The Best Homemade Buttercream Frosting Recipe

What You’ll Love About This Recipe

This homemade buttercream frosting is incredibly easy to make and perfect for any dessert. It takes just a few simple ingredients and can be whipped up in no time!

• The texture is smooth, creamy, and spreads like a dream, making it ideal for cakes or cupcakes.
• It’s customizable with flavors and colors, so you can get creative and make it your own.
• You’ll love how it melts in your mouth, leaving behind that rich, buttery sweetness everyone craves.

Recipe

Buttercream frosting is a classic and versatile topping for cakes, cupcakes, and cookies. Its smooth, creamy texture and rich flavor make it a favorite for bakers of all levels. This recipe is simple to prepare and uses basic ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 4 cups powdered sugar (confectioners’ sugar)
• 2-3 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter on medium speed with an electric mixer until creamy, about 2-3 minutes.
2. Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing on low speed to avoid a sugar cloud. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.
3. Add the heavy cream or milk, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt (if using). Mix on medium speed until the frosting is smooth and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Adjust the consistency by adding more cream or milk for a thinner frosting or more powdered sugar for a thicker frosting.
5. Use immediately to frost cakes, cupcakes, or cookies.

Notes:

• For chocolate buttercream, add 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder along with the powdered sugar.
• Store leftover frosting in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Allow it to come to room temperature and re-whip before use.

Equipment:

• Electric mixer
• Large mixing bowl
• Spatula

Time:

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cooking time: 0 minutes

Cuisine: American

Serving: Enough to frost 24 cupcakes or one 9-inch layer cake.

Nutrition

Homemade buttercream frosting is indulgent and sweet, perfect for decorating cakes and cupcakes. Here’s the nutritional breakdown per serving.

What To Serve With It

I love pairing homemade buttercream frosting with classic vanilla or chocolate cakes, but it’s also amazing on cupcakes or cookies for a sweet treat. If you’re feeling fancy, it’s perfect for decorating layered cakes or topping off brownies for an extra indulgent dessert. You can even use it to fill macarons or drizzle over a warm slice of pound cake for something a little different.

Cake Pairing Ideas

Pairing the perfect cake with buttercream frosting can turn a simple dessert into something truly special. I love how a classic vanilla cake lets the frosting shine, while chocolate cake adds a rich contrast. For something fruity, lemon or strawberry cakes balance the sweetness beautifully. Spice cakes, like carrot or pumpkin, bring warmth and texture that pairs wonderfully with creamy frosting. If you’re feeling adventurous, try a red velvet cake—it’s moist, slightly tangy, and perfect for buttercream. My go-to? A moist yellow cake with swirls of frosting—it’s comfort food at its finest. Experiment and find your perfect match!

Complementary Dessert Options

Buttercream-frosted cakes are a showstopper, but they don’t have to steal the spotlight alone—serving them with the right desserts can turn your spread into something unforgettable. I love pairing mine with light, fruity treats like lemon bars or fresh berry tarts to balance the richness. Mini cupcakes with a drizzle of chocolate ganache add variety without overpowering the main cake. For a cozy touch, warm apple crisp or cinnamon-spiced cookies work wonders. And don’t forget a scoop of vanilla ice cream—it melts just right over a slice of cake. Mix and match to create a dessert table everyone will rave about!