Learn how to make a basic Buttercream Frosting! In this Basics by The BakerMama, I teach you the easy method to making a simple, sweet frosting perfect for cakes and cupcakes.
Basics by The BakerMama
Welcome to Basics by The BakerMama! I created this how-to series to help beginner cooks hone their skills, make the most of their time in the kitchen, and create great family memories. I hope you enjoy!
An Easy Buttercream Frosting Recipe
This easy Buttercream Frosting goes smoothly on cupcakes and cakes. With a thick, creamy texture and a sweet, subtle vanilla flavor, it tastes decadent and delicious. It’s also very easy to make. Let me teach you the simple steps to getting the perfect buttercream frosting every time.
Icing, Frosting and Glaze: What’s the difference?
What’s the difference between icing, frosting and glaze? It’s so easy to get confused! Because depending on where you’re from, these terms might be used interchangeably. Frosting is soft and spreadable. The difference between it and icing is mostly texture and what you do with it.
But here’s a crash course on the differences between icing, frosting and glaze and when to use them.
- Icing is thin, made from powdered sugar, milk and sometimes a flavoring, like vanilla. It firms up as it dries but stays pliable. You drizzle icing on cinnamon rolls and scones.
- Glaze is also thin but it hardens almost completely as it dries. It’s typically made from powdered sugar, sometimes butter, and a liquid (like milk, water, or juice). You glaze a donut.
- Frosting is soft, creamy and spreadable. It’s usually made from butter or cream cheese, confectioners sugar and flavorings. You frost cakes and cupcakes.
Buttercream Frosting Ingredients and Supplies
(see recipe card at the bottom of this post for measurements and details)
Ingredients:
- Unsalted butter, softened
- Powdered sugar
- Milk or heavy cream
- Pure vanilla extract
Supplies:
- Electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment (hand mixer)
How to Make Buttercream Frosting
- In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, beat the butter until smooth.
- Add the powdered sugar and beat until well combined.
- Add the milk and vanilla and beat until creamy and spreadable.
- Add the milk and vanilla.
- Beat until creamy and spreadable.
- If the frosting is too thick, add a little more milk at a time until of desired creaminess. If the frosting is too thin, add a little more powdered sugar at a time until of desired thickness.
- Pipe or spread the frosting over a cake or cupcakes.
How to Store Buttercream Frosting
If you’re going to use it within a day or two, it’s okay to store buttercream frosting at room temperature. Place in an airtight container and store away from heat and light for up to two days.
Otherwise, store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Allow to come to room temperature before using.
To freeze buttercream frosting place in a freezer safe baggie and store in the freezer for up to three months. Defrost in the refrigerator overnight. Allow to come to room temperature before using.
Variations
To make colored buttercream frosting: Add liquid food coloring one drop at a time until desired color is achieved.
To make chocolate buttercream frosting: Slowly add 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder. Adjust milk/cream as needed to get the desired texture (approximately 1 tablespoon).
More Basics to Better Your Baking
- How to Make Homemade Whipped Cream: Make homemade whipped cream that will have you ditching the canned whipped cream once and for all. It’s an easy, sweet homemade touch that can’t be beat.
- How to Make Chocolate Ganache: Rich and versatile Chocolate Ganache is a chocolate lover’s dream. Learn the step-by-step method to making chocolate ganache that’s perfect for spreading on cakes and cupcakes.
- How to Make a Graham Cracker Crust: Sweet and buttery and the perfect mixture of chewy and crunchy, it’s the easiest, yummiest crust you’ll ever make!
- How to Make Cinnamon Sugar: With a cinnamon-to-sugar ratio perfect for sprinkling, topping, or mixing in your favorite recipes.
- How to Brown Butter: Learn simple techniques that take the mystery out of getting golden, frothy flavorful butter. With a caramel-like aroma and a nutty, savory flavor, browned butter adds an extra layer of deliciousness to your favorite baking and cooking recipes.
I hope you find these simple basics helpful! When you make something with the help of my BakerMama’s Basics series, be sure to snap a picture and tag me on Instagram @thebakermama or join and share to our Friends of The BakerMama group so I can see and others can be inspired! Enjoy!
xoxo,
How to Make Buttercream Frosting
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Prep Time: 5 minutes -
Total Time: 5 minutes
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Yield: 1 and 3/4 cups
Print Recipe
Pin RecipeDescription
Learn how to make a basic Buttercream Frosting! In this Basics by The BakerMama, I teach you the easy method to making a simple, sweet frosting perfect for cakes and cupcakes.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk or heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
Instructions
- In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, beat the butter until smooth.
- Add the powdered sugar and beat until well combined.
- Add the milk and vanilla and beat until creamy and spreadable. If the frosting is too thick, add a little more milk at a time until of desired creaminess. If the frosting is too thin, add a little more powdered sugar at a time until of desired thickness.
- Pipe or spread the frosting over a cake or cupcakes.
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