simple buttercream icing recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best simple buttercream icing recipe

I’ve been making this simple buttercream icing recipe for years, and it’s always a hit with my family. It’s a classic American dessert topping that’s easy to make and requires just a few ingredients. I love how it tastes – rich and creamy with a hint of sweetness.

My kids adore helping me mix it up in the kitchen, and it’s a great way to get them involved in cooking. We use it on cakes, cupcakes, and even as a frosting for cookies. The best part?

It’s incredibly easy to make and can be whipped up in just a few minutes. I like to think of it as a staple in our household, always ready to go for any occasion. Whether we’re celebrating a birthday or just need a sweet treat after dinner, this icing is always there for us.

It’s also surprisingly versatile – we’ve used it as a filling for cakes, as a topping for fruit parfaits, and even as a dip for fresh fruit. And the best part? It’s made with just a few wholesome ingredients: butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk.

No artificial preservatives or additives here! We’ve even started using it as a healthier alternative to traditional frostings by substituting some of the sugar with honey or maple syrup. My kids love helping me experiment with different flavor combinations, and it’s become a fun little tradition we enjoy together every week.

Simple Buttercream Icing Recipe

4.6 from 1162 votes

This simple buttercream icing recipe is perfect for topping cakes, cupcakes, or cookies. It is smooth, creamy, and easy to make with just a few basic ingredients.

Prep Time10 mins
Cook Time15 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time10 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 or heavy cream

👨‍🍳Directions

1In a large mixing bowl, using an electric mixer or whisk, cream the softened butter until it is light and fluffy.
2This should take about 2-3 minutes.
3The butter should be pale in color and have a smooth consistency.
4Gradually add the powdered sugar to the butter, 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 thick and smooth.
7Add the salt, vanilla extract, and 3 tablespoons of milk or heavy cream.
8Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated and the icing is smooth.
9If the icing is too thick, add more milk or cream, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency.
10If the icing is too thin, add more powdered sugar, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency.
11For a colored buttercream, add food coloring a drop at a time and mix well.
12If you are using gel food coloring, you will need to stir a bit more than if you are using liquid food coloring.
13Keep adding food coloring until you reach your desired color.
14Be careful not to add too much as it can affect the taste of the icing.
15Once the icing is at the desired consistency, spread it over your cake, cupcakes, or cookies.
16If not using immediately, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and store in the refrigerator until ready to use.
17Bring to room temperature before using.
18This icing can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week.

🔧Equipment

Mixing bowl
Electric mixer or whisk
Measuring cups and spoons

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 12g💛Saturated Fat: 8g❤️Cholesterol: 40mg🧂Sodium: 200mg🌾Total Carbs: 35g🥦Dietary Fiber: 0g🍬Sugars: 34g🥩Protein: 1g

📝Notes

Tips: For a stiffer icing, add more powdered sugar. For a thinner icing, add more milk or cream. You can also add other flavorings such as lemon zest, cocoa powder, or peppermint extract to change the flavor of the icing.

This simple buttercream icing recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether you’re celebrating a birthday or just need a sweet treat after dinner. We love how versatile it is – we’ve used it on cakes, cupcakes, cookies, and even as a dip for fresh fruit.

And the best part? It’s made with just a few wholesome ingredients: butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, and milk.

This icing is also surprisingly easy to make – just whip up some softened butter and powdered sugar until it reaches the right consistency, add in some vanilla extract and milk until you reach the desired taste and texture.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Buttercream Icing

Q: What is the ideal ratio of butter to powdered sugar in this recipe?

The ideal ratio is 1:2 – one part butter to two parts powdered sugar.

Q: Can I substitute the vanilla extract with another flavoring?

Yes, you can substitute the vanilla extract with another flavoring like almond extract or lemon zest.

Q: Is this icing recipe suitable for vegans?

No, this recipe contains butter and milk, which are not vegan-friendly.

Q: Can I use this icing recipe as a filling for cakes?

Yes, you can use this icing recipe as a filling for cakes.

Q: How do I store leftover icing?

You can store leftover icing in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 2 months.

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