How to Make Buttercream

2 cupcakes with buttercream frosting in purple wrappers.

5 from 1 vote

How to Make Buttercream

Frosting in a can may be convenient, but this quick and easy recipe will show you step by step how to make a smooth and fluffy American buttercream frosting with a few ingredients you most likely already have in your kitchen.

Prep Time5

Total Time5

Course: Condiment

Cuisine: American

Diet: Vegetarian

Servings: ¼ cup servings

Calories: 252kcal

Author: Joss Dyckson

Equipment

Electric mixer

Ingredients

½ cup butter softened
2 ½ cups powdered sugar
2 tablespoons milk
1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Place the softened butter in a bowl. Beat it on low speed with an electric mixer for about 1 minute or until smooth and fluffy.
½ cup butter
Add the icing sugar, about ½ cup at a time, and continue mixing on low speed until fully combined. Add the milk and vanilla and mix on medium speed until smooth and fluffy (2 to 3 minutes). You can add adjust the thickness by adding more milk if it is too stiff, or adding more icing sugar if it is too runny.
2 ½ cups powdered sugar, 2 tablespoons milk, 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
Your buttercream is ready to use for cakes, cupcakes, etc.

Notes

Buttercream frosting can be made in advance and stored for up to a week in the fridge or two months in the freezer. When you are ready to use it, let the buttercream come up to room temperature.
This recipe makes enough buttercream (2 cups) for about 12 cupcakes.
If you don't want to use the vanilla, replace it with more milk or a different flavoring.
Sifting the powdered sugar before you add it, ensures the frosting will be smooth.
To make the frosting a little less sweet, try adding a pinch of salt, substituting heavy cream for the milk, or adding in a squeeze of lemon juice.
If you plan to use the buttercream frosting for piping, you will want to make sure it is thick. A simple trick on how to make buttercream frosting stiffer is to add less milk to the recipe or more sifted, powdered sugar.

Nutrition