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Homemade Buttercream Frosting

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homemade buttercream frosting, buttercream frosting recipe, frosting recipe

When it comes to frosting, there are many types to choose from, depending on what you’re baking. One of the most popular types of frosting is buttercream frosting. With frostings, you can add coloring, you can add flavoring, or keep it vanilla. Buttercream frosting is not only creamy and delicious, but it’s also super easy to make. This easy homemade buttercream frosting for beginners can be made in just a few minutes, tops!

Buttercream frosting is used on many types of baked goods sold today. From cupcakes to birthday cakes, you’ve likely tried buttercream frosting at least once in your life if you’ve enjoyed a piece of cake!

This best homemade buttercream frosting recipe is easy to make with this straightforward recipe, so you can enjoy your favorite baked treats with budget-friendly ingredients.

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homemade buttercream frosting, buttercream frosting recipe, frosting recipe

This frosting is commonly made at home and by those who make baked goods for a living. All that is required in this simple homemade buttercream frosting is powdered sugar, butter, vanilla extract, and a small amount of milk!

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That’s it! These few ingredients are all you need to make one of the most flavorful and common types of frosting for all types of desserts, big and small.

homemade buttercream frosting, buttercream frosting recipe, frosting recipe

If you’re looking for a tasty frosting that will impress your friends and family, give this recipe a try!

homemade buttercream frosting, buttercream frosting recipe, frosting recipe

What is your favorite type of frosting? Let us know in the comments below.

Scroll to bottom for printable recipe card.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • This recipe is super easy and is one of the most common frostings made for desserts. If you’re searching for a quick homemade buttercream frosting recipe, this one’s it!
  • You don’t need to search far for homemade homemade buttercream frosting ideas. This recipe only requires a few minutes of your time to complete.
  • It’s possible to store this frosting for later use, making it a great addition to have on hand if you’re a baker or living in a household of kids.
  • This recipe only requires items you can typically find in your pantry or refrigerator.

homemade buttercream frosting, buttercream frosting recipe, frosting recipe

Ingredient Notes & Substitutions

You can change it up how you like by adding fruit or food coloring. Using fresh fruit is a great way to color your frosting without any unnatural or unnecessary additives. Using organic food coloring is also possible if you prefer to go the coloring route without preservatives.

You can add various types of flavorings to this recipe to make it your own. Try different extracts, such as almond or mint extract for a taste that’s truly unique and your own.

If you want to reduce the calories in this frosting, try using a powdered sugar alternative. One brand that provides this is Swerve, which can be found at many large supermarkets today.

You can frost any of the following delicious desserts with this buttercream frosting. Feel free to try out any of these desserts and whip up this buttercream frosting.

You can also use full fat butter, or choose low-fat. You can add flavoring, fruit, coloring or just sprinkle with nonpareils when done adding the frosting.

Try my chocolate buttercream recipe as well for another tasty simple homemade buttercream frosting meal idea.

homemade buttercream frosting, buttercream frosting recipe, frosting recipe

Ingredients

  • Butter
  • Heavy whipping cream
  • Powdered sugar
  • Vanilla extract

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homemade buttercream frosting ingredients

How to Make It

Step 1. Cream the butter until fluffy and smooth. You can do this much easier if you set your butter out on the counter and allow it to come to room temperature. Once the butter is softened, it’s ready to be mixed until it’s creamy.

Step 2. Mix in the vanilla extra and ensure it is distributed evenly throughout your frosting base.

Mix in the vanilla.

Step 3. Add the powdered sugar to the mixture a small amount at a time until it’s well combined. Adding the sugar in slowly will prevent uneven distribution of the ingredients. It will also allow you to control the mixture’s texture as you begin whipping everything together. You can use a hand mixer, or an automatic mixer, depending on what you have available in your kitchen. Keep in mind that mixing by hand will require more time.

Add the powdered sugar to the mixture a small amount at a time until well combined. 

Step 4. Add in the heavy whipping cream and blend until smooth and fluffy. 

Pour in the heavy whipping cream, and blend until smooth and fluffy. 

Step 5. Use and apply to desserts as needed.

Use as needed.
homemade buttercream frosting, buttercream frosting recipe, frosting recipe

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homemade buttercream frosting

Servings: 18
This recipe is super easy and is the most common frosting that is made. You can change it up how you like by adding fruit or food coloring.
homemade buttercream frosting, buttercream frosting recipe, frosting recipe
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Ingredients 

  • 1 c Butter, unsalted and softened
  • 2 tbsp Heavy whipping cream
  • 3 c Powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp Vanilla extract

Instructions

  • Creamy the butter until fluffy and smooth.
  • Mix in the vanilla.
  • Add the powdered sugar to the mixture a small amount at a time until well combined.
  • Pour in the heavy whipping cream, and blend until smooth and fluffy.
  • Use as needed.

Nutrition

Calories: 15kcal | Carbohydrates: 22g | Protein: 0.5g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.3g | Cholesterol: 3mg | Sodium: 14mg | Potassium: 20mg | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 47IU | Vitamin C: 0.01mg | Calcium: 16mg | Iron: 0.01mg

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Tips for Success

Use a piping bag or a small Ziploc bag to create your own DIY version of a piping bag once you’re done making your healthy homemade buttercream frosting version at home. Making your own DIY piping bag can expedite the process of adding this delicious frosting to cupcakes or decorating a cake!

Storage

How should I store this family friendly homemade buttercream frosting?

This frosting does contain butter. It should be kept stored in the refrigerator. You can store it for up to 1 week. Use an airtight bag or container to keep the frosting from hardening or becoming inedible.

Can this frosting be placed in the freezer to be stored?

If you place the frosting into an airtight container, this buttercream frosting can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Serving Suggestions

You can add your homemade buttercream frosting to a variety of cakes and cupcakes. Swap the peanut butter frosting in this yellow cake with peanut butter frosting cake, or try your buttercream frosting on a tuxedo cake!

You can also save your buttercream frosting in sealed piping bags to use for up to a week when stored in your refrigerator. This way, you’ll always have a sweet treat topping on hand!

FAQs

Does this frosting spoil if I leave the cake on the counter?

The frosting can be left on the counter for up to two days. Any longer than that and it is best to store the frosting in the refrigerator, as well as cake or cupcakes that are frosted.

Notes

Research flavor extracts for your homemade buttercream frosting if you’re not a fan of vanilla or if you want to try something truly unique and different!

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More good dessert ideas?

Rum Layer Cake Recipe with Coconut Rum Frosting – Mind-blowing delicious!

finished layer cake ready to serve

Yellow Cake with Peanut butter Frosting – One of my favorites!

Yellow Cake with Peanut butter Frosting

Eggnog Cupcake with Rum Infused Frosting – Perfect for the holiday season.

An unwrapped eggnog cupcake on a white saucer with more cupcakes in the background

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