Desserts
Vanilla Buttercream Frosting
Description
This easy vanilla buttercream frosting is sure to steal the show on any cake, cookie, or cupcake. Creamy, sweet, fluffy, and foolproof to make with just four ingredients. Ready in just 10 minutes, it transforms any dessert into a special occasion treat. Unlike icing, which is thinner and shinier, buttercream frosting is thick, and perfectly spreadable. Made with butter, powdered sugar, milk, and a splash of real vanilla, it delivers the classic, crowd-pleasing flavor we all know and love.
Ingredients:
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1/3 cup salted butter, softened
- 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
- 1 to 2 tablespoons milk
Directions:
- In a medium bowl, mix powdered sugar and softened butter with a spoon or electric mixer on low speed. Depending on the power of your electric mixer, it may take 1 to 2 minutes for the butter to blend with the powdered sugar into a stiff mixture.
- Add vanilla and 1 tablespoon of milk. Using an electric mixer on low speed, mix for 30 to 60 seconds, or stir by hand with a spoon, until fully incorporated. The frosting should have a slightly smoother consistency but will remain thick. Scrape down the bowl occasionally as you mix.
- Gradually beat in the remaining tablespoon milk, adding about 1/2 teaspoon at a time until frosting is smooth and spreadable.
- If the frosting is too thick, beat in more milk, just a few drops at a time, until it is smooth and easy to spread. If the frosting is too thin, gradually beat in a small amount of powdered sugar—about 1 tablespoon at a time—until it thickens and holds its shape. After adding any additional ingredients, mix the frosting for about 1 minute to ensure everything is fully incorporated.
- Makes about 1 3/4 cups of frosting which is enough to generously frost a 13x9-inch cake or to frost an 8- or 9-inch two-layer cake.
