From the Cook
From the Cook
1/3
Super Fluffy Small Batch Vanilla Buttercream
Instructions
1
Add the unsalted butter, 60 grams (½ cup) of the powdered sugar, and a pinch of Kosher salt to a medium mixing bowl. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer with a whip attachment, beat the butter and powdered sugar until the mixture is thick and creamy. It may be a little crumbly at first, but if you keep mixing, it'll eventually come together!
2
Add the remaining 60 grams (½ cup) of powdered sugar, vanilla bean paste or extract, and milk to the frosting. Beat until everything is well-combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl 2-3 times in-between.
3
Turn the mixer to medium-high and beat the buttercream for another 2-3 minutes, until the frosting is very silky, fluffy, and lightened in color. Store in an airtight container for later or use it on cupcakes, cookies, cake, etc.
My Calorie Intake
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Tips & Tricks (5)
- Room Temperature is Non-Negotiable 🌡️Always bring your butter and milk to room temperature before mixing; cold ingredients create lumps and prevent proper emulsification, resulting in a grainy texture instead of silky smoothness.
- Cream Butter First for Fluffiness 🥄Beat unsalted butter alone for 2-3 minutes until pale and fluffy before adding other ingredients; this incorporates air that creates the signature light, cloud-like texture of premium buttercream.
- Vanilla Bean Paste Blooms in Milk 🌸Whisk vanilla bean paste into the milk first and let it sit for 1-2 minutes before adding to the butter; this allows the vanilla flavor to fully activate and distribute evenly throughout the frosting.
- Sift Powdered Sugar to Eliminate Lumps ✨Always sift your powdered sugar before adding it to prevent lumps and ensure a perfectly smooth, professional-quality finish without grainy texture.
- Add Salt Last for Flavor Balance 🧂Incorporate kosher salt in the final 30 seconds of mixing to heighten sweetness perception and balance flavors without over-mixing, which can deflate your carefully whipped buttercream.
Recipe Facts
Diet at a Glance
Vegetarian
Gluten Free
My Calorie Intake
Smart Nutrition 
Nutrition Per Serving
Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Glycemic Analysis
Glycemic Index
Glycemic Load
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