Fluffy Vanilla Buttercream Frosting (American Buttercream Frosting) Recipe

Introduction

Fluffy Vanilla Buttercream Frosting is a classic American buttercream that’s perfect for cakes, cupcakes, and decorative piping. Rich, sweet, and smooth with a light vanilla flavor, it’s a favorite for both beginners and experienced bakers alike.

Ingredients

• 500 g unsalted butter (softened)
• 1 tsp salt
• 1-2 tsp vanilla extract
• 20 g heavy cream (cold)
• 400 g powdered sugar

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large bowl, add the softened butter, salt, and vanilla extract. Using a stand mixer with the paddle attachment or a hand mixer, beat on medium-high speed for 5 minutes until the mixture is pale and fluffy. Scrape down the bowl halfway through to mix evenly.
2. Step 2: Scrape down the bowl again, then add all the sifted powdered sugar. Start beating on low speed to incorporate the sugar without causing a mess. Once no dry sugar remains visible, increase the speed to medium-high and beat for another 5 minutes.
3. Step 3: Add the cold heavy cream to the frosting and beat on medium-high speed for 2 minutes to smoothen and lighten the texture.

Tips & Variations

• If your frosting is too stiff or has been chilled, microwave half of it in a heatproof bowl for about 10 seconds until jiggly but not melted. Then combine it back with the rest and beat on medium speed to refresh the texture.
• To make the frosting ultra-smooth, beat out excess air with a spatula right before use or beat on the lowest mixer speed for 5–10 minutes. Avoid this on warm days as it can soften the frosting too much or cause splitting.
• Add a pinch of cinnamon or cocoa powder for a subtle twist on the classic vanilla flavor.

Storage

Store buttercream frosting in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Before using, allow it to come to room temperature and rewhip to restore its smooth texture. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months; thaw in the fridge overnight and rewhip well before frosting your cakes or cupcakes.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?

Yes, you can use salted butter, but reduce or omit the added salt in the recipe to avoid an overly salty frosting.

How do I fix grainy or gritty buttercream?

Ensure your powdered sugar is well sifted before adding and beat the frosting thoroughly. Adding a little more heavy cream can help smooth the texture, and warming part of the frosting slightly as described in the tips will also improve smoothness.

Fluffy Vanilla Buttercream Frosting (American Buttercream Frosting) Recipe

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This Fluffy Vanilla Buttercream Frosting, also known as American Buttercream Frosting, is a classic, rich, and creamy frosting perfect for layering cakes, frosting cupcakes, and making decorative piping on cakes. Made with softened unsalted butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and heavy cream, it achieves a smooth, fluffy texture with a hint of vanilla flavor. The frosting is slightly stiffer than other frostings but can be smoothed and softened with simple techniques to suit various decorating needs.

• Author: Sana
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 22 minutes
• Yield: Enough to frost a 2-layer 8-inch cake or approximately 24 cupcakes
• Category: Frosting
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

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Frosting Ingredients

• 500 g unsalted butter, softened
• 1 tsp salt
• 1–2 tsp vanilla extract
• 20 g heavy cream, cold
• 400 g powdered sugar, sifted

Instructions

1. Cream Butter: Add the softened unsalted butter, salt, and vanilla extract into a large mixing bowl. Using a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat on medium-high speed for 5 minutes until the mixture is pale and fluffy. Remember to scrape down the sides of the bowl halfway through to ensure even mixing.
2. Add Powdered Sugar: Scrape down the bowl again and add all the sifted powdered sugar. Start beating at low speed initially to avoid powder flying out. Once no dry ingredients are visible, increase the speed to medium-high and beat for another 5 minutes until incorporated fully and creamy.
3. Add Heavy Cream: Pour the cold heavy cream into the frosting and beat on medium-high speed for 2 minutes. This step smoothens the frosting and makes it more workable.
4. Optional Smoothing Techniques: If the frosting seems stiff or gritty, microwave half of the frosting in a heatproof bowl for about 10 seconds until it becomes jiggly in the center but not melted. Combine this warm frosting with the remaining cool frosting and beat on medium speed for a couple of minutes to refresh and smooth it out.
5. Beat Out Air: Before using or filling a piping bag, use a spatula to gently beat out air bubbles, or beat on the lowest mixer speed for 5-10 minutes to achieve ultra-smooth frosting. Avoid over-beating on warm days as it can soften or split the frosting.

Notes

• Softened butter should be at room temperature but not melted for best consistency.
• Heavy cream must be cold to help smooth out the frosting effectively.
• Sifting powdered sugar prevents lumps and ensures a smooth texture.
• If frosting is too stiff, a brief microwave can soften it without melting.
• Be careful not to overbeat on warm days as the frosting may split or become too soft.

Keywords: vanilla buttercream frosting, American buttercream, cake frosting, cupcake frosting, vanilla frosting, buttercream recipe