This is my favorite vanilla buttercream. It's the perfect vanilla frosting that's simple, creamy and smooth and tastes unbelievable on vanilla cupcakes!
Recipe by Sally on May 14, 2017
Prep time: PT5M
Total time: PT5M
Rating
4.7 stars ( reviews)
Keywords
Vanilla Buttercream Frosting
Ingredients
1 cup (16 Tbsp; 226g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
4 – 5 cups (480-600g) confectioners’ sugar (see note)
1/4 cup (60ml) heavy cream, half-and-half, or whole milk, at room temperature
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
salt, to taste
Categories
Frosting
Cuisine
American
Steps
With a handheld or stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the butter on medium speed until creamy, about 2 minutes. Add 4 and 1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar, the heavy cream, and vanilla extract. Beat on low speed for 30 seconds, then increase to medium-high speed and beat for 2 full minutes. Taste. Add a pinch of salt if frosting is too sweet. I always add 1/8 teaspoon.
You can control the consistency at this point—add up to 1/2 cup more confectioners’ sugar if frosting is too thin or more heavy cream if frosting is too thick (add only 1 Tablespoon at a time, beat together, then taste and add more if desired).
Use immediately or cover tightly and store for up to 1 week in the refrigerator or up to 3 months in the freezer. After freezing, thaw in the refrigerator then beat the frosting on medium speed for a few seconds so it’s creamy again. After thawing or refrigerating, beating in a splash of heavy cream or milk will help thin the frosting out again, if needed.
Reviews
Elizabeth on 2025-06-21 (5 stars): So grateful for this recipe! I have always been a frosting in a can person but I needed to make a cake for a family event. I am a "follow the recipe exactly" person and this came out perfect and delicious! The tips were so helpful for me!
Mallory on 2026-01-22 (5 stars): I’ve used your recipes for years and they are always my go to if you have one available for what I’m looking to make. Just wanted to thank you for sharing your passion with us!
Molly on 2026-02-22 (5 stars): Used 1/4 cup of salt, wouldn’t recommend. Other than that it was great!
James marsh on 2026-03-15 (5 stars): this recipe was fairly easy t follow although the vague amounts were difficult to get right I accidentally used Warwickshire sauce instead of vanilla extract
but it still tasted really good
