Fluffy Vanilla Buttercream (American Buttercream)
The best American buttercream frosting that is smooth and fluffy. You can make this frosting thick and stiff or light, loose and airy. It is easy to adjust the consistency for piping and spreading on cakes, cookies, or cupcakes. This is an all-butter recipe.
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Servings: 4 -1/2 cups of buttercream
Calories: 48kcal
Ingredients
- 2 cups salted butter softened
- 6 to 8 cups confectioners sugar 678 to 904 grams
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Optional:
- 1 to 2 tablespoons cream or milk based on your desired consistency
Instructions
- Place the butter and a couple of cups of the sugar in a mixing bowl. Mix on medium speed until the sugar is blended well with the butter. Blend in the vanilla extract.
- Slowly add more sugar a little at a time. Start with just 6 cups of sugar if you want a looser, fluffier consistency. Beat until it is very smooth and creamy.
- To get really smooth and creamy results, beat for at least 5 to 6 minutes with a handheld mixer and 3 to 4 minutes with a stand mixer. For an even fluffier and almost white color, add a couple more minutes.
Adjust the consistency:
- If you want a stiffer, thicker consistency, add the additional 2 cups of powdered sugar.
- For a looser and lighter consistency, add the cream or milk.
Notes
- If you use a hand held mixer you will need to beat the buttercream for 5 to 6 minutes but a stand mixer will take half the time.
- Freezes for 3 month
- Makes 4-1/2 cups of icing.
- Frosts 24 cupcakes or a 9 inch two layer cake.
Nutrition
Serving: 1tablespoon | Calories: 48kcal | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 14mg | Sodium: 42mg