American Buttercream

Oct 3

Written By Erin McDowell

Three yellow cupcakes, two topped with a swirl of American Buttercream, one is unfrosted. — *Photo by Fakiri Malik*

MAKES

About 3 cups / 710 mL

(enough to frost 12 cupcakes, a 9x13 inch / 23x33 cm sheet cake, or a 2 layer 8 or 9 inch / 20 or 23 cm cake)

TAKES

Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: n/a
Total: 15 minutes

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✻ ABOUT THIS RECIPE

The simplest buttercream frosting, and one of the easiest to make. It’s made by creaming butter and powdered sugar into a light, spreadable consistency. It’s very sweet, but it definitely has its place, and it’s simplicity can’t be denied! I like it as a thin layer on top of sheet cakes or cupcakes, and it’s perfect for icing cookies, or as filling for sandwich cookies. It is possible to pipe this frosting, but the powdered sugar makes it firmer and fluffier in texture - it can be harder to use smoothly, and often results in more jagged edges when piping.

INGREDIENTS

226 g / 8 ounces (1 cup) unsalted butter, at room temperature

454 g / 1 pound powdered sugar, sifted

10 g / 2 teaspoons vanilla extract or 4 g / 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste

2 g / 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt

78 g / 1/3 cup heavy cream, at room temperature

Every Type of Buttercream:

METHOD

1. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the butter on medium speed until smooth, 1-2 minutes.

2. Gradually add the powdered sugar a bit at a time, mixing on low speed to combine each addition. To help prevent a powdered sugar shower, you can use a clean or slightly damp kitchen towel to cover the mixer and bowl while you mix.

3. Once all of the powdered sugar is added, raise speed to medium-high and cream until the mixture is light and fluffy.

4. Add the vanilla and salt and mix until well combined, 1 minute more. Add the cream and mix on low speed until evenly combined.

5. The buttercream can be used immediately, or refrigerated in an airtight container. To reconstitute the buttercream, bring to room temperature, and mix with the paddle attachment in the mixer to bring it back to a fluffy consistency.