Fluffy Vanilla Buttercream
Create a lusciously smooth and fluffy American Buttercream Frosting with this easy-to-follow recipe. Perfect for cakes, cupcakes, and more, this buttercream is a delightful finishing touch to your baked goods.
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Are you ready to unlock the secret to the creamiest, dreamiest American Buttercream Frosting? Look no further because I’m here to spill the beans! This creamy vanilla frosting is the perfect finishing touch for cakes, cupcakes, and more.
In this detailed recipe, I'll walk you through every step to ensure your buttercream turns out light, fluffy, and absolutely delicious. Plus, I'll share some handy tips for adjusting the consistency and flavor to suit your preferences.
Need to soften butter quickly? Soften Butter Quickly with These Hacks
Are you using this buttercream for a cake? Check out these blog posts:
How to Make Vanilla American Buttercream
Equipment Needed:
Hand mixer or Stand mixer with a paddle attachment
Airtight container for storage
Ingredients:
2 sticks (1 cup) unsalted butter, softened
4 cups powdered sugar
A pinch (about 1/16 teaspoon) of salt
1 tsp vanilla extract
2 TBS heavy whipping cream
My softened butter after beating for 2 minutes.
Instructions:
Prep Your Butter:
In a mixing bowl, place the softened butter. Using a hand mixer or a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the butter on medium-high speed for approximately 2 minutes. Keep going until it becomes light and fluffy. This initial step is crucial for achieving that dreamy texture.
Add the Dry Ingredients:
Gradually incorporate half of the powdered sugar, the pinch of salt, and 1 tablespoon of heavy whipping cream into the whipped butter. Continue to beat the mixture until it's well combined. Don't forget to scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to ensure everything is thoroughly mixed.
Introduce the Flavor:
Now, it's time to infuse that delightful flavor. Add the remaining powdered sugar, the rest of the heavy whipping cream, and the vanilla extract to the bowl. Begin mixing on low speed to prevent a sugary explosion, then gradually increase the speed to medium-high. Remember to scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl frequently during this process.
Whip to Perfection:
Keep the mixer running at medium-high speed for an additional 2 minutes. This extra whipping time is the secret to achieving that irresistibly light and fluffy texture. Your buttercream should be heavenly by now.
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Adjust the Consistency:
Depending on your local climate, you may need to fine-tune the frosting's consistency.
Too Stiff: Add more heavy whipping cream, a little at a time, until you reach your desired texture.
Too Soft: Gradually mix in more powdered sugar until it thickens up to your liking.
Too Sweet: Add a pinch more salt to balance the flavors.
Customize to Taste
Here's where you can get creative! You can swap out the heavy whipping cream with alternatives like milk, half and half, flavored creamers, or even a touch of your favorite alcohol.
Creamer: You can add flavored coffee creamer, such as French vanilla or hazelnut, to infuse a unique taste into your buttercream.
Start by adding a small amount (about 1-2 tablespoons) in place of the heavy whipping cream and mix it in.
Taste and adjust until you achieve the desired flavor.
Keep in mind that flavored creamers often contain sugar, so you may want to reduce the amount of powdered sugar in the recipe to balance the sweetness.
Alcohol: Adding alcohol like liqueurs (e.g., Baileys, Kahlúa) or extracts (e.g., rum, almond) can impart a delightful flavor to your frosting.
Begin with 1-2 tablespoons of the chosen alcohol or extract (in place of the heavy whipping cream) and mix it into the buttercream.
Taste and adjust as needed.
Be cautious with alcohol, especially if serving to children or those who shouldn't consume alcohol.
Remember to add these liquids gradually and taste along the way to ensure you achieve the desired flavor without compromising the frosting's consistency. Enjoy experimenting with different flavor variations!
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Servings & Yield
This American Buttercream Frosting recipe should provide enough frosting to generously cover approximately:
24 standard-sized cupcakes
A two-layer 8-inch round cake, this recipe should be sufficient to frost both the middle layer and the exterior.
If you're making a larger cake or a cake with more layers, you might want to consider doubling the recipe to ensure you have enough to cover everything beautifully.
How to Store
Transfer this American Buttercream Frosting into an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.
How Long This Recipe Lasts
This heavenly buttercream can be refrigerated for up to 7 days or frozen for up to 3 months. To freeze: Place frosting in a freezer zipper bag and date.
Substitutions or Variations
While this classic recipe is already fantastic, you can add your own twist to it. Experiment with different flavor extracts like almond or lemon for a unique taste. For a chocolatey kick, mix in cocoa powder to taste. Don't be afraid to get creative and make it your own!
FAQs
Q: Can I use salted butter?
A: It's better to stick with unsalted butter, so you can control the saltiness. But if you only have salted butter, reduce the added salt in the recipe.
Q: My frosting is too thick. What should I do?
A: Simply add a bit more heavy whipping cream, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
Q: Can I freeze this frosting?
A: Yes, you can! Store it in an airtight container in the freezer for up to three months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before using and give it a good whip with your mixer.
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Tips & Tricks
Ensure your butter is at room temperature for that perfect fluffiness. Soften Butter Quickly with These Hacks
Gradually add the powdered sugar to avoid a sugar snowstorm in your kitchen.
Scrape the bowl regularly for even mixing.
The longer you whip, the fluffier your frosting will be, so don't rush it.
I’ve just shared the ultimate American Buttercream Frosting recipe that's bound to elevate your baking game. Creamy, dreamy, and oh-so-delicious, it's perfect for cakes, cupcakes, and more.
Don't forget to comment below with your thoughts and any variations you've tried. Subscribe to my newsletter for the latest recipes and share this mouthwatering recipe on your social media to spread the sweetness!
Get ready to indulge in frosting heaven!
Stay Sweet, Xoxo Chyna B
More BAKING HACKS you’ll enjoy:
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Fluffy American Buttercream
Ingredients
Instructions
- Using a hand mixer, or stand mixer fitted with paddle attachment, cream together the softened butter on medium-high for 2 minutes until light and fluffy.
- Add half of the powdered sugar, salt, and 1 tablespoon of heavy whipping cream. Beat until combined, scraping the sides of the bowl as needed.
- Add in the remaining powdered sugar, heavy whipping cream, and the vanilla extract. Beat on low until powdered sugar is incorporated. Then move the mixer up to medium-high speed. Scrape sides and bottom of bowl often. Whip for an additional 2 minutes, or until the buttercream is light and fluffy.
Notes
- Too Stiff: Add more heavy whipping cream, a little at a time, until you reach your desired texture.
- Too Soft: Gradually mix in more powdered sugar until it thickens up to your liking.
- Too Sweet: Add a pinch more salt to balance the flavors.
- Read the entire blog post for more in-depth instructions on this recipe.
Any nutritional information on chynabsweets.com should only be used as a general guideline as this information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only.
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