Happy Valentines Day! Is anyone else excited for all the treats?! This easy vanilla buttercream frosting will definitely fulfill all your sweet cravings this holiday so give it a try!

I know, I know…more frosting! I was fully anticipating finally giving up an amazing vanilla cupcake recipe but after trying this frosting I just had to! Also these week seriously got away from me! lol.

It is extremely easy to make, no egg whites or using the stove!  I’m pretty sure you can skip every monotonous step (think sifting) and it would still be perfect, so there are no reasons for this recipe to fail. (Unless you have kids running around because then there are 6597 reasons this recipe could fail!) 

It makes a very large batch, you could frost an entire 9″ layer cake with some left over to pipe decorations too!  This will be your go to icing guaranteed!

This is the type of icing that you can take a big spoonful out of the bowl and just eat it plain.(not that i’ve tried that or anything)

Fluffy Vanilla Frosting
Fluffy Vanilla Frosting

Tips and Tricks

  • I sift the powdered sugar.  I HATE sifting powdered sugar but I still do.  Any little lumps would otherwise make the frosting a little less smooth and if your piping it you could get a lump in it. 
  • Make sure your butter is room temperature  but not crazy soft and melty.  (Think speeding it up in the microwave is a big no-no)
  • The whiter in colour your butter is the whiter your frosting will look. (Dairyland butter is excellent)
  • For a completely white frosting use clear vanilla extract.  Of course regular vanilla will be perfect as well and just slightly tint the frosting.
  • The more you whip the frosting on medium to medium-high the fluffier the frosting will be.  If you add the powdered sugar 1/2 cup at a time and after every full cup raise the speed of the mixer for 30 seconds you will aerate your frosting even more!
  • Place your mixer on low speed for 2-3 minutes at the end to take OUT the air bubbles.  If you are piping the icing it will look smoother after this step!
Fluffy Vanilla Frosting
Fluffy Vanilla Frosting

Try out these other delicious frostings:

Mocha Buttercream

Swiss Meringue Buttercream

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Easy Vanilla Buttercream Frosting

This fluffy, smooth buttercream will become your go to frosting again and again.  It is very easy to make and pipes like a dream!

Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Keyword buttercream, vanilla
Prep Time 15 minutes
Servings 8 cups
Author Holly

Ingredients

  • 2 cups unsalted butter room temperature
  • 7 cups confectioners sugar sifted
  • 1 Tbsp clear vanilla extract
  • 4-5 Tbsp heavy whipping cream
  • 1/2 tsp salt

Instructions

  1. Place butter in the bowl of a stand mixer and using the paddle attachment beat for 3 minutes until the butter is very pale and fluffy, about 3 minutes.  Scrape down the bowl as necessary. (If you have the paddle with the spatula on it, it is worth its weight in gold!

  2. For completely silky buttercream sift your confectioners sugar to rid it of any lumps.  This step is messy but gives a much silkier frosting!

  3. Alternate adding 1 cup of powdered sugar mixing on low then 1 tbsp of heavy cream and then turn the mixer up to medium for 30 seconds to aerate the frosting.  Keep repeating until all the powdered sugar is added and then add the vanilla and salt.  If the frosting is a bit thick add more heavy cream or if it seems a bit thin add more powdered sugar until it reaches the consistency you like!

  4. Mix on low for 2-3 minutes at the end to beat out any small air bubbles.  *I did not do this step which is why you can see tiny bubbles in the frosting but I like it fluffy!

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