Classic Vanilla Buttercream Icing (Silky Smooth Perfection!)

Need a simple icing recipe? This classic vanilla buttercream is perfect for cakes, cupcakes, & cookies! It's creamy, delicious, and easy to make. Give it a go!

May 26, 2025
By Sally Thompson.

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Right then, let's dive straight into making some seriously scrummy icing! you know when you just need that perfect finishing touch? a luscious, sweet blanket to take your bake from "meh" to "marvelous"? well, grab your whisks because we're about to unlock the secrets of a killer icing recipe .

I'm talking about classic vanilla buttercream icing – the queen of all frostings.

Classic Vanilla Buttercream: Your New Best Friend

Seriously, where would we be without vanilla buttercream? this isn't just any cake frosting recipe easy whipped cream , it’s the buttercream icing recipe that every baker should have in their arsenal.

We're talking about that simple whipped cream frosting that takes you back to childhood birthdays and stolen spoonfuls from the mixing bowl.

This recipe gives you enough cream frosting recipe whipped to generously coat a two-layer cake or a couple dozen cupcakes.

This whipped icing recipe for cakes isn't just an american thing. it’s become a global phenomenon because it's just that good.

Think of it as the "little black dress" of the baking world: classic, versatile, and always in style. the recipe’s super easy, requiring just about 20 minutes and only a handful of ingredients.

Classic Vanilla Buttercream Icing (Silky Smooth Perfection!) Recipe Card

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Preparation time:10 Mins

Cooking time:0

Servings:Enough to frost a 9-inch two-layer cake or 24 cupcakes

Ingredients:

• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened but still cool (227g)
• 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted (480g)
• 2 tablespoons milk or heavy cream (30 ml)
• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract (10 ml)
• Pinch of salt

Instructions:

• Beat the softened butter in a stand mixer (or with a hand mixer) on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3-5 minutes. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed. Look for a noticeable change in colour and texture.
• Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating on low speed to prevent a sugar cloud. Mix until just combined after each addition. It's okay if it looks a little crumbly at this stage.
• Add the milk (or heavy cream), vanilla extract, and salt.
• Increase the mixer speed to medium-high and beat for 2-3 minutes, or until the buttercream is light and fluffy. The icing should be smooth, creamy, and free of any lumps. If it's too thick, add a teaspoon of milk at a time until desired consistency is reached.
• Place the bowl in the refrigerator for 10 minutes to let the buttercream firm up slightly. This helps make it easier to pipe or spread.
• Use the buttercream immediately to frost your cakes, cupcakes, or cookies.

Why This Icing Rocks

Honestly? it’s all about the flavor and texture. the sweet vanilla combined with the rich butter creates an irresistible experience, and the frosting is so smooth.

Plus, did you know studies show that vanilla can actually have a calming effect? so, you're not just making buttercream icing for cupcakes , you're basically baking your way to zen!

This frosting recipes easy is perfect for those everyday bakes. whether it's a birthday, celebration or you just fancy a sweet treat.

What makes this recipe stand out? it's reliable, adaptable, and the taste is just divine! let's move on to gathering your ingredients, shall we?

Right then, let’s get cracking on a cracking icing recipe ! i'm thinking something classic and versatile. perfect for cakes or just sneaking a spoonful.

We've all been there, haven’t we? i'm going with vanilla buttercream.

Ingredients & Equipment

Main Ingredients

Here's what you'll need for this scrummy whipped icing recipe for cakes :

• 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter, softened but cool. It's like spreadable, not melty.
• 4 cups (480g) powdered sugar, sifted. Honestly, don't skip the sifting!
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) milk or heavy cream.
• 2 teaspoons (10 ml) pure vanilla extract. Go for the good stuff, you know?
• Pinch of salt.

Quality Indicators

The butter's the star here. Get proper butter with a good fat content. You’ll notice the difference. Make sure it is not near expiring.

Seasoning Notes

For that classic taste, vanilla extract is essential. You could add a tiny drop of almond extract. Mind you, it's potent!

If you haven't got vanilla, try a splash of maple syrup. It gives a lovely warmth, you know?

Equipment Needed

For this buttercream icing for cupcakes , you'll want:

• Stand mixer or hand mixer. Either works a treat.
• Mixing bowl.
• Measuring cups and spoons.
• Sifter for that pesky powdered sugar.
• Rubber spatula to scrape the bowl clean.

Don't have a stand mixer? A good old-fashioned bowl and whisk will do the trick. It'll give you a bit of an arm workout.

My mum uses a wooden spoon, and honestly, her simple whipped cream frosting is banging! The key is patience.

Honestly, this cake frosting recipe easy whipped cream is so easy you could do it with your eyes closed... but don't. I tried that once, icing everywhere.

Buttercream Icing Recipe is one of my favourite types of frosting! Also, using frosting recipes easy makes baking enjoyable and relaxing.

Right then, let’s get cracking on a cracking icing recipe ! i'm thinking something classic, versatile, and bloomin' delicious – perfect for cakes, cookies, or even just sneaking a spoonful straight from the bowl (we've all been there, haven’t we?).

Since you asked for an "icing recipe" without a target, i am going with vanilla buttercream to cover all needs.

Classic Vanilla Buttercream Icing (Silky Smooth Perfection!)

This classic vanilla buttercream icing is a staple for any baker. with its creamy texture and sweet vanilla flavor, it's perfect for frosting cakes, cupcakes, cookies, or simply enjoying on its own.

This recipe yields a smooth, stable buttercream that’s easy to work with and holds its shape beautifully. this is your go-to icing recipe – the bread and butter (or rather, cake and icing!) of your baking repertoire.

Prep Steps for Simple Whipped Cream Frosting

Honestly, the mise en place for this is dead simple. You basically need to get your stuff together.

• Essential mise en place: Get your butter softened (but not too soft!), sift your powdered sugar, and measure out the milk and vanilla. Ta-dah! Done.

• Time-saving organization tips: Soften the butter ahead of time, like an hour or two before. Sift the sugar while the butter's softening. Boom, multitasking!

Creamy Perfection Begins with...

Let's dive into the step-by-step process . I'm not gonna lie, this is almost too easy.

1. Cream the Butter: Beat the softened butter in a stand mixer (or with a hand mixer) on medium speed until light and fluffy, about 3- 5 minutes . Scrape down the sides as needed. Look for a noticeable change in colour and texture.
2. Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating on low speed to prevent a sugar cloud. Mix until just combined after each addition. It's okay if it looks a little crumbly at this stage. This is key for getting that super smooth texture. Think of it like building a sandcastle – you don't want it collapsing!
3. Add Liquid and Vanilla: Add the milk (or heavy cream), vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. The salt might seem odd, but it balances the sweetness, you know?
4. Beat Until Smooth: Increase the mixer speed to medium-high and beat for 2- 3 minutes , or until the buttercream is light and fluffy. The icing should be smooth, creamy, and free of any lumps. If it's too thick, add a teaspoon of milk at a time until desired consistency is reached. Honestly, this part is so satisfying to watch.
5. Chill Briefly: Place the bowl in the refrigerator for about 10 minutes to let the buttercream firm up slightly. This helps make it easier to pipe or spread.
6. Use Immediately: Use the buttercream immediately to frost your cakes, cupcakes, or cookies. Or just eat it with a spoon. I won't judge.

Pro Tips for the Best Ever Buttercream

Okay, so here's where I share my secret weapons for killer buttercream. Buttercream Icing For Cupcakes

• Butter Temperature is Key: Make sure your butter is softened but still cool . If it's too warm, the buttercream will be greasy. Think spreadable from the fridge, not melting.
• Don’t Overmix: Overmixing can incorporate too much air and make the buttercream unstable. Stop when it's smooth and creamy.
• Adjust the Consistency: If the buttercream is too thick, add a little more milk. If it's too thin, add a little more powdered sugar. A teaspoon at a time!

This is how How To Make Cake Icing Homemade Simple. Frosting Recipes Easy are simple to make. The recipe can be used to make a Cake Frosting Recipe Easy Whipped Cream

And there you have it! a solid recipe for whipped icing recipe for cakes . you can even use this recipe to make a cream frosting recipe whipped i'm off to find a cake that needs frosting.

.. cheers!

Right then, let's talk about how to make this icing recipe absolutely perfect. these are my notes from years of baking.

Honestly, sometimes it's the little things that make all the difference, you know? let's make some awesome cake frosting recipe easy whipped cream !

Recipe Notes: The Secret Sauce

I always jot down notes whenever I try a recipe. I change ingredients and cooking techniques a lot. These are all my personal experience. Take it or leave it.

Serving it Up: Plating and Presentation

Okay, so presentation matters . think about it. a cake that looks good tastes even better, right? i love using a simple offset spatula for a smooth, classic look.

For cupcakes, get yourself some piping bags and tips! it elevates the whole thing. seriously, try swirling the simple whipped cream frosting on top.

It makes it feel like a bakery treat. as for sides? a cuppa, naturally. or maybe some fresh berries to cut through the sweetness.

Lovely.

Storing your Sweetness

Right, so you've got leftover buttercream. no worries. pop it in an airtight container in the fridge. it'll keep for about a week.

Honestly, i doubt it'll last that long. freezing is also an option. just thaw it in the fridge overnight and give it a good whip before using.

If it seems a bit stiff, add a tiny splash of milk. also if you want to bring it back to life use a warm wet towel, and leave wrapped around the container for 5 minutes.

Mixing It Up: Variations Galore

Want to get a bit adventurous? go for it. to make it vegan , use a good vegan butter substitute.

Also plant-based milk. seriously good. in the summer, i love adding a bit of lemon zest for a zingy flavour.

A simple cream frosting recipe whipped goes a long way.

Nutrition Lowdown: A Little Treat

Let's be real; buttercream icing recipe isn't exactly health food. but life's too short to skip dessert, eh? this recipe gives you about 150-200 calories per serving.

It's mostly sugar and fat. enjoy it in moderation! i like to walk extra miles that day. so it's all good.

So, there you have it. all my little notes to help you nail this whipped icing recipe for cakes . don't be afraid to experiment.

Have some fun and make it your own. right, i'm off to find some cupcakes! hope these cupcake frosting recipes inspire you!