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The Ultimate No-Fail Fluffy Vanilla Buttercream: Perfectly Creamy & Pipes Beautifully

Close-up of a perfectly piped swirl of fluffy vanilla buttercream frosting on top of a small cake or cupcake base.
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Make the best vanilla buttercream frosting with this quick, no-fail American buttercream recipe. It results in a smooth, creamy, and stable icing perfect for piping swirls on cakes and cupcakes.

Ingredients

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  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to cool room temperature
  • 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 3 to 5 tablespoons heavy cream or milk

Instructions

  1. Place the softened butter into the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment. Beat the butter on medium speed until it is completely smooth and creamy, about 2 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl.
  2. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing on low speed until just combined after each addition.
  3. Add the vanilla extract and salt. Increase the mixer speed to medium-high and beat for 3 minutes until the mixture is light and fluffy. Scrape down the bowl again.
  4. Add 3 tablespoons of heavy cream or milk. Beat on medium-high speed for another 2 minutes. This whipping action incorporates air, making the frosting fluffy.
  5. Check the consistency. If the frosting seems too stiff for spreading or piping, add the remaining cream, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired smooth consistency.
  6. If you need a very stable frosting for detailed piping, reduce the cream slightly and beat for an extra minute on medium speed to incorporate more air without making it too soft.

Notes

  • For the smoothest vanilla buttercream without a grainy texture, make sure your powdered sugar is sifted before adding it to the butter.
  • Use room temperature butter; if it is too warm, the frosting will separate and become greasy. If it is too cold, the frosting will be lumpy.
  • If the frosting becomes too soft while working, chill the entire bowl for 10 minutes, then re-whip it.
  • This classic vanilla frosting is excellent for layer cakes and holding sharp edges on cupcakes.

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Find it online: https://hearthbite.com/vanilla-buttercream-frosting-recipe-fluffy/