Baking Basics: American Buttercream Frosting
The simplest and easiest frosting, American buttercream is sweet and versatile, perfect for decorating cakes, cookies, and cupcakes.
Servings 3 Cups
Calories 199kcal
Ingredients
- 1 Cup Butter room temperature
- 5 Cups Powdered Sugar
- 1-3 Tbsp Milk or Cream
- 1-2 tsp Vanilla extract
- pinch Sea salt if using unsalted butter
Instructions
- In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, whip the butter until light and fluffy, about 3-4 minutes on medium speed.
- Add the sugar, 1 cup at a time, fully incorporating each batch before adding the next. If it's tough to mix at any point add a splash of milk or cream.
- Once all the sugar has been incorporated, add the vanilla and salt. Continue to add milk or cream until you reach your desired consistency.
- You can add food coloring all at once and use the mixer to incorporate it, if you are making only one color. If you want multiple colors, divide the buttercream among smaller bowls and tint each separately.
Notes
- Make ahead tips:
- Buttercream can be stored at room temperature for up to 1 day.
- Store it in the fridge for up to 1 week. Thaw to room temperature to use.
- Freeze for 3-4 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight, then soften to room temperature to use.
- How to Scale:
- This recipe makes about 2-2 1/2 cups of frosting, which is enough for 24 cupcakes.
- Scale as needed, by multiplying all ingredients by the same amount. You can easily halve, double, triple, or 1.5x this recipe.
- For an 8-inch cake, use a double batch.