I love mixing softened unsalted butter with sifted powdered sugar, a touch of vanilla extract, heavy cream, and a pinch of salt to create my Best Buttercream Frosting. In just five minutes I whip up this silky, indulgent treat that adds a refined finish to cakes, cupcakes or cookies.

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I recently stumbled upon what I truly believe is the best bakery style vanilla buttercream frosting recipe, and I can’t wait to share it with you all. I always thought frosting was just a simple topping until I discovered that with just 1 cup of softened unsalted butter, 4 cups of sifted powdered sugar, 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract, a couple of tablespoons of heavy cream, and even a pinch of salt, you can create a frosting that would rival any professional bakery.

It takes just 5 minutes to whip up this velvety treat perfect for cakes, cupcakes, or cookies. I’ve tried many frosting recipes over the years and this one stands out amongst the popular vanilla and cupcake frosting recipes.

Trust me, once you taste this buttercream, you’ll feel like you have unlocked a secret that’s been hidden in dessert aux fruits for ages. Enjoy experimenting and making your treats unforgettable!

Why I Like this Recipe

I love this recipe because it makes my desserts super creamy and light, even when I mess up a bit. I also like how easy it is to adjust, adding more cream or sugar, so I can always get just the right thickness. It’s really fun making it since I feel like I’m whipping up a secret bakery style treat in just a few minutes. Plus, the vanilla flavor is so nostalgic—it kinda reminds me of simpler times and my favorite childhood sweets.

Ingredients

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Unsalted butter adds creaminess and rich flavor; provides fat essential for a silky texture.
Powdered sugar brings intense sweetness and carbohydrates which give a light, airy body.
Vanilla extract adds warm aroma and mild flavor without extra carbohydrates or protein.
Heavy cream gives richness and smooth texture; it provides fats for a luscious finish.
A pinch of salt enhances flavors and balances the sweetness in this delightful frosting.
This frosting replicates bakery style perfection with every rich, sweet, and smooth bite.
Indulge responsibly as these ingredients deliver amazing flavor and satisfying texture.

Ingredient Quantities

1 cup unsalted butter, softened (2 sticks)

4 cups powdered sugar, sifted

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

2 to 3 tablespoons heavy cream (adjust as needed)

A pinch of salt

How to Make this

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1. First, make sure your butter is softened to room temp so it’s easier to beat smooth

2. Place the softened butter in a big bowl and beat it with an electric mixer until it’s really creamy

3. Gradually sift in the powdered sugar, beating continuously until its fully combined with the butter

4. Add your vanilla extract and mix it in so its evenly spread throughout the mix

5. Slowly pour in 2 tablespoons of heavy cream while continuing to beat the mixture; add the 3rd tablespoon only if you feel the frosting needs to be thinner

6. Sprinkle in a pinch of salt and blend it in well

7. Increase the mixer speed and let it beat for another 2-3 minutes until the frosting gets light and fluffy

8. If the frosting seems too thick or too thin, adjust by adding a bit more cream or sugar accordingly

9. Check the taste and texture, and mix a bit longer if needed to get that smooth bakery-style finish

10. Finally, spread the frosting over your cakes, cupcakes or cookies right away and enjoy your secret bakery style treat

Equipment Needed

1. A large mixing bowl
2. An electric mixer (hand or stand based on what you have)
3. A sifter for the powdered sugar
4. Measuring cups and spoons
5. A spatula for scraping down the bowl edges

Hope this helps and happy baking!

FAQ

How do I get that bakery-style texture? It's all about using softened butter and sifting the powdered sugar really well so there are no lumps. Beat it good to give it a light and smooth taste.

Why sift the powdered sugar? Sifting gets rid of all the clumps and helps the frosting mix evenly, giving that perfect smooth texture you expect from a bakery.

Can I adjust the thickness of the frosting? Yeah, if it gets too thick, add extra heavy cream one tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency.

Is it okay to use margarine instead of butter? You can, but unsalted butter really gives you that rich, authentic flavor and creamy texture that really makes it bakery style.

How do I stop the frosting from getting too stiff? Don't over beat it and add the heavy cream gradually. Keeping a close eye on the mixing helps maintain that perfect, spreadable consistency.

Discover The Secret To Bakery Style Frosting Recipe Substitutions and Variations

If you dont have unsalted butter, you can use salted butter instead but cut back a little on the extra salt
For powdered sugar, you can make your own by blitzing regular sugar in a blender until it gets really fine
Not a fan of vanilla extract? You can substitute with almond or maple extract if you want a twist
If heavy cream is out of reach, whole milk works pretty well to get that smooth, creamy texture
You could also swap regular salt with sea salt or kosher salt if you prefer a different flavor profile

Pro Tips

1. Make sure your butter is super soft before you start mixing because if it isn’t, you’re gonna end up with a frosting that’s lumpy and not smooth.
2. Always sift your powdered sugar first so you dont have any clumps in your frosting; trust me, those little lumps ruin the whole look and taste.
3. Add your heavy cream one tablespoon at a time and mix well in between so you can control the consistency and avoid making it too runny.
4. Once all the ingredients are in, beat the mixture on high for a few extra minutes to help it get that light and fluffy texture that sets it apart from ordinary frosting.

Discover The Secret To Bakery Style Frosting Recipe

Recipe by Francis Mead

0.0 from 0 votes

Servings

servings

Calories

311

kcal

Equipment: 1. A large mixing bowl
2. An electric mixer (hand or stand based on what you have)
3. A sifter for the powdered sugar
4. Measuring cups and spoons
5. A spatula for scraping down the bowl edges

Hope this helps and happy baking!

Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter, softened (2 sticks)
4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 to 3 tablespoons heavy cream (adjust as needed)
A pinch of salt

Directions

First, make sure your butter is softened to room temp so it's easier to beat smooth
Place the softened butter in a big bowl and beat it with an electric mixer until it's really creamy
Gradually sift in the powdered sugar, beating continuously until its fully combined with the butter
Add your vanilla extract and mix it in so its evenly spread throughout the mix
Slowly pour in 2 tablespoons of heavy cream while continuing to beat the mixture; add the 3rd tablespoon only if you feel the frosting needs to be thinner
Sprinkle in a pinch of salt and blend it in well
Increase the mixer speed and let it beat for another 2-3 minutes until the frosting gets light and fluffy
If the frosting seems too thick or too thin, adjust by adding a bit more cream or sugar accordingly
Check the taste and texture, and mix a bit longer if needed to get that smooth bakery-style finish
Finally, spread the frosting over your cakes, cupcakes or cookies right away and enjoy your secret bakery style treat

Notes

Below you’ll find my best estimate of this recipe’s nutrition facts. Treat the numbers as a guide rather than a rule—great food should nourish both body and spirit. Figures are approximate, and the website owner assumes no liability for any inaccuracies in this recipe.