Description
This Buttercream Icing recipe delivers a creamy, fluffy topping perfect for cupcakes, available in both classic vanilla and rich chocolate variations. Made with simple ingredients like unsalted butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla extract, this easy-to-make frosting can be whipped to the ideal consistency for decorating your favorite baked treats.
Ingredients
Scale
Vanilla Buttercream
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 2–3 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
- Pinch of salt
Chocolate Buttercream
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 3–4 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Beat the Butter: In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter using an electric mixer on medium speed for about 2 minutes until it becomes smooth and creamy.
- Add Sugar Gradually: Gradually add powdered sugar one cup at a time, beating on low speed to incorporate each addition, then increase to medium-high speed until the mixture is fluffy.
- Flavor and Moisture: Stir in the vanilla extract, a pinch of salt, and 2 tablespoons of heavy cream or milk. Beat the mixture for 3 to 4 minutes until it becomes light and airy.
- Prepare Chocolate Version (if making): When making chocolate buttercream, add the cocoa powder along with the powdered sugar in step 2, and adjust the cream or milk to 3–4 tablespoons to achieve the right spreadable consistency.
- Use or Store: Use the buttercream immediately to frost cooled cupcakes, or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. If chilled, rewhip before using to regain fluffiness.
Notes
- For extra fluffy icing, whip for 1 to 2 additional minutes after all ingredients are combined.
- You can add food coloring to the vanilla buttercream for decorative purposes.
- If the buttercream is too stiff, add more cream or milk one teaspoon at a time until desired consistency is reached.
- If the buttercream is too soft, add more powdered sugar gradually to thicken.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 frosted cupcake (about 2 tablespoons frosting)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 22 g
- Sodium: 15 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 1 g (chocolate version)
- Protein: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 25 mg
