Simple, creamy, and ridiculously delicious, buttercream is what our sweet dreams are made of. This buttercream whips up super fluffy super quickly, and is literally the icing on the cake of any homemade treat. It’s made with simple, real ingredients, like butter and vanilla, and it’s ready in a handful of minutes. It’s time to stop buying frosting in a can and learn how to whip up your own!

Why you’ll love it

Key ingredients in Buttercream

Helpful tips

Buttercream

Makes about 2 1/2 cups

1 cup unsalted butter, softened

3 1/2 to 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 to 2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk

1. In the bowl of an electric mixer with a paddle attachment, beat 1 cup softened unsalted butter on medium speed for a couple minutes, or until smooth.

2. Turn the mixer to low, and slowly add in the first 3 cups of sifted powdered sugar. Once incorporated, increase the speed to medium-low and mix until combined.

3. With the mixer back on low, add in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and 1 to 2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk, and mix until combined. Once everything is incorporated, mix on medium until smooth and creamy.

4. Decrease the speed of the mixer and add in the remaining 1/2 to 1 cup of powdered sugar until the buttercream is as firm as you want it for your recipe. Turn the mixer back up and whip again until fluffy.

Recipe notes: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to one week, or store in the freezer for up to two months. Before using, bring it to room temperature and re-whip until light and fluffy.

(Tessa Huff is a contributor to TheKitchn.com, a nationally known blog for people who love food and home cooking. Submit any comments or questions to editorial@thekitchn.com.)

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