cake buttercream icing recipe

The Best cake buttercream icing recipe

I’ve been making this cake buttercream icing recipe for years, and it’s always a hit with my family. The combination of the moist cake and the rich, creamy frosting is just perfect. My kids love helping me in the kitchen, and this recipe is one of their favorites to assist with.

It’s a classic American dessert that never goes out of style, and I love how it’s easy to customize with different flavors and decorations. Whether we’re celebrating a special occasion or just need a sweet treat after dinner, this recipe is always a good idea. Plus, it’s relatively healthy compared to some other desserts out there – we use natural ingredients like butter and sugar, but in moderation.

And the best part? It’s incredibly easy to make, even for a beginner like me. I’ve made it for birthday parties, holidays, and even just Tuesday nights when we need a little pick-me-up.

My husband loves it too – he’s not usually into sweets, but this one is an exception. We’ve even started making it for potlucks and picnics because everyone always raves about it. So if you’re looking for a reliable dessert recipe that’s sure to please, give this one a try!

You won’t regret it.

Cake Buttercream Icing Recipe

4.7 from 1276 votes

A classic buttercream icing recipe perfect for cakes and cupcakes. This recipe is easy to make and yields a smooth, creamy icing.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time15 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time15 mins
Servings: 4Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Buttercream Icing

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
3-4 cups powdered sugar
1/4 tsp salt
1 tsp vanilla extract
3-4 tbsp milk

👨‍🍳Directions

1In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter using a hand mixer until it is light and fluffy.
2This should take about 2-3 minutes.
3You should see the butter turn a lighter color and become smooth.
4Gradually add the powdered sugar to the butter, one cup at a time, mixing well after each addition.
5Start with 3 cups of powdered sugar and add more if needed to reach your desired consistency.
6The mixture should be smooth and free of lumps.
7Add the salt and vanilla extract to the mixture and continue to beat until well combined.
8The vanilla extract will give the icing a nice aroma and enhance the flavor.
9Slowly pour in the milk, one tablespoon at a time, mixing well after each addition.
10Add more milk if the icing is too thick, or more powdered sugar if it is too thin.
11The icing should be smooth and spreadable, similar to the consistency of frosting.

🔧Equipment

Mixing bowl
Hand mixer
Measuring cups and spoons

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 12g💛Saturated Fat: 5g❤️Cholesterol: 30mg🧂Sodium: 600mg🌾Total Carbs: 45g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 5g🥩Protein: 15g

📝Notes

Tips: For a richer flavor, use European-style butter. For a smoother icing, sift the powdered sugar before adding it to the mixture.

This cake buttercream icing recipe is always a good idea because it’s so versatile – whether you’re celebrating a birthday or just need a sweet treat after dinner, it’s always a winner.

And don’t worry about leftovers – this frosting freezes beautifully so you can save some for later or even gift it to friends who love baking as much as you do.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Cake Buttercream Icing

Q: What type of cake is best for this frosting?

This frosting works well on a variety of cakes, including pound cake, red velvet cake, or even a simple vanilla sponge cake. Just be sure the cake is completely cooled before applying the frosting.

Q: Can I use store-bought frosting instead?

No! While store-bought frosting can be convenient, it just can’t compare to the taste and texture of homemade buttercream. Plus, this recipe makes enough to frost an entire cake – using store-bought would be wasteful.

Q: Is this frosting suitable for vegetarians?

This frosting contains butter and milk from dairy cows, so unfortunately it’s not suitable for strict vegetarians who avoid animal products.

Q: Can I make this frosting ahead of time?

Yes! You can make the buttercream up to 24 hours in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge until ready to use.

Q: Can I use coconut milk instead of regular milk?

No – using coconut milk would give your frosting a weird flavor and texture. Stick with regular milk or half-and-half for the best results.

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