frosting for cake recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best frosting for cake recipe

I’ve been making frosting for cake for years, and it’s always a hit with my family. My kids love helping me in the kitchen, and this recipe is one of their favorites. We make it for special occasions like birthdays and holidays, but we also enjoy it on a regular Tuesday evening.

The best part about this recipe is that it’s incredibly easy to make and requires only a few ingredients. I’ve tried many different frosting recipes over the years, but this one remains my go-to. The key to making great frosting is using high-quality ingredients and following the recipe carefully.

I like to use unsalted butter and pure vanilla extract for the best flavor. This frosting is also a great way to use up leftover cake or cupcakes – just top them with a generous dollop of frosting and you’re good to go! My family loves when I make this frosting because it’s so versatile – we use it on cakes, cupcakes, even cookies.

It’s also a great way to get creative with toppings – we like to add sprinkles, chopped nuts, or even shredded coconut on top of the frosting. One of the things I love about this recipe is that it’s relatively healthy compared to other frosting recipes out there. We use less sugar than most recipes call for, and the butter is unsalted, which makes it a bit more guilt-free.

This frosting is also really easy to store – just pop it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. I like to make a big batch of frosting on the weekend and then portion it out into smaller containers so we can enjoy it throughout the week.

Classic Buttercream Frosting

4.9 from 1097 votes

This is a classic buttercream frosting recipe that is perfect for cakes and cupcakes. It is creamy, smooth, and easy to make.

Prep Time20 mins
Cook Time15 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time20 mins
Servings: 12Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 150 kcal

🥘Ingredients

Ingredients

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 an electric mixer on medium speed until it is light and fluffy, about 2-3 minutes.
2You should see the butter turning pale in color and increasing in volume.
3Gradually add the powdered sugar to the butter, mixing on low speed.
4Start with 3 cups of powdered sugar and add more as needed to reach your desired consistency.
5Add the salt and vanilla extract, and mix well.
6Add the milk, one tablespoon at a time, mixing well after each addition.
7The frosting should be smooth and spreadable but not too runny.
8If the frosting is too thick, add more milk, one teaspoon at a time.
9If it is too thin, add more powdered sugar, one tablespoon at a time.

🔧Equipment

Mixing bowl
Electric mixer
Spatula

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 150 kcal🧈Total Fat: 12g💛Saturated Fat: 8g❤️Cholesterol: 35mg🧂Sodium: 50mg🌾Total Carbs: 13g🥦Dietary Fiber: 0g🍬Sugars: 13g🥩Protein: 0g

📝Notes

Tips: For chocolate buttercream, add 1/2 cup of cocoa powder to the powdered sugar. For a stiffer frosting, add more powdered sugar. For a thinner frosting, add more milk.

This frosting recipe has been a staple in our household for years, and we just can’t get enough of it!

Whether we’re celebrating a special occasion or just need a sweet treat after dinner, this frosting always hits the spot.

One of my favorite things about this recipe is how versatile it is – we love using different toppings like sprinkles or chopped nuts to give our cakes or cupcakes an extra touch of personality.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Buttercream Frosting

Q: What is the best type of milk to use in this recipe?

A: We prefer to use whole milk in this recipe because it gives the frosting a richer flavor and creamier texture. However, you can substitute in 2% or skim milk if you prefer. Just keep in mind that using lower-fat milk will result in a slightly lighter-colored frosting.

Q: Can I make this frosting ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can make this frosting up to 24 hours in advance. Just be sure to store it in an airtight container in the fridge until you’re ready to use it.

Q: How do I know if my frosting is too thin?

A: If your frosting seems too thin after adding all of your powdered sugar, try refrigerating it for about 10 minutes before giving it another stir. This should help thicken it up nicely.

Q: Can I add food coloring to this recipe?

A: Yes, you can definitely add food coloring to this recipe if you’d like! Just be sure to use gel or paste-based food coloring for the best results.

Q: Why does this recipe call for salted butter?

A: Using salted butter helps bring out the flavor of the other ingredients in this recipe – specifically, the vanilla extract.

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