Fluffy Vanilla Buttercream Frosting (American Buttercream Frosting) Recipe
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.
- 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
Scale
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
