Silky Smooth American Buttercream
Need a foolproof buttercream frosting recipe? This American buttercream is delightfully sweet, incredibly smooth, and easy! The bee's knees for cakes & cupcakes. Get the recipe now!

Right then, let’s chat about buttercream! ever wondered how to whip up that perfect swirl of sweetness on your cupcakes? honestly, the secret lies in a good buttercream frosting recipe .
It's like the little black dress of baking – essential and always impressive.
The Magic of Buttercream
Where does this delightful stuff come from? buttercream has roots in european confectionery. it's now a global phenomenon. it's easier than you think to make.
This cake frosting recipe easy whipped cream version is especially simple. perfect for a quick bake-off.
This recipe yields about 3 cups of frosting. Enough for a 9x13 cake or 24 cupcakes. Get ready to frost 'til your heart's content.
Silky Smooth American Buttercream Recipe Card

Ingredients:
Instructions:
Why You'll Love This Recipe
Want a healthier treat? homemade is always better. you control the sugar and ingredients. it’s the perfect finish for birthdays or a bank holiday bake-off.
What makes this recipe special? it's incredibly adaptable. you can add any flavor you like! plus, you can say you know how to make cake icing homemade simple .
Now, what do you need to get started? Don't you worry, the ingredients are easy to find.
Right then, let’s sort out what you'll need. it's all pretty straightforward, no need to panic. you can do this, i swear! and trust me, a good buttercream frosting recipe is worth the effort.
Think of it as a hug for your cake.

Ingredients & Equipment
Main Ingredients
Let's gather our bits and bobs.
- 1 cup (227g) unsalted butter, softened. You want it properly soft, not melted.
- 4 cups (480g) powdered sugar. Sift it, honestly, it makes a difference.
- ¼ cup (60ml) milk or heavy cream. I sometimes use double cream for extra richness!
- 2 teaspoons (10ml) vanilla extract. A good quality one.
- Pinch of salt.
For the butter, quality matters. Go for a good brand, one you'd happily spread on your toast. Don't be tight! Think Lurpak or something similar.
Seasoning Notes
Simple is best, innit? vanilla is the star here, but a tiny pinch of salt balances the sweetness. experiment a bit! lemon zest is ace.
For a bit of a kick, a touch of cinnamon or nutmeg won't hurt. i've also been known to sneak in a bit of amaretto for that almondy taste.
If you're feeling adventurous, try a few drops of rosewater. Just be careful, it's powerful. A little goes a long way. I learned that one the hard way!
Equipment Needed
Nothing fancy needed, just the basics.
- Stand mixer or hand mixer. A stand mixer makes life easier.
- Large mixing bowl, if using a hand mixer. Needs to be big enough to stop the sugar cloud.
- Measuring cups and spoons. Precise measuring is essential.
- Sifter or fine-mesh sieve. For the powdered sugar, remember?
- Rubber spatula or wooden spoon. For scraping down the sides.
Don't have a stand mixer? No worries! A hand mixer will do the trick. Just be prepared for a bit of an arm workout.
Honestly, how to make cake icing homemade simple doesn't require a ton of kit. if you don't have a sifter, a fine-mesh sieve works just as well.
We are making cake frosting recipe easy whipped cream after all!
I'll let you in on a secret. Sometimes, I use a balloon whisk for the last minute to whip up the Simple Whipped Cream Frosting until it looks like a dream.
This buttercream icing recipe will blow your mind with its simplicity. now, let's get this whipped icing recipe for cakes started! don’t even bother with those shop-bought abominations.
Make a batch of buttercream icing for cupcakes . it's not hard, trust me. in fact, there are hundreds of cupcake frosting recipes online.
But this one's mine !
I reckon you're now ready to crack on with this Cream Frosting Recipe Whipped . It's easier than painting the Forth Bridge. Now, where's my apron?
Right then, let's dive into the world of buttercream frosting recipe ! honestly, there's nothing quite like a homemade buttercream to elevate a cake or cupcake from 'meh' to 'marvellous'.
You know? it's a skill every baker should have in their arsenal, like knowing how to make a decent cuppa.
Getting Started: Your Buttercream Prep
First things first, the mise en place . sounds fancy, doesn't it? it just means "everything in its place". makes life so much easier.
So, get your ingredients measured and your equipment ready. it will save you time and frustration, trust me!
Time-saving tip? soften your butter beforehand! properly softened butter is key. i leave mine out for about an hour. if you're impatient, you can try the microwave, but be very careful not to melt it.
Step-by-Step: The Buttercream Boogie
Ready to whip up some magic? Here’s a simple, step-by-step guide:
- Cream the butter : Beat your 2 sticks (227g) of softened butter until its nice and smooth.
- Add sugar slowly: Gradually add 4 cups (480g) of sifted powdered sugar. Mix on low to avoid a sugar explosion.
- Milk and Vanilla Time : Add ¼ cup (60ml) of milk and 2 teaspoons (10ml) vanilla extract. Mix it up!
- Whip it good! Turn up the speed and whip for 2- 3 minutes until light and fluffy.
- Taste test! Adjust as needed. More sugar for sweetness, more milk for a thinner consistency.
You know, I once made a cake for my friend's birthday and completely forgot the vanilla. It tasted...well, like sugary butter. Lesson learned! Always taste as you go.
Pro Tips for Perfect Buttercream
Want to take your buttercream to the next level? Here are a couple of tricks I've learned over the years.
Avoid over-mixing! Honestly, it can make your buttercream split.
Fixing curdled buttercream. Oh my gosh! it happens to the best of us. Simply warm the mixing bowl slightly.
This simple whipped cream frosting is perfect. and it doesn’t take a long time to create your cake frosting recipe easy whipped cream at home.
I prefer to make buttercream icing for cupcakes , you can make a whipped icing recipe for cakes too! if you need a cream frosting recipe whipped it is the best buttercream icing recipe .
The frosting recipes are easy .
Making how to make cake icing homemade simple is not scary anymore. You can also use this recipe to create an amazing buttercream icing for cupcakes
And there you have it! Your very own homemade buttercream. Go forth and frost, my friend!
Right, let's dig into the nitty-gritty of this buttercream frosting recipe. It’s not just about slapping ingredients together. It’s about the art of the frosting.
Recipe Notes: Making Magic With Buttercream
Honestly, this is where the fun really starts. You’ve got your base, now let's talk how to make it sing.
Serving Suggestions: Making Your Cake Look Like a Star
First up, presentation! think about how you’re going to show off that beautiful buttercream frosting recipe . are we talking swirls on cupcakes? or a smooth, elegant layer cake? for cupcakes, a piping bag with a star tip is your best mate.
For cakes, an offset spatula is your go-to for a flawlessly smooth finish. complementary sides? a simple fruit salad or a glass of ice-cold milk always works a treat.
Or if you're feeling fancy, a dessert wine pairing.
Storage Tips: Keeping That Frosting Fresh
Nobody wants a soggy cake. so, what's the game plan to keep this simple whipped cream frosting in tip-top shape? for refrigeration, keep your frosted creations in an airtight container.
They'll happily sit in the fridge for up to three days. freezing? you can freeze unfrosted cakes or cupcakes. thaw them completely before adding the frosting.
Want to reheat them? Not really recommended. Best to eat them at room temperature or slightly chilled.
Variations: Playing Around With Flavors
Fancy a twist? let’s have a go at some variations. for a dietary adaptation, try a vegan cake frosting recipe easy whipped cream using plant-based butter and milk.
Seasonal ingredient swaps are brilliant too. in summer, think lemon or strawberry. autumn? go for a spiced apple cream frosting recipe whipped or maple flavor.
Nutrition Basics: A Treat, But Still Good To Know
Alright, let's talk nutrition. a little treat never hurt anyone, right? but it's good to know what you're getting. our buttercream icing for cupcakes packs calories, mainly from sugar and fat.
This whipped icing recipe for cakes offers minimal protein and fibre. but hey, it tastes amazing! and happiness is important for health too.
We've tried everything from simple whipped cream frosting to more complex buttercream icing recipe, and the key is practice. i hope this gets you the right frosting recipes easy for your cake or cupcakes and maybe even your next buttercream icing recipe .

Frequently Asked Questions
My buttercream looks curdled! What went wrong, and how do I fix it?
Curdled buttercream is a common hiccup, a bit like a soggy bottom on The Great British Bake Off! This usually happens when the butter is too cold or too warm. Try gently warming the sides of the bowl with a hairdryer or placing it over a bowl of hot water, then continue mixing. It should come back together eventually. Patience is a virtue, as they say!
Can I make this buttercream frosting recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! Buttercream is a great make-ahead option, a real time-saver when you're prepping for a party. You can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. When you're ready to use it, let it come to room temperature and re-whip it until it's light and fluffy again. You might need to add a splash of milk or cream to get it back to the right consistency. Think of it as giving it a little spa day before its big debut!
How can I customize this buttercream frosting recipe with different flavors?
The possibilities are endless! You can add extracts like almond, lemon, or peppermint for a burst of flavor. Alternatively, you can incorporate ingredients like melted chocolate, fruit purees (strained to remove seeds), or even a spoonful of your favorite jam. Just remember to adjust the liquid content if necessary to maintain the right consistency. It's all about experimenting and finding what tickles your fancy – just like choosing your toppings at a Mr. Whippy ice cream van!
Is it possible to make a chocolate version of this buttercream frosting recipe?
Yes, it's a piece of cake (pun intended!). To transform this into a chocolate buttercream, simply add about ½ cup of unsweetened cocoa powder along with the powdered sugar. For a richer, more intense chocolate flavor, you could also melt a few ounces of your favorite dark chocolate, let it cool slightly, and then whisk it into the buttercream. Consider it your chocolatey secret weapon!
My buttercream is too sweet! How can I reduce the sweetness without ruining the recipe?
If your buttercream is sending you into a sugar coma, don't fret! You can balance the sweetness by adding a pinch of salt, which enhances the other flavors. You can also add a tablespoon of lemon juice or a teaspoon of cream cheese. These ingredients provide a slight tang that cuts through the sweetness beautifully. Think of it as adding a dash of sophistication to a potentially over-eager dessert!