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Quick and Almost-Professional Buttercream Icing

Our favorite buttercream frosting recipe is creamy and fluffy, can be tinted for any occasion, and is perfect for piping and decorating.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • ½ cup unsalted butter at room temperature
  • 2 cups powdered sugar sifted
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1 –2 tablespoons whole milk or heavy cream
  • Pinch of salt optional

Method
 

  1. Gather everything: Get your butter, sugar, vanilla, and cream ready. Pre-measure to stay in the zone.
  2. Beat the butter: In a large bowl, whip at medium speed until pale and creamy (about 2 minutes).
  3. Add sugar slowly: With the mixer on low, add powdered sugar ½ cup at a time. Scrape down the sides.
  4. Flavor & thin: Pour in vanilla, add milk or cream, then bump speed to medium-high until fluffy (another 2–3 minutes).
  5. Color & decorate: Divide frosting into bowls, stir in gel food coloring, then pipe away with confidence.