The Best Buttercream Frosting

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter (room temperature)
• 1.5 lb powdered sugar (also known as confectionery sugar)
• 1 tbsp vanilla extract (high quality recommended)
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 4 tbsp whole milk (plus more if needed for consistency)

Steps

1. 1

   Place the softened butter and powdered sugar in a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment (or a paddle attachment for the initial mix).

2. 2

   Beat the butter and sugar together until combined. The mixture will be thick and should have no clumps of powdered sugar remaining.

3. 3

   Add the milk, salt, and vanilla extract to the bowl.

4. 4

   Turn the mixer on high and beat for 3 minutes.

5. 5

   Scrape down the sides of the bowl using a rubber spatula to ensure all ingredients are fully incorporated.

6. 6

   Beat for 2 to 3 more minutes until the frosting is thick, light, and fluffy. If you used a paddle attachment initially, switch to the whisk attachment for this final stage to beat air into the frosting.

7. 7

   Transfer to a piping bag to frost your favorite cake, cupcakes, or cookies!

Notes

Ensure your butter is truly at room temperature; if it's too cold, it will take much longer to whip and may remain clumpy. You can adjust the consistency by adding milk one tablespoon at a time for a thinner frosting, or using slightly less for a stiffer consistency suitable for detailed piping.

Nutrition per serving

• dessert
• frosting
• vanilla
• vegetarian
• gluten-free
• baking basics