The Best Fluffy Buttercream Frosting

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This buttercream frosting is both sweet and silky, with a perfectly balanced texture that’s easy to work with. It holds its shape for piping and decorating but is soft enough to spread on cakes. The recipe is highly adaptable you can change the flavor, color, or sweetness to suit any dessert or celebration.

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
• Pinch of salt
• 1 tablespoon vanilla bean paste or clear vanilla extract (or flavor of your choice)
• 2 tablespoons milk

Directions

1. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with an electric mixer on medium speed until creamy and pale, about 2–3 minutes.
2. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing on low speed to prevent a sugar cloud.
3. Add a pinch of salt, vanilla, and milk, then beat on medium-high for 3–5 minutes until light, fluffy, and smooth.
4. Adjust consistency by adding more milk for a softer frosting or more powdered sugar for a thicker texture.
5. Use immediately to frost cakes or cupcakes, or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to use.

Servings and Timing

• Makes enough to frost 12–24 cupcakes or a 2-layer 8–9 inch cake
• Prep time: 5 minutes
• Mixing time: 5 minutes
• Total time: about 10 minutes

Variations

• Chocolate Buttercream: Add ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder for a chocolate version.
• Citrus Twist: Add 1–2 teaspoons lemon or orange zest for a fresh flavor.
• Coffee Buttercream: Mix in 1–2 teaspoons instant espresso powder.
• Colored Frosting: Add gel food coloring for vibrant decorations.
• Flavored Extracts: Substitute vanilla with almond, peppermint, or coconut extract for variety.

Storage/Reheating

Store buttercream in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Bring to room temperature and re-whip before using. For longer storage, it can be frozen for up to 2 months.

FAQs

Can I make this frosting ahead of time?

Yes, you can make it a day or two in advance. Re-whip before using to restore fluffiness.

Can I use salted butter?

Yes, but reduce or omit the pinch of added salt.

Can I pipe this frosting?

Absolutely! It holds its shape well and is perfect for decorative piping.

How can I make it less sweet?

Add a small amount of cream cheese or reduce the powdered sugar slightly.

Can I make it vegan?

Yes, substitute vegan butter and plant-based milk.

Conclusion

The Best Fluffy Buttercream Frosting is a simple, adaptable, and irresistible topping for all your baked treats. Smooth, creamy, and perfectly fluffy, it’s ideal for decorating cakes, cupcakes, and cookies. With endless flavor and color variations, this frosting is a must-have in any baker’s repertoire.

The Best Fluffy Buttercream Frosting

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The Best Fluffy Buttercream Frosting is a classic, versatile frosting that’s rich, creamy, and light as air. Perfect for cakes, cupcakes, cookies, and other desserts, it can be flavored with vanilla, chocolate, or any extract. Its smooth, fluffy texture makes it ideal for piping, spreading, or decorating for any occasion.

• Author: Julia
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: undefined
• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Yield: Enough to frost 12–24 cupcakes or a 2-layer 8–9 inch cake
• Category: Frosting, Dessert
• Method: Mixing, Whipping
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter, softened

4 cups powdered sugar, sifted

Pinch of salt

1 tablespoon vanilla bean paste or clear vanilla extract (or flavor of your choice)

2 tablespoons milk

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Instructions

1. Beat softened butter in a large bowl with an electric mixer on medium speed until creamy and pale, about 2–3 minutes.
2. Gradually add sifted powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing on low to prevent a sugar cloud.
3. Add a pinch of salt, vanilla, and milk, then beat on medium-high for 3–5 minutes until light, fluffy, and smooth.
4. Adjust consistency by adding more milk for softer frosting or more powdered sugar for thicker texture.
5. Use immediately to frost cakes or cupcakes, or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to use.

Notes

Chocolate version: add ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder.

Citrus twist: add 1–2 teaspoons lemon or orange zest.

Coffee flavor: mix in 1–2 teaspoons instant espresso powder.

Colored frosting: add gel food coloring as desired.

Flavored extracts: substitute vanilla with almond, peppermint, or coconut extract.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 24g
• Sodium: 15mg
• Fat: 6g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 1g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 0g
• Cholesterol: 15mg