• Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • X
 Trending:  Easy Recipes
Erren's Kitchen
  • Home
  • Recipes
    • Recipe Finder
    • All Recipes
    • Course
      • Breakfast
      • Appetizer
      • Lunch
      • Dinner
      • Side
      • Dessert
      • Drinks
    • Type
      • Quick and Easy
      • Vegetarian
      • Pasta
      • Soups
      • Salads & Dressings
      • Rice Dishes
      • Comfort Food
      • Slow Cooker
    • Protein
      • Chicken & Poultry
      • Seafood
      • Beef, Pork, & Lamb
    • Cuisine
      • Italian Food
      • Asian Food
      • American
      • Mediterranean
      • Mexican Food
      • Southern
    • Method
      • Slow Cooker
      • One Pot/One Pan
      • Oven-Baked and Roasted Recipes
      • Stovetop
    • Desserts
      • Brownies & Bars
      • Cakes & Cupcakes
      • Cookies
      • Pies & Tarts
      • Muffins, Breads & Donuts
      • Ice Cream Recipes
  • Videos
  • Conversions
    • US Sticks of Butter Conversion Charts
    • Basic ounces to grams weight conversions
    • Oven Temperature Conversions
    • Butter in the US and the Rest of the World
    • British Dessert Spoon Conversions
    • US Cups to ounces & grams for common ingredients
    • Basic Volume Conversions
  • About
    • Erren’s Kitchen
    • Meet the Team
    • Meet Erren
    • Collaborate
    • Life Stories
    • Contact
    • Our Philosophy

Specialties:

Quick & Easy
Italian
Poultry
Better Than Takeout!
Desserts
Meat
Pasta
Home / Quick and Easy

EASY Buttercream Frosting

Foolproof cake frosting that requires only a handful of ingredients and just minutes to prepare.

Erren Hart

|

last Updated:

10/09/2021
4.84 from 31 votes
Jump to Recipe Video
Serves: 12
Prep: 5 minutes mins
Cook: 0 minutes mins
a cupcake topped with a swirl of frosting and sprinkles
fresh made buttercream in a bowl
a cupcake topped with a swirl of frosting and sprinkles

a cupcake on a pink cake stand topped with a swirl of buttercream and decorated with sprinkles.

This site runs ads and generates income from affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy.

You won’t believe the simplicity of this easy buttercream frosting recipe! With just two steps, you’ll make perfect buttercream every time!

a cupcake topped with a swirl of buttercream and decorated with sprinkles.
Pin This Recipe For Later!

Sound familiar? You try to make buttercream, but it ends up too soft. Then, you add so much sugar to fix it that the flavor gets ruined. I can’t even count how many times that’s happened to me! So, I came up with this recipe to make sure my buttercream turns out perfect every time!

Why This Recipe Works

  • The ‘all in one method’ keeps the frosting from being over-mixed, which softens and thins out the frosting.
  • Softened butter that’s still cool to the touch ensures the buttercream stays creamy without needing more sugar.
  • Using cream instead of milk creates and rich and creamy frosting.

This easy vanilla buttercream frosting is great for frosting cakes and cupcakes. It’s so creamy and delectable you might want to just eat it with a spoon!

The Key To This Recipe

For this recipe, I use a one-bowl method (that works best when a food processor is used but also works with mixers too). To make it you just throw all the ingredients into the bowl and mix until creamy. For my food processor, it takes a minute. After the first 30 seconds, I scrape the bowl and run it for 30 seconds more. That’s it!

To use a mixer, you start low, and once the sugar starts to look mixed into the butter, you finish with a higher speed. Either method is super quick and easy!

Best Buttercream Frosting Ingredients

a photo of sugar, cream vanilla and butter
  • Sugar: Whether you call it powdered sugar or confectionary sugar, the best one for frosting is 10X sugar (the level of fineness that brands display on the packaging). If your sugar isn’t marked, be sure not to skip the sifting process, as it’s the best way to ensure the best possible result.
  • Cream Vs. Milk: Although milk will work just fine to make buttercream, chilled whipping cream is recommended. It adds not only creaminess but also helps keep the frosting cool, allowing the cream to whip with the butter, resulting in a light, fluffy, and creamy buttercream.
  • Butter: Although salted butter can help balance sweetness, you can use either salted or unsalted butter to make frosting. Just be sure to use softened butter that’s still cool to the touch, as warm butter can result in buttercream that’s too soft and requires extra sugar to firm up.
  • Vanilla: Use good-quality vanilla extract, vanilla bean paste, or beans scraped from a vanilla pod for the best possible flavor.

How To Make Easy Buttercream Frosting

Add all of the ingredients to the bowl of a food processor or mixer.

buttercream ingredients in a food processor

Mix until creamy (scraping the bowl after the sugar looks combined).

a spoon filled with frosting

Transfer to a covered bowl or container until needed.

When stored properly, buttercream frosting can last in the fridge for up to a week in the refrigerator or up to 3 months in the freezer.

fresh made frosting in a bowl

More great Recipes

  • Chocolate Ganache Frosting
  • Chocolate Whipped Cream Frosting
  • Stabilized Whipped Cream
  • Easy Red Velvet Cupcakes

Quantity

This recipe makes approximately 2 cups of frosting which is enough for:

  • 12-16 cupcakes
  • 9×13 inch cake
  • 8″ layer cake
  • 9″ layer cake (a thin layer of frosting including filling).

Tips For Best Results

  • Use 10X powdered or confectioners sugar for the best consistency.
  • Use softened butter that’s still cool to the touch. Warm butter will create buttercream that’s too soft.
  • Use cold cream, which allows it to whip with the butter, resulting in a light, fluffy, and creamy buttercream.
  • Heavy Cream/Whipping Cream is great for a creamy consistency, but you can use half-and-half (AKA Single Cream), or whole milk instead. 

Freezing Instructions

Freeze in an airtight, freezer-safe container for up to three months.

Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then beat the frosting on medium speed for a few seconds so it’s creamy again. After thawing or refrigerating, beating in a splash of heavy cream or milk will help thin the frosting out again, if needed.

Rate This Recipe

Click here to leave a star rating!

a cupcake on a pink cake stand topped with a swirl of buttercream and decorated with sprinkles.

Recipe

EASY Buttercream Frosting

Foolproof cake frosting that requires only a handful of ingredients and just minutes to prepare.
4.84 from 31 votes
Print
Prep Time: 5 minutes mins
Cook Time: 0 minutes mins
Total Time: 5 minutes mins
Serves 12

Ingredients

  • 12 oz butter ((1½ cups/3 sticks) softened still cool to the touch)
  • 3 cups powdered sugar (sifted)
  • ⅓ cup heavy whipping cream
  • 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
  • 1 pinch salt (optional)

Instructions

  • Add all of the ingredients to the bowl of a food processor or mixer.
  • If using a food processor, mix on high for 30 seconds. Scrape the bowl and mix again until smooth (this should only take 30 seconds-1 minute).
  • If using a mixer, start on low (to avoid a mess), and once the sugar starts to look mixed into the sugar, finish with a higher speed until smooth.
  • Transfer to a covered bowl or container until needed. When stored properly, buttercream frosting can last in the fridge for up to a week in the refrigerator or up to 3 months in the freezer.

Tips

  • Use 10X powdered or confectioners sugar for the best consistency.
  • Use softened butter that’s still cool to the touch. Warm butter will create buttercream that’s too soft.
  • Use cold cream, which allows it to whip with the butter, resulting in a light, fluffy, and creamy buttercream.
  • Heavy Cream/Whipping Cream is great for a creamy consistency, but you can use half-and-half (AKA Single Cream), or whole milk instead.

    Freezing Instructions

    Freeze in an airtight, freezer-safe container for up to three months.
    Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then beat the frosting on medium speed for a few seconds so it’s creamy again. After thawing or refrigerating, beating in a heavy cream or milk splashes will help thin the frosting out again, if needed.
Show Nutrition Hide Nutrition

Nutrition

Calories: 344 | Carbohydrates: 30g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 25g | Saturated Fat: 16g | Cholesterol: 70mg | Sodium: 206mg | Potassium: 12mg | Sugar: 29g | Vitamin A: 806IU | Calcium: 11mg | Iron: 1mg
Created by Erren Hart
Save to favoritesYour saved recipes will be right here waiting for you every time you visit, so you can easily find and make the meals you love.

4.84 from 31 votes (11 ratings without comment)

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Rate this recipe:




50 responses

  1. Me Avatar
    Me
    11/28/2024

    The food processor??? Light fluffy pain free buttercream that ACTUALLY tastes good??? YES AND YES.
    I was worried about overbeating and splitting the cream so I fussed a bit but I shouldn’t have. This will be my go to recipe from now!

    Reply
    1. Erren's Kitchen Avatar
      Erren’s Kitchen
      11/30/2024

      Awesome feedback! Thank you so much. I am so glad you loved the recipe! 🤩

      Reply
  2. MelissaC Avatar
    MelissaC
    11/16/2024

    5 stars for ease. I never would’ve thought to use a food processor to make American buttercream! The mess was minimal. It was so easy to just throw everything in the food processor and turn on!
    My frosting is too thin and that’s even with adding in 4 oz of cream cheese. I’m crossing my fingers that it will thicken up overnight in the fridge. Otherwise, I might have drippy cupcakes tomorrow afternoon.

    Reply
    1. Erren's Kitchen Avatar
      Erren’s Kitchen
      11/18/2024

      Thank you for the feedback, Melissa. Please let us know how it ended up turning out the next day!

      Reply
  3. Patty Avatar
    Patty
    07/09/2024

    This is Simply Amazing! Made it in minutes, frosted my cupcakes, and my family ate only the top of the cupcakes!😍

    Reply
    1. Erren's Kitchen Avatar
      Erren’s Kitchen
      07/10/2024

      Thank you, Patty!! So happy you all enjoyed it!

      Reply
  4. sherry J elmore Avatar
    sherry J elmore
    05/09/2023

    really really thick. can’t use it in piping bag

    Reply
    1. Erren Hart Avatar
      Erren Hart
      05/11/2023

      I appreciate your feedback! If the buttercream is too thick for piping, you can try adding a small amount of milk or cream to loosen it up to the desired consistency. Happy baking!

      Reply
  5. Erin Avatar
    Erin
    01/24/2023

    This was really delicious buttercream! I love that it wasn’t too sweet and I can’t believe how easy it was to make! Thanks, Erren!

    Reply
    1. Erren Hart Avatar
      Erren Hart
      01/25/2023

      Thank you for trying our buttercream recipe; we’re glad to hear that you enjoyed it! We appreciate your kind words, and your feedback. Thank you for choosing to bake with us, and we hope you’ll try more of our recipes in the future.

      Reply
  6. Sally Avatar
    Sally
    12/24/2022

    Mine didn’t taste too great.

    Reply
    1. Erren Hart Avatar
      Erren Hart
      01/02/2023

      Thank you for letting us know! We’re sorry to hear that you didn’t enjoy it. Can you tell us a little more about what you didn’t like?

      Reply
      1. Tesni Morrison Avatar
        Tesni Morrison
        02/14/2023

        Honestly, this is the first recipe that really turned out fantastic butter cream for me…. I have used it multiple times and the kids even asked if we bought the cupcakes from the bakery because the icing tasted like it was bought from a shop. Thanks for sharing…

      2. Erren Hart Avatar
        Erren Hart
        02/14/2023

        Thank you so much for trying our Easy Buttercream recipe, Tesni! We’re so happy it turned out fantastic for you and your kids. This recipe is one of our most popular, and we’re glad it worked well for you.

  7. Lisa Avatar
    Lisa
    09/26/2022

    Hi Erren,
    This looks like a great recipe to make for my mom’s 95th birthday cake. I was hoping to make the cake the evening before and so am wondering if this buttercream needs to be refrigerated? Thanks so much!

    Reply
    1. Erren Hart Avatar
      Erren Hart
      09/29/2022

      Hi Lisa, it can stay out at room temperature for up to 2 days, and then it will have to be refrigerated.

      Reply
  8. Jayme Avatar
    Jayme
    12/06/2021

    I had to come back to tell you I use this recipe all the time, it’s foolproof, thank you!

    Reply
    1. Erren's Kitchen Avatar
      Erren’s Kitchen
      12/06/2021

      I love to hear this Jayme, glad you like it 🙂

      Reply
  9. Heather T Avatar
    Heather T
    05/07/2021

    This recipe is just outstanding and unbelievably simple. It’s my new favorite! Thanks!!

    Reply
    1. Erren Hart Avatar
      Erren Hart
      05/08/2021

      I’m so glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thanks for taking the time to comment! 🥰

      Reply
      1. Jessica Roberts Avatar
        Jessica Roberts
        06/21/2022

        I haven’t had a chance to try this yet and as m luck would have it I am completely out of vanilla extract. I have a question though. Do you measure 3 cup unsifted and then sift it or do you soft and measure. Thank you!

      2. Erren Hart Avatar
        Erren Hart
        06/21/2022

        I measure then sift. Hope you enjoy the recipe. Please stop back to let ,e know!

  10. Valentina Avatar
    Valentina
    04/23/2021

    Hi Erren,
    I have a comment and a question. I absolutely loved your buttercream frosting recipe – best I’ve ever made! Now I want to make chocolate buttercream frosting. Can I use your buttercream frosting recipe and simply add unsweetened cocoa to it? If so, do you know how much? Thank you for all your awesome recipes.

    Reply
    1. Erren's Kitchen Avatar
      Erren’s Kitchen
      04/26/2021

      Hi you can start by adding a 1/4 cup of cocoa powder and do a taste test, add more if needed. I hope this helps 🙂

      Reply
      1. sherry Avatar
        sherry
        09/07/2022

        I want to use this frosting Recipe I want it for wedding cake can I use almond extract also or should I use it just by itself instead of vanilla extract or both together?

      2. Erren Hart Avatar
        Erren Hart
        09/07/2022

        I honestly have never used almond extract before in a frosting. Typically it’s quite strong so I would add a teaspoon at a time and then taste to see if it needs more. You can also use vanilla too. It’s a personal prefrence.

←Older Comments
1 2 3
Newer Comments→
A woman with long dark hair and a dark blue shirt is smiling while leaning on a kitchen counter. In front of her are a plate of pasta and a cutting board with chopped herbs. A potted plant, a cooking pot, and a marble backsplash are in the background.

Welcome

Thank you for visiting Erren’s Kitchen! Here you will find a collection of easy & delicious recipes made with fresh, simple ingredients.

MORE ABOUT ERREN

FOLLOW ON SOCIAL!

Don’t forget to tag me on social @ErrensKitchen to be featured!

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • X

Win a $100!

Join the Made with Erren Challenge for a chance to win an Amazon gift card!

Find Out More

Trending


  • Best EVER Potato Wedges

    Best EVER Potato Wedges

  • Seriously, The Best Broccoli of Your Life

    Seriously, The Best Broccoli of Your Life

  • The Best Fettuccine Alfredo of Your Life

    The Best Fettuccine Alfredo of Your Life

  • Easy Homemade Tomato Sauce

    Easy Homemade Tomato Sauce

  • Award Winning Banana Bread

    Award Winning Banana Bread

  • Crispy Roasted Potatoes

    Crispy Roasted Potatoes

Reader Favorites


  • Easy Chocolate Chip Cookies

    Easy Chocolate Chip Cookies

  • The Best Brussels Sprouts of Your Life

    The Best Brussels Sprouts of Your Life

  • Ultimate Orange Cake

    Ultimate Orange Cake

  • Fudgy Chocolate Chip Brownies

    Fudgy Chocolate Chip Brownies

Quick
Desserts
Dinner
Comforts
Poultry
Pasta
Meat
Seafood
Sides

Favorite Recipes from 2024

These posts were seen over 4.5 million times!

  • The Best Brussels Sprouts of Your Life

    The Best Brussels Sprouts of Your Life

  • Seriously, The Best Broccoli of Your Life

    Seriously, The Best Broccoli of Your Life

  • Quick & Easy Chinese Noodle Soup

    Quick & Easy Chinese Noodle Soup

  • Quick & Easy Spaghetti Bolognese

    Quick & Easy Spaghetti Bolognese

  • Donut Glaze Recipe

    Donut Glaze Recipe

  • Crispy Roasted Potatoes

    Crispy Roasted Potatoes

Still hungry?

Subscribe to my Newsletter for all my latest recipes!

All Recipes
Dinner Ideas
Conversion Guide
Quick & Easy
Erren hart of Erren's Kitchen leaning on a kitchen island.

About your Chef

I’m Erren, I have a passion for cooking and baking from scratch to create simple, nourishing, delicious recipes made with fresh ingredients, free from artificial additives and preservatives you find in prepackaged foods.

Meet Erren
Life Updates
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • X
Contact
Work with Me
Privacy Policy
Disclaimer

© All Rights Reserved. Brand by MRD. Site by OC.

291 shares

Rate This Recipe

Your vote:




Let us know what you thought of this recipe:

This worked exactly as written, thanks!
My family loved this!
Thank you for sharing this recipe

Or write in your own words:

A rating is required
A name is required
An email is required

Recipe Ratings without Comment

Something went wrong. Please try again.