This homemade buttercream frosting recipe is so good, you’ll want to put it on everything! It’s perfect for decorating cakes and cupcakes, and it’s also delicious as a filling for whoopie pies or sandwich cookies. And best of all, it’s super easy to make! Just follow the simple instructions below and you’ll have perfect buttercream frosting every time.
American buttercream frosting is a rich and creamy icing that is made with butter, powdered sugar, and milk or cream. It is the most popular type of icing used in the United States, and it can be easily made at home with just a few simple ingredients.
History of American Buttercream Frosting
The history of American buttercream frosting can be traced back to the early 1800s, when it was first created in Philadelphia. It quickly became popular among bakers and cake decorators for its ease of use and delicious flavor. Today, American buttercream is still the most popular type of frosting used in the United States, and it is perfect for decorating both cakes and cupcakes.
Different types of buttercream frosting
American buttercream frosting is different from other buttercream recipes in a few key ways. First, it uses butter instead of margarine or shortening, which gives it a richer flavor and texture. Second, American buttercream frosting is made with powdered sugar, which makes it sweeter than other types of buttercream. Finally, American buttercream is typically made with milk or cream, which gives it a light and fluffy texture.
Other notable types of buttercream frosting include Swiss buttercream, French buttercream, and Italian meringue buttercream.
- Swiss buttercream is similar to American buttercream, but it uses egg whites instead of milk or cream.
- French buttercream is made with butter, sugar, and egg yolks, and it has a dense, creamy texture.
- Italian meringue buttercream is made with hot sugar syrup and Egg whites beaten together until stiff peaks form, and it has a light, airy texture.
Ingredients + Variations
- 1 cups unsalted butter, room temperature
- 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 2 teaspoon real vanilla extract
- ¼ cups whole milk
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Hand mixer
- Spatula
Instructions
- Cream the butter in a large mixing bowl with a hand-mixer until perfectly smooth.
- Sift in the powdered sugar and continue mixing until smooth.
- Add the vanilla and mix to combine.
- Slowly add in the milk, one tablespoon at a time, while mixing at a low speed until reaching the desired consistency.
Cooking Tips
- Use room temperature butter for easy mixing
Serving
Spreading a thin layer of delicious buttercream frosting on the sides of the cake offers a trendy modern, yet classy, look to the decorated cake. If you’d like a thicker frosting on the sides, increase the buttercream frosting recipe by one half. You can also top the cake with berries for a gorgeous presentation.
Pairs with (wine/drink)
- Riesling
- Chardonnay
Storage Instructions
Leftover American buttercream frosting can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. Before using, let the frosting come to room temperature and then whisk it until it is smooth. You can also freeze leftover buttercream frosting for up to 3 months. Thaw the buttercream frosting overnight in the fridge, and then whisk it until it is smooth before using.
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Buttercream Frosting
Ingredients
- 1 cups unsalted butter, room temperature
- 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 2 teaspoon real vanilla extract
- ¼ cups whole milk
Instructions
- Cream the butter in a large mixing bowl with a hand-mixer until perfectly smooth.
- Sift in the powdered sugar and continue mixing until smooth.
- Add the vanilla and mix to combine.
- Slowly add in the milk, one tablespoon at a time, while mixing until reaching the desired consistency.
Notes
The thin layer of frosting on the sides of the cake offers a trendy modern, yet classy, look to the decorated cake. If you’d like a thicker frosting on the sides, increase the frosting recipe by one half. You can also top the cake with berries for a gorgeous presentation.