Vanilla American Buttercream Recipes

VANILLA BUTTERCREAM FROSTING

Steps:

• Beat 2 cups of unsalted butter on a medium speed for 30 seconds until smooth with a paddle attachment / stand mixer or a hand mixer.
• Mix in 1 Tbsp vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste and 1/2 tsp salt on a low speed.
• Slowly add in 7 cups of powdered sugar while mixing slowly on the lowest setting. Half way through add in 3 Tbsp of heavy cream or milk to make it easier to mix. I like to place a kitchen towel over my mixer to contain any powdered sugar clouds.
• Mix on low until the ingredients are fully incorporated and the desired consistency is reached.
• If the frosting is too thick, add in additional cream (1 Tbsp at a time). If the frosting is too thin, add in more powdered sugar (quarter of a cup at a time).
• If you plan to color the buttercream, add in the gel food coloring once the frosting is fully mixed and beat on low until it reach the desired colored.
• To make the frosting extra smooth, stir it by hand with a rubber spatula for a minute or two right before you use it. It's an arm workout, but it's worth it! Push the frosting back and forth and spread it around the side of the bowl. This will push out any extra air and make it easier to smooth onto cakes or pipe with.

BASIC VANILLA BUTTERCREAM

Steps:

• In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat butter until smooth and creamy, 2 to 3 minutes. With mixer on low speed, add 6 cups sugar, milk, and vanilla; mix until light and fluffy. If necessary, gradually add remaining 2 cups sugar to reach desired consistency.

VANILLA AMERICAN BUTTERCREAM

Steps:

• In a stand up mixer fixed with paddle attachment, cream butter until smooth.
• Turn off mixer and add 2 cups powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla. Keep adding the powdered sugar in increments on a low, then medium speed until there is no more left. Stop and scrape bottom of bowl in between mixing. Set mixer on high speed and mix until smooth and fluffy.