Classic Vanilla Buttercream Frosting Recipe (2024)

Classic, versatile, delicious vanilla buttercream frosting! The ideal frosting for cakes, cookies, cupcakes can be colored, sprinkled, piped, and decorated to complete your sweet, perfectly.

Classic Vanilla Buttercream Frosting Recipe

I use this recipe to frost cakes and cookies. It is basically fool-proof. I have been making this recipe for over 35 years, and it has yet to fail me. I hope you enjoy it too!

Tips for Making this Classic Vanilla Buttercream Frosting Recipe:

● I love this frosting! Not only does it taste great, but it is also easy to work with. If it stiffens up on you, you can just beat it again a few times, or whip it aggressively with a spatula or fork.

● If you require a stiffer frosting, add more confections sugar in ½ cup increments. If you need a thinner frosting, add more milk in tablespoon increments.
● You can add a few drops of food coloring to make a colored frosting. This is what I do for cookies! You can divide up the frosting to make various colors.

● Make certain your cookies and cakes are completely cooled before frosting to avoid the frosting melting.

● For my UK and Australian friends: confectioners sugar is icing sugar (powdered sugar, 10x).

● Interested in making your own vanilla extract? Click here to learn how to make vanilla extract!

● This is with 3 drops of yellow food coloring added. You can add just a few drops for a light color, or up to a dozen drops for a deeper color. This is great for frosting the entire cake, or for piping to decorate the cake.

● This recipe yields enough to generously frost a 13″x9″ cake, or double the recipe to generously frost a layer cake.

If you like homemade frosting you will want to try this Chocolate Beer Frosting Recipe and this Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

Classic Vanilla Buttercream Frosting Recipe Ingredients:

● ½ cup unsalted Butter, softened
● 2½ cups Confectioners Sugar, sifted
● 2 TBSP Milk
● 1 tsp Vanilla Extract

Classic Vanilla Buttercream Frosting Mise en Place:

● Measuring Cup
● Measuring Spoon
● Stand Mixer, bowl and beaters.
● Spatula
● Sifter

Classic Vanilla Buttercream Frosting Recipe Directions:

1. Using a stand-up mixer, beat butter until creamy on medium speed.
2. Gradually add half of the confectioners sugar; beat until well mixed.
3. Add 1 tablespoon of milk; beat until well mixed.
4. Gradually add the rest of your confectioner sugar; beat until well mixed.
5. Add vanilla extract, and remaining milk.

6. Beat for 2 minutes.
7. Note: if you require a stiffer frosting, add more confections sugar in 1/2 cup increments. If you need a thinner frosting, add more milk in tablespoon increments. You can add a few drops of food coloring to make the colored frosting.
8. Always frost completely cooled baked goods so your frosting does not melt on application.

● For more Recipes on Ann’s Entitled Life, click here.

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