How To Make Buttercream Frosting

INGREDIENTS

• 1 cup (230 grams) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• 3 cups (360 grams) powdered sugar
• 2-3 tablespoons heavy cream or heavy whipping cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• pinch of salt adjust to taste

INSTRUCTIONS

1. In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, or in a large mixing bowl using an electric mixer, beat the butter on medium speed until smooth.
2. Add in the powdered sugar and mix on low speed at first, then increase to medium speed and continue mixing for another 1-2 minutes until the mixture starts to come together.
3. Add in the heavy cream (start with 2 tablespoons and add a little more if needed), vanilla extract, and salt and continue mixing on medium-high speed for another minute or until everything is well combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.

NOTES
Frosting can be made 1-2 days in advance, cover tightly and transfer to the refrigerator. Remove from the refrigerator and bring to room temperature before frosting cupcakes/cakes.
Frosting will also freeze well for 2-3 months, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bring to room temperature and mix well before frosting cupcakes/cakes.

CHOCOLATE FROSTING

Measure out 1/2 cup (40 grams) of unsweetened cocoa powder, sift it, then mix into the frosting until well combined.  Add in 1-2 extra tablespoons of heavy cream if needed for a smoother, creamier frosting.  If you prefer your frosting sweeter, mix in an additional 1/2-1 cup of powdered sugar.

Learn how to make buttercream frosting with this easy tutorial. This is the BEST recipe for homemade buttercream, it pipes perfectly, and makes a great base for other frosting flavors too!

STRAWBERRY FROSTING

Add a 1-ounce bag of freeze dried strawberries to a blender or food processor and process until the berries are crushed into a fine powder.  Then mix the freeze dried strawberry powder into the frosting until well combined.

CARAMEL FROSTING

Mix in 1/3-1/2 cup of homemade or store-bought caramel sauce (start with 1/3 cup and add more if desired).  For a salted caramel frosting, you can use salted caramel and just omit the salt in the recipe.   Here’s my favorite recipe for homemade salted caramel sauce.

Learn how to make buttercream frosting with this easy tutorial. This is the BEST recipe for homemade buttercream, it pipes perfectly, and makes a great base for other frosting flavors too!

VANILLA FROSTING

This recipe will make a vanilla flavored frosting.  If I’m just making plain vanilla frosting to pipe on cupcakes or frost a cake, I like to add an additional teaspoon of vanilla extract to amp up the vanilla flavor.

Learn how to make buttercream frosting with this easy tutorial. This is the BEST recipe for homemade buttercream, it pipes perfectly, and makes a great base for other frosting flavors too!