The Best Fluffy Buttercream Frosting, light as air and not too sweet!
Buttercream frosting is the perfect topping for cupcakes, cakes, and cookies. Or even just eating with a spoon!
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Buttercream Frosting
Happy Friday! So, I’m going to get right into this.
I’m in a lot of forums on facebook. Everything from Dalmatians to baking.
And, one thing I come across in the foodie forums are people asking for THE BEST buttercream frosting recipe. A lot.
I’ve seen the same complaints about these points on different occasions; sometimes it just comes out overly sweet. Other times it is too thick or even too runny.
BUT, I finally put together the best (to me and quite a few in the comments below, thanks guys!) recipe for the best fluffy buttercream frosting.
Take me to the recipe for Buttercream Frosting already!
Thank you so much for your eagerness to view my recipe.
If you would rather not hear my super helpful tips and tricks, FAQ, and my overall awesomeness and get straight to this delicious buttercream frosting recipe – you can very easily scroll all the way to the bottom of this post for the full printable FREE recipe! Bon appetit.
After making this batch of buttercream frosting yesterday for a super yummy upcoming Margarita Cupcake post, I knew I had to share it, and quick!
It is SO fluffy, and light and airy and just… YUM.
I showed a photo to my Mom over text and she asked me if it was cool whip because it looked so fluffy but nope! Just the best buttercream ever made!
It reminds me a lot of that whipped frosting you can get on cakes at the grocery store. Those are normally made with whipping cream but not this one.
This has traditional buttercream ingredients but I think what really sets it apart is the way you add everything into the mixing bowl.
Butter. Powdered Sugar. Vanilla. Milk and a pinch of salt… that’s it! Easy.
I really took my time to perfect this buttercream frosting recipe and I hope you enjoy it too!
How to make buttercream frosting fluffy?
- First, I sifted the powdered sugar so it was light as air. Then, whip the softened butter until smooth.
- Add the powdered sugar just a spoonful at a time, making sure each batch is incorporated until adding the next. I really think this is what made this frosting stand out.
How to make buttercream frosting less sweet?
When baking it is very important to always use unsalted butter unless otherwise stated in a recipe. But, the addition of salt to recipes is what helps to counteract the sweetness.
So, use that unsalted butter for this recipe BUT, make sure to add in just a pinch of kosher salt. Not too sweet, not salty at all, just the perfect buttercream frosting!
How to store buttercream frosting?
If you are not going to frost your cake, cupcakes, or cookies right away, place the buttercream frosting in an air-tight container. Place the container in the fridge until ready to use.
Warning though, since there is butter in the recipe, the frosting will harden up.
Let the frosting warm up a little and place it back into the stand mixer and whip until light and fluffy again. This will only take a minute or two.
Can buttercream be left at room temperature?
This is a great debate. Once you make and decorate with buttercream frosting for cupcakes or cakes, what do you do with them?
Do they need to be refrigerated or can they stay on the counter?
Even though buttercream icing has both butter and milk in it, it can stay at room temperature for two to three days according to the U.S. Food Safety and Inspection Services. It can stay out because of the high amount of sugar in the frosting.
Can buttercream frosting be made ahead of time?
Yes! Like mentioned above, just place it in an airtight container in the fridge until ready to use.
How long does buttercream frosting last in the refrigerator?
Buttercream will last in the fridge for up to two weeks.
Can I freeze buttercream frosting?
Yes, when placed in an airtight container, the frosting will last in the freezer for up to three months.
Looking for cupcake recipes to top with this buttercream icing recipe? Try some of these:
- Banana Cupcakes (also a recipe for the best cream cheese frosting!)
- Strawberry Shortcake Cupcakes
- Surprise Inside Heart Cupcakes
Tools used to make Buttercream Frosting:
How to make homemade buttercream frosting from scratch:
The Best Fluffy Buttercream Frosting
Ingredients
- 1 Cup unsalted butter, softened or 2 sticks
- 4 cups powdered sugar sifted
- pinch of salt
- 1 tablespoon vanilla bean paste or clear vanilla extract* or extract flavor of your choice
- 2 tablespoons milk
Instructions
- Place butter in the bowl of a stand mixer with paddle attachment. Mix on low speed until smooth and fluffy, about a minute.
- Add the sifted powdered sugar a spoonful at a time over medium-low speed. Keep doing this until all of the sugar is added, scraping down the sides as necessary.
- Add the salt and stir to combine, add in the vanilla and stir to combine. Add the milk and whip the frosting for 3-4 minutes until light and fluffy.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Dana DeVolk
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Erin says
Thank you for sharing your recipe. I am wondering if the consistency changes if the frosting is refrigerated then re-whipped? Also, where are those rainbow cupcake liners from? Thanks!
Brandie Harkins says
Hi! I need to make a chocolate buttercream frosting and would really like to use this recipe but am not sure how to modify it to keep it fluffy. I am using unsweetened cocoa powder. Any suggestions?
Leigh says
This reply is probably way too late to be much use to you, but for future reference (and anyone else who may see this) I’ve always found sifting the cocoa in with the icing sugar is a good way to keep things light and fluffy. Optionally just sift it and add it in turns with the powdered sugar. You may need to sift the cocoa/cocoa&sugar mix a few times (or a few more than you would with just the confectioners sugar) to the lightness you are looking for.
Lisa says
I use cocoa myself turns out really nice i love this recipe for buttercream 😊
Tanya Cropley Minors says
I just wanted to thank you for this awesome receipe. I had an italian buttercream disaster for easter and this was the perfect fix!! I should have just started with this one!! I really is no fail.. thanks again:)
Heather says
Do you think this recipe would work with fondant? If not, is there a different recipe that you recommend? Can’t wait to try this out! We usually dislike the crusty buttercreams- you know, the ones that come on those grocery store bought cakes. The kind that (most) kids have at their birthday parties. If you’re gonna get a crappy cake, at LEAST put a whipped icing on it!! lol, JK… I’m thinking your recipe might just change our minds on buttercream here in my household!
Dana DeVolk says
Hi Heather, I wish I knew but I’m not a cake decorator. I’ve never worked with fondant, so I’m not sure. So sorry!
Pepe says
Perfect
M'Liss Hinshaw says
I made the frosting as directed by sifting the powdered sugar and using vanilla paste and it was fabulous on a moist chocolate cake!
Ashley says
Made this icing for my 4th of July cupcakes and it was delicious!! Other recipes I looked up called for 6-8 cups of powered sugar and that is just too sweet for me. This frosting was perfect fluffy and the right amount of sweetness!
Brandy says
Hello I’m looking for an icing that will hold up in the heat might this be it or do u have another recommendation ? I’ve used this before and it’s my fav I’d really hate to not use it 🤗
Dana DeVolk says
Hi Brandy, I don’t think any frosting made with butter is good for the heat. It will melt right off. I googled it and this one has great reviews for withstanding heat, although I have not tried it. https://www.wilton.com/high-humidity-icing/WLRECIP-123.html Hope this helps!
Jayla says
The internet is full of know it all, b.s. bloggers, but you are the real deal! I’ve wasted 40 years of my life with cement-like, cloyingly sweet buttercream, but this is perfect! I was disillusioned when I was first sifting the p.s., as it’s an arduous task, but it was well worth the effort. I used fine sea salt, and it gave such a nice little foil to the sweetness. Thank you so much for this fluffy, light, impeccable alternative to the thousands of no good buttercream recipes out there!
Dana DeVolk says
I love this! Thank you so so much.