Classic Buttercream Frosting

Many people will ask which frosting is best for cake. For me, it depends on the type of cake, but one of the best go-to options for frosting a cake is a classic buttercream frosting. It’s simple, sweet, and one of the best ways to dress up a baked good.

The secret of good buttercream is to have the right amount of fat (like butter) mixed with confectioners sugar (powdered sugar) and vanilla extract. Whip those together and you have an easy frosting recipe to use for cake and even for cookies.

What is Buttercream Frosting?

This recipe is just that. You can use this fluffy, creamy buttercream frosting on your layer cakes, bundt cakes, or holiday cookies. You can even use buttercream frosting for decorating. Frankly, it’s so delicious, I sometimes use it as a dip for my cookies when I have leftovers after icing a cake!

Some bakers like to make frosting with shortening or without powdered sugar, but in this recipe I prefer butter and I think that fine sugar dissolves better than other sugar options.

The combination of butter and powdered sugar makes for a smooth, creamy frosting that gets light and airy once mixed. It’s absolutely heavenly!

Why You’ll Love It

• Versatile- of course you can put this frosting on a cake, but it also works well on sugar cookies, doughnuts, and graham cracker sandwiches. Some even suggest using it on a sweet grilled cheese or sweet potato!
• Easy and fast– with only a few ingredients and even fewer steps to make, it comes together in no time!

Ingredients for Buttercream Frosting

• Unsalted butter– bring your butter to room temperature (leaving it out for an hour or more) to make mixing easier.
• Real vanilla extract or clear vanilla- vanilla brings out the flavors in a recipe. With so few ingredients, vanilla helps to ensure that each ingredient shines.
• Fine sea salt– salt rounds out a recipe and enhances flavors. Using it in this buttercream frosting recipe will ensure that the vanilla flavor takes center stage.
• Powdered sugar- using powdered, instead of granulated, sugar will ensure that the sugar dissolves quickly, resulting in a smooth frosting.
• Heavy cream– using heavy cream helps to achieve the creamy consistency of this frosting.

How To Make Buttercream Frosting

1. Beat the butter until it is light and fluffy. Use either a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment or a hand mixer. This should take about two minutes.
2. Add the vanilla and salt, then blend until combined.
3. Next, add the powdered sugar one cup at a time. Blend after each cup until it is fully incorporated. Once complete, the mixture will be thick.
4. Then, add the cream. Beat until the mixture is light and fluffy. This will take about four to five minutes.
5. Use the buttercream frosting immediately, or store in the refrigerator until it is needed, stirring well before using.

Variations

• Chocolate- chocolate makes everything better, right? You can easily add a half cup of unsweetened cocoa powder to make this buttercream frosting chocolatey. Adjust other ingredients as necessary to create the consistency and flavor you prefer.
• Extracts- add a dash of any extract you prefer to add some extra flavor. Maple, coconut, coffee, or almond will all work.
• Fruit juice– only use a little, because you don’t want to dilute the frosting too much and drastically alter the consistency. However, if you have maraschino cherry juice, or even apple, just a touch will add some extra flavor to your frosting. Pureed fruit or those ground with a pestle and mortar can also work.
• Color the frosting– add gel coloring to make your buttercream frosting more colorful.