Vanilla Buttercream Frosting Recipe
Discover the magic of Gale Gand's acclaimed Chicago pastry chef recipea straightforward vanilla buttercream frosting that whips up sweet, creamy-smooth perfection with just four basic ingredients. Ideal for icing cakes, cupcakes, and pastries, this frosting will elevate your bakes to bakery-level delight!
- Difficulty: Easy
- Makes: 10 to 12 servings
- Nutrition Info Per Serving: Serving size: 1/12 of recipe, Calories: 259, Total Fat: 16 g, Saturated Fat: 10 g, Carbohydrates: 30 g, Dietary Fiber: 0 g, Sugar: 29 g, Protein: 0 g, Cholesterol: 43 mg, Sodium: 3 mg
- Total Time: 12 minutes
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
Recipe inspired by Gale Gand. Craving a classic American buttercream? This go-to recipe delivers in under 15 minutes with minimal effortperfect for cakes, cookies, cupcakes, or any sweet treat. Imagine the fluffy swirls on your next birthday cake!
What Is American Buttercream?
When you picture birthday cake frosting, American buttercream is it: simply whip confectioners' sugar, butter, vanilla extract, and milk or cream. No cooking or egg whites needed, unlike Swiss meringue buttercream.
Tips for Perfect Vanilla Buttercream
- Quality is key. With few ingredients, splurge on high-grade butter, pure vanilla, and fresh cream for unbeatable flavor and texture.
- Room temperature butter. Soften to room tempit yields slightly to pressure but isn't melting. Fridge-cold butter lumps up; warm creates silky smoothness.
- Use an electric mixer. Hand or stand mixer ensures fluffy, spreadable resultsmix as directed for that pro-level lightness.
Ways to Use Vanilla Buttercream Frosting
Versatile for decorating cakes, cupcakes, cookies, and pastries. Pipe stunning buttercream flowers or swap it in for layer cakes with coconut or chocolateendless creative fun!
How to Store Vanilla Buttercream
Store leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge up to one week. Soften at room temp, then remix briefly with a mixer to revive fluffiness. Ready to frost again!
Ingredients
- 3 cups confectioners' sugar
- 1 cup butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 to 2 tablespoons whipping cream
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Instructions
- Place sugar and butter in a stand mixer bowl with whisk attachment. Mix on low until blended, then medium for 3 minutes.
- Add vanilla and cream; beat on medium 1 minute more. Add extra cream for softer spreading consistency. Whip up frosting bliss![1]
