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Perfect Vanilla Buttercream

5 from 2 votes
This simple and delicious vanilla buttercream is smooth, creamy, and perfectly sweet. It's a tried-and-true recipe that's easy to whip up and perfect for frosting cakes and cupcakes.
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Prep Time:15 minutes
Total Time:15 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Servings: 3 cups

Ingredients

  • 1 cup unsalted butter room temperature (226g)
  • 4 cups powdered sugar sifted (480g)
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • 3-5 tablespoons heavy cream room temperature

Instructions

  • In a large bowl with an electric mixer or the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the butter and salt on medium-high speed for 5 minutes or until pale, smooth and creamy. Scrape down the bowl halfway through.
  • Reduce the mixer to low, and add the powdered sugar a ½ cup at a time. Add 2 to 3 tablespoons of cream intermittently as you are mixing in the sugar. Stop occasionally to scrape down the bowl and make sure all of the sugar is getting mixed in. Add in the vanilla extract.
  • Once all of the sugar is added, mix on medium-low for 1 minute until light and fluffy. If desired, add the additional cream 1 teaspoon at a time until the frosting is smooth and easily spreadable or thick enough for piping your decorations.

Notes

  • Take time to scrape the bowl down while mixing in the sugar to help ensure even consistency throughout. Just stop mixing, use a silicone spatula to scrape the frosting off the sides and bottom of the bowl, then continue mixing.
  • If you’re looking for a very spreadable frosting, you can add a little bit more cream (6-7 tablespoons). It will be a bit too soft for holding sharp piping details, but it will spread like a dream on a sheet cake with gorgeous swoops!