American Buttercream Frosting
Versatile and creamy American buttercream frosting perfect for cakes, cupcakes, and more.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Makes enough for 2-3 layer cakes or 24 cupcakes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 3 ½ to 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
- 2 to 4 tablespoons heavy cream or whole milk
- Pinch of salt, to taste
Instructions
- Beat the butter on medium speed for 3 to 5 minutes until pale and fluffy.
- Add the sifted powdered sugar gradually, mixing on low speed after each addition.
- Pour in the vanilla extract and heavy cream or milk, adjusting for desired consistency.
- Increase mixer speed to medium-high and whip for 3 to 4 minutes until light and airy.
- Taste your frosting and add a pinch of salt if it’s too sweet.
- Add gel food coloring if desired and mix until evenly distributed.
Notes
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Re-whip with cream or milk to restore texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 29g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 30mg