The Perfect American Buttercream Frosting for Cake Decorating
This is the best-detailed recipe for American buttercream frosting that is easy and perfect for decorating cakes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: about 3 cups 1x
Ingredients
4 sticks sweet cream butter
4 cups powdered sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla bean paste
3 tablespoons whole milk, warm
pinch of salt
Instructions
The butter should be room temperature, about 70 degrees. You should be able to press your finger into the stick of butter easily.
In a standing mixer with a paddle attachment (the rubber scraper paddle is preferable), slowly mix the butter and the vanilla bean paste together just until combined. Add the powdered sugar slowly while the mixer is set to its lowest setting.
As soon as the butter and powdered sugar are mixed, add the warm or room temperature whole milk and pinch of salt. Mix using the lowest speed for 10 seconds, scrape down the sides of the bowl, and mix on low for another 10 seconds.
Lift the standing mixer. The frosting should easily separate from the paddle. If it’s still too firm, add 1 additional tablespoon of warm milk and mix until combined.
With a rubber spatula, press the frosting against the sides of the bowl to eliminate any air bubbles.
Notes
If making ahead of time, place in a zip-lock bag. Over time, air bubbles will re-populate and make the frosting difficult to spread. Before use, massage the bag with warm hands. Mix in stand mixer before use.