Make-Ahead Questions
Can You Freeze a Cake with Buttercream Frosting?
Yes, most buttercream-frosted cakes freeze very well.
How to freeze:
- Chill the cake until the frosting is firm.
- Wrap tightly in plastic wrap.
- Wrap again in foil.
- Freeze up to 2 months.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bring to room temperature before serving.
Can You Freeze Buttercream Icing?
Yes. Store in an airtight container and freeze up to 3 months.
To use:
- Thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
- Bring to room temperature.
- Re-whip for 2–3 minutes until fluffy.
Can You Make Buttercream Frosting Ahead of Time?
Absolutely.
Buttercream can be made:
- 1 week ahead (refrigerated)
- 3 months ahead (frozen)
Always re-whip before using to restore smooth texture.
Can Buttercream Cake Be Left Out?
A buttercream cake made with butter, powdered sugar, and a small amount of milk can sit at room temperature for 1–2 days in a cool environment.
If your kitchen is warm, refrigerate the cake and allow it to come to room temperature before serving for best flavor and texture.
Can I Add Flavor to This Buttercream?
Yes! This vanilla buttercream is a wonderful base for customizing. The key is adding flavor without throwing off the texture. Below are tested amounts for one full batch of buttercream.
Start small and adjust to taste to maintain proper consistency.
Almond Buttercream
Add:
- ½ to 1 teaspoon almond extract
- Reduce vanilla slightly if desired
Almond extract is strong, so start with ½ teaspoon and increase carefully. This pairs beautifully with white cake and wedding-style desserts.
Lemon or Orange Buttercream
Add:
- 1–2 teaspoons fresh zest
- 1–2 teaspoons fresh juice
If adding juice, reduce the cream slightly to keep the frosting from becoming too soft. Citrus buttercream is lovely on vanilla cupcakes or spring cakes.
Chocolate Buttercream
Add:
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder
Sift the cocoa powder before adding to prevent lumps. You may need to add 1–2 extra tablespoons of cream to maintain a smooth texture.
For deeper flavor, you can also:
- Add 2 ounces melted and cooled dark chocolate
Espresso or Coffee Buttercream
Add:
- 1–2 teaspoons espresso powder
- OR 1 tablespoon very strong cooled coffee (reduce cream slightly)
This enhances chocolate cakes beautifully and adds depth without overwhelming sweetness.
Peanut Butter Buttercream
Add:
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
Reduce powdered sugar by ¼–½ cup if needed to maintain balance. This version is rich and perfect for chocolate cupcakes.
Cream Cheese Buttercream Blend
To create a lightly tangy buttercream:
Add:
- 4 ounces softened cream cheese
Reduce butter to ¾ cup (instead of 1 cup) for best consistency.
Beat butter and cream cheese together until smooth before adding powdered sugar. This variation pairs especially well with carrot cake and spice cake.
Melted Chocolate Buttercream
Add:
- 2–4 ounces melted chocolate (cooled but still pourable)
Dark chocolate gives a rich flavor, while milk chocolate makes it sweeter. Add slowly while mixing to maintain smoothness.
Important Tip for Adding Flavors
After adding any flavoring:
- Mix on medium speed for 1–2 minutes
- Check consistency
- Adjust with powdered sugar (to thicken) or cream (to soften)
Additions like nut butters, cream cheese, and melted chocolate will slightly change texture, so small adjustments are normal.
How to Store Cake with Buttercream Frosting
Store covered:
- Room temp: 1–2 days (cool room)
- Refrigerator: up to 5 days
- Freezer: up to 2 months (wrapped tightly)
Always bring to room temperature before serving for the best texture.
How to Fix Grainy Buttercream Frosting
Grainy buttercream is usually from undissolved powdered sugar.
To fix:
- Beat longer (3–5 minutes).
- Add 1–2 teaspoons cream.
- Sift powdered sugar next time.
Proper whipping makes a smoother texture.
How to Get Rid of Air Bubbles in Your Frosting
To remove air bubbles:
- Mix on low speed for several minutes.
- Use a spatula to press frosting against the bowl.
- Smooth cake with a bench scraper.
Finishing on low speed helps create a silky, professional finish.
Vanilla buttercream frosting is a must-have recipe for any baker. This American-style buttercream is luxuriously smooth, easy to prepare, and ideal for piping onto cakes and cupcakes for a beautifully finished dessert.
This recipe has been in our family for generations.