My Favorite Buttercream Frosting
This American-style buttercream has the perfect level of sweetness, with a spreadable, smooth texture that holds it shape when piped.
Equipment
- Hand Mixer or Stand Mixer
- mixing bowl
Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) butter softened, at room temp
- 2 pounds powdered sugar (most bags of powdered sugar are two pounds - check the label)
- ⅓ cup milk (addition 1-2 Tbsp optional - see notes)
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
Instructions
- Using a stand mixer with fitted bowl attachment, or a hand mixer with a large mixing bowl, beat softened butter until smooth.
- Slowly add the powdered sugar, 1-2 cups at a time, alternating with milk. Mix to combine between each addition.
- Add the vanilla and beat well to incorporate all ingredients.
Notes
Room Temperature Butter - If you're baking something to put the frosting on the same day you're making the frosting, I suggest taking the butter for your frosting out of the fridge when you start baking. That way, by the time you're ready to start making the frosting, you'll have pliable, room temperature butter ready to go.
Can I heat the butter in the microwave? Yes, just pop the butter in the microwave for a few seconds to soften, but do not fully melt it.
If you're going to be piping this frosting - you may need to add an additional 1-2 Tbsp of milk to make the frosting easier to pipe. This can depend on the size/style of frosting tip you are using and what shape/design you're piping. Add the extra milk slowly, so as to avoid adding too much.
How long does this recipe keep? If you're making this frosting ahead of time in preparation for a baking project, store it in the fridge in a sealed container. It will be fine for at least a week. Let it come up to room temperature (about 30min on the counter) and give it a good mixing before use.
Do I need to refrigerate the cake/cupcakes/cookies I decorated with this frosting? No. I mean, unless you like cold cake (I'm 100% Team Cold Cake). But the frosting will be fine for consumption on your baked goods, at room temp, for days.