I like trying new and different vanilla frosting recipes, but when I need a solid tried and true recipe for topping cupcakes, this is my favorite vanilla frosting. This is known as American Buttercream and it's what a lot of home bakers consider the best buttercream frosting for everyday cupcakes and such.
American Buttercream has plenty of butter, high quality vanilla and a little salt to offset the sweetness. Plus it's easy! You can make it with any brand of vanilla extract or for a change of pace, vanilla bean paste. The frosting in the photo has vanilla bean paste, hence the speckles of vanilla bean.
Salted Butter
You can use unsalted or salted butter in this frosting. Using unsalted butter gives you more control over the salt level, but I've made this with salted butter and liked the flavor of that too. So it really depends on what you have, what's on sale, etc.
Favorite Vanilla Frosting Brand of Vanilla
I love trying different brands of vanilla. My two favorites, especially for recipes like this where the vanilla is prominent, are Sonoma Syrups Vanilla Bean Crush and Nielsen Massey. Most often I buy Vanilla Massey. For a deeper flavor, I recommend the Nielsen Massey vanilla bean paste. This recipe is a great way to use it!
Recipe
Favorite Vanilla Frosting
Ingredients
- 8 oz butter, softened (230 grams)
- 3 ¾ cup powdered sugar (1 pound) (448 grams)
- 4 teaspoons vanilla extract or Sonoma Syrups Vanilla Bean Crush (You can use less vanilla if desired)
- 2 tablespoons whole milk (you can also use half & half)
- ¼ teaspoon salt but only if using unsalted butter
Instructions
- Beat the butter with an electric mixer until it is soft and fluffy.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, scraping the sides of the bowl. Add the vanilla and some (about a teaspoon) of the milk. Beat on high until light and creamy, scraping sides of bowl.
- Add remaining milk if needed. Taste test and add more sugar, vanilla or milk to get the consistency you want. If you did not use salted butter, add salt to taste (up to about ¼ teaspoon).
Sue K says
I forget about Watkins clear vanilla. I will get some to have on hand. Thanks for the reminder.
I used Nielsen Massey.
Anna says
Sue, thanks! I feel the same way about frosting. Plus frosting is such a great way to test drive different vanilla. When I first made this one I was enamored with Sonoma Syrups Vanilla Beach Crush. It's excellent, but pricey. Now one of my favorites for frosting is actually Watkins clear which is inexpensive. It's also fun to mix different vanilla. This is a good base recipe for sure and I should put it in the All Time Favorites category.
Sue K says
I used this recipe today to make frosting for a chocolate cake. My husband likes a chocolate cake with vanilla frosting once in a while. I think it reminds him of childhood.
The frosting turned out really great!