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Introduction
A good buttercream frosting should be simple, reliable, and easy to work with — whether you’re frosting a birthday cake, topping cupcakes for a school event, or piping a quick dessert just because. This classic vanilla buttercream frosting is light, creamy, and beautifully fluffy, with a smooth texture that spreads easily and holds its shape when piped.
Made with basic pantry ingredients, this is the kind of frosting you’ll come back to again and again. It’s rich without being overly sweet and flexible enough for everything from casual sheet cakes to decorative swirls.
Want to switch it up? My Lemon Buttercream Frosting adds bold, fresh flavor to cakes and bars.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Light, fluffy texture that isn’t dense or greasy
- Pipes cleanly and spreads smoothly
- Made with simple, everyday ingredients
- Easy to adjust for thicker or softer consistency
- A dependable, go-to frosting for cakes and cupcakes
Ingredients
- Butter — salted or unsalted – softened but not melted for the best texture.
- Powdered sugar — sifted to keep the frosting smooth. Ran out? Make your own!
- Vanilla extract — classic flavor that pairs with any cake
- Salt — balances the sweetness
- Heavy cream — creates a rich, fluffy finish (half and half or whole milk can work in a pinch)
Equipment Needed
- Stand mixer with paddle attachment or hand mixer — provides enough power to whip the frosting light and airy (You can use a whisk, but the texture won’t be as fluffy)
- Fine mesh sifter — helps prevent lumps in the powdered sugar
- Silicone Spatula — useful for scraping down the bowl
How to Make Classic Vanilla Buttercream Frosting
Buttercream frosting starts with properly softened butter. Beating the butter first allows air to incorporate early, which is key to achieving a light, fluffy texture rather than a dense one. The butter should be soft enough to press easily with your finger, but not glossy or melted.
Powdered sugar is added gradually and mixed in at a low speed. This prevents mess while also giving the sugar time to blend smoothly into the butter. At this stage, the mixture may look thick or slightly clumpy — this is normal and will correct itself as liquid ingredients are added.
Vanilla, salt, and cream are introduced once the sugar is incorporated. Mixing at medium speed allows the frosting to whip and lighten as air is worked in. The final texture should be smooth, fluffy, and easy to work with.
Consistency can be adjusted depending on how you plan to use the frosting. A slightly thicker buttercream works best for piping, while a softer texture spreads easily over cakes.
This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
PrintClassic Vanilla Buttercream Frosting
This classic vanilla buttercream frosting is light, creamy, and beautifully fluffy with a smooth finish that’s easy to work with. It’s an everyday, dependable frosting that spreads easily and pipes cleanly, making it perfect for cakes, cupcakes, and simple celebrations at home. Made with basic pantry ingredients, this buttercream delivers rich vanilla flavor without being overly sweet — the kind of frosting you’ll come back to again and again.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Mix Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 5 cups
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks), softened (not melted — think soft-serve ice cream)
- 3.5 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- ¼ tsp table salt
- 1 TBSP vanilla extract
- ¼ cup heavy cream (half and half or whole milk can work in a pinch)
Instructions
- Add the softened butter to the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Beat on medium speed for about 1 minute, until the butter is smooth and creamy.
- Stop the mixer and add the sifted powdered sugar. Mix on the lowest speed and mix just until the sugar is fully incorporated into the butter. The mixture will appear thick and slightly clumpy at this stage, which is expected.
- Increase the mixer speed to medium.
- Add the vanilla extract, salt, and heavy cream.
- Continue mixing for 2–3 minutes until the frosting becomes light, fluffy, and smooth.
- Adjust the consistency as needed – for a stiffer frosting, mix in additional powdered sugar. To thin the frosting, add more cream 1 TBSP at a time until the desired texture is reached.
Notes
This buttercream can be used immediately or stored for later use. Rewhip briefly before frosting if it has been refrigerated or frozen.
Perfect for Cinnamon Rolls
This vanilla buttercream frosting is especially good on warm cinnamon rolls. It melts slightly into the swirls while still holding enough structure to stay light and fluffy on top.
If you’re looking for a soft, bakery-style finish, try it with my Homemade Cinnamon Rolls — they’re tender, lightly sweet, and the perfect base for a generous layer of buttercream.
Try it on our Sturdy white cake or our Frosted Sugar Cookie Bars!
Feeling zesty? Try our Lemon buttercream!
Tips for Success
- Use butter that is softened, not melted, to avoid greasy frosting
- Always sift powdered sugar for the smoothest texture
- Start mixing sugar on low speed to prevent a mess
- Adjust consistency slowly — small changes make a big difference
Storage & Reheating
Store:
Buttercream frosting can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Reheat / Rewhip:
Bring frosting to room temperature, then rewhip briefly with a mixer to restore its fluffy texture before using.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this frosting ahead of time?
Yes. This frosting stores well and can be rewhipped just before using.
Is this frosting good for piping?
Absolutely. It holds its shape well and works beautifully with piping tips.
Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
Yes. Whole milk or half and half can be used if needed, though heavy cream gives the richest texture.
Can I color this buttercream?
Yes. Gel food coloring works best and won’t thin the frosting.
Final Thoughts
This classic vanilla buttercream frosting is a simple, dependable recipe that works for nearly any dessert. Whether you’re baking for a celebration or just frosting cupcakes at home, it’s an easy recipe to keep in your back pocket.
If you make it please consider leaving a review. We love to see your posts! Tag us on Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok! @ourgratefulkitchen
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