Vanilla Buttercream

Name: Vanilla Buttercream
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Yield: Frost 20 cupcakes
Ingredients: 1 1/2 c. (3 sticks butter) OR 1 c. (2 sticks butter) and 1/2 c. vegetable shortening; 6 1/2 c. powdered sugar; 2 tsp. vanilla; 3-4 Tbsp. milk; 1/4 - 1/2 tsp. salt (to taste)

DessertsDessert Toppings

Sep 25

Written By Kali Terry

Buttercream has long been a staple in the world of cakes and cupcakes. Among the many types of buttercream, Classic American Buttercream stands out as the most widely used and beloved variety. Its simplicity, versatility, and rich, sweet flavor make it a go-to for home bakers and professionals alike. Whether you're frosting a cake for a birthday, decorating cupcakes, or filling a batch of macarons, American Buttercream delivers the perfect balance of sweetness and texture that everyone loves.

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What is Classic American Buttercream?

Classic American Buttercream is a simple, sweet frosting made primarily from butter, powdered sugar (also known as confectioners’ sugar), and a small amount of liquid, such as milk or cream. It is the most common buttercream used in the United States, especially for cake decoration and cupcakes. The frosting is light, fluffy, and easy to pipe, with a smooth texture that pairs beautifully with many types of cakes, from vanilla to chocolate.

Key Ingredients in American Buttercream

To understand what makes American Buttercream unique, let’s break down its basic ingredients:

Butter: Unsalted butter is the foundation of American Buttercream, contributing to its smooth texture and rich flavor. It's important to use room temperature butter to avoid lumps and ensure a smooth finish.
Powdered Sugar: This finely powdered sugar is what gives the buttercream its sweetness and structure. Unlike granulated sugar, powdered sugar dissolves quickly and helps create the smooth consistency of the frosting.
Liquid (Milk or Cream): A small amount of liquid is added to adjust the consistency and make the frosting easier to spread or pipe. The liquid also helps to soften the butter and prevent the frosting from being too stiff. You can use milk, heavy cream, or even water, depending on your preference.
Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla extract is typically added for flavor, though other extracts like almond, lemon, or hazelnut can also be used depending on the flavor profile you’re aiming for.
Salt: A pinch of salt can balance the sweetness of the frosting, enhancing the overall flavor. Salt can also help bring out the richness of the butter.
Food Coloring (Optional): If you’re decorating cakes or cupcakes and want to add some color, food coloring can be used to tint your American Buttercream. Gel food colors are highly recommended because they won’t water down the consistency as liquid food coloring might.

For a refreshing twist, add lemon, lime, or orange zest to your buttercream. You can also replace part of the liquid with citrus juice for an added zing. This variation is perfect for pairing with light, citrus-flavored cakes or cupcakes.

Let the baking begin!

Vanilla American Buttercream on Stand Mixer Paddle

TIPS AND TRICKS:

- For a whiter buttercream use 2 sticks of butter and 1/2 c. vegetable shortening.

- If you want a fluffier buttercream whip the completed buttercream on high speed for 1 minute.

- Be sure to use room temperature butter to avoid lumps in your buttercream.

Classic American Buttercream is a versatile and easy-to-make frosting that has stood the test of time. Its simple ingredients and fluffy texture make it a favorite among bakers of all skill levels. Whether you’re decorating a cake for a special occasion or just making a batch of cupcakes for a family gathering, American Buttercream is the perfect go-to frosting.

By experimenting with different flavorings, colors, and textures, you can personalize this buttercream to suit your tastes. So go ahead, whip up a batch, and let your creativity flow as you create your next sweet masterpiece!