Name: Vanilla Buttercream Frosting
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Yield: 24 Servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 0.333 cup Butter; 3 cups Powdered sugar; 1.5 tablespoons Milk; 1.5 teaspoons Vanilla extract; Food coloring

I make my Vanilla Buttercream Frosting with just 4 simple ingredients. It has an incredibly delicious vanilla flavor. It’s truly the best buttercream recipe and is perfect for making layer cakes and cupcakes. I love this American buttercream recipe because it’s perfect as a crumb coat and frosting for birthday cakes. Not to mention it’s incredibly easy. It’s so good, it rivals my favorite cream cheese frosting.

Dessert

5 m

American

It is a Keeper

March 11, 2026

Itisakeeper.com

From the Cook

1/5

Vanilla Buttercream Frosting

It is a Keeper Verified

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Ingredients

Warning0 allergens identified

Instructions

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Instructions

Using a hand mixer on low, blend the butter and powdered sugar.

Add the milk and vanilla and continue to blend until smooth. If you prefer a thinner consistency, add more milk.

If desired, add food coloring.

Nutrition

My Calorie Intake

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Tips & Tricks (5)

Room Temperature Butter is Key 🧈
Always use softened butter at room temperature for 30 minutes before mixing to ensure smooth, fluffy frosting without lumps or grainy texture.
Sift Powdered Sugar First 🍰
Sift your powdered sugar before adding it to eliminate lumps and create an ultra-smooth, light frosting with better consistency for spreading.
Add Milk Gradually for Perfect Consistency 🥛
Add milk one tablespoon at a time while beating, as you can always add more but cannot remove excess, ensuring your frosting reaches the ideal spreadable texture.
Use Pure Vanilla Extract for Superior Flavor 🌾
Invest in pure vanilla extract rather than imitation—it provides a richer, more authentic vanilla flavor that truly elevates the final taste of your frosting.
Beat for Volume and Stability ⏱️
Beat the frosting on medium-high speed for 3-5 minutes after all ingredients are combined to incorporate air, creating a lighter texture and stronger structure for layering cakes.