Vanilla Buttercream Frosting

Vanilla buttercream frosting is a pretty common recipe-and there is no shortage of recipes available. But finding just the right balance of sweet and butter is so important. I have a couple tips to offer and some variations to easily create different flavors.

I think vanilla has gotten a reputation for being common and boring but I don’t agree with it. The mild, velvety flavor it adds is luxurious. My preferred way to get vanilla flavor is of course with vanilla beans but they can be very expensive. I am not a huge fan of the alcohol in vanilla extract and the beige tint it gives to soft white vanilla buttercream frosting. So I prefer vanilla powder (I use Cook’s vanilla powder). It’s sweet, it’s pale and is a perfect option for the perfect creamy white color.

Buttercream Frosting Texture

I usually make my frostings on the stiffer side so that they can easily be piped onto a cake or cupcakes. If you prefer your frosting more creamy, start by adding 2 tsps milk or milk substitute and mix. Add more if needed. This creamier texture of frosting is nice for spreading onto a gluten-free coconut cake or gluten-free lemon cake. These gluten-free vanilla cupcakes are perfect with this frosting. Or pipe some onto this ganache glazed chocolate sponge cake.

Variations

Lemon Buttercream – Add the zest of 1 lemon and 2 tsps lemon juice
Cinnamon Buttercream – Add 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon to the powdered sugar
Coconut Buttercream – Replace 2 Tbsps of butter with 2 Tbsps coconut cream and add 1 tsp coconut extract. If it is a bit too runny (coconut cream textures vary widely between brands) add an additional 2 Tbsps of powdered sugar.
Sweet and Salty Buttercream – Use salted butter in place of unsalted and add 1/4 tsp extra salt for the best buttercream you will ever make.

Vanilla Buttercream Frosting

Author: Janet Harlow

Course: Baked Goods

Cuisine: American

Servings: 3 cups

This perfectly sweet vanilla buttercream is the frosting for your favorite cake or cupcakes. It makes enough to frost 2 dozen cupcakes or to lightly frost a 2 layer 8" cake.

No ratings yet

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 mins

Total Time 15 mins

Recommended Products

• Vanilla Powder

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 2 sticks 8 oz. unsalted butter, room temperature
• 3 cups sifted powdered sugar
• 2 tsps vanilla powder or vanilla extract
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 Tbsp milk optional for a creamier texture

Instructions

 

• Beat the butter with a stand or hand mixer for 2 minutes.
• Add half of the sugar and beat on low until most of it is combined. Add the remaining sugar and beat on low until most of the sugar is incorporated.
• Scrape down the sides of the bowl, Add the vanilla and salt and beat on high for 1 minute.

Nutrition

Serving: 2TbspsCalories: 64kcalCarbohydrates: 14gFat: 1gSaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 3mgSodium: 32mgSugar: 14g

Did you make this recipe?Let me know how it was! Tag @chefjanetk on Instagram.