This Whipped Buttercream Frosting is a classic for a reason! It’s light, fluffy, and perfectly sweet, making it the ideal topping for cakes, cupcakes, and more. This recipe is incredibly easy to make, and it comes together in just minutes with a few simple ingredients. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or just starting out, this Whipped Buttercream Frosting is a guaranteed success!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Light and Fluffy: This frosting is perfectly whipped for a light and airy texture that melts in your mouth.
- Easy to Make: With just a few simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, this frosting is a breeze to whip up.
- Versatile: This frosting is perfect for frosting cakes, cupcakes, cookies, and more. It can also be flavored with extracts, fruit purees, or chocolate for endless possibilities.
- Classic Flavor: This frosting has a classic buttercream flavor that everyone loves.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this Whipped Buttercream Frosting:
- Unsalted butter: Room temperature, it provides the base for the frosting and adds richness and flavor.
- Confectioner’s sugar: Sifted to remove lumps, it adds sweetness and creates a smooth texture.
- Heavy cream: Cold, it adds lightness and airiness to the frosting.
- Vanilla extract: Enhances the overall flavor.
- Almond extract: Optional, it adds a subtle almond flavor that complements the vanilla.
- Salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances the flavors.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
How to Make Whipped Buttercream Frosting
Step 1: Cream the Butter
- In a large bowl, add the room temperature butter.
- Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat the butter until it’s light and creamy, about 1 minute.
Step 2: Add the Sugar
- Gradually add the sifted confectioner’s sugar to the creamed butter, mixing on low speed until the ingredients are combined.
- Increase the mixer speed to high and whip for 2-3 minutes, or until the frosting is light and fluffy.
Step 3: Add the Remaining Ingredients
- Add the cold heavy cream, vanilla extract, almond extract (if using), and salt to the frosting.
- Whip on high speed for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the frosting is light, fluffy, and reaches your desired consistency.
- If the frosting is too thick, add more heavy cream, 1 tablespoon at a time, until it reaches the desired consistency.
Step 4: Frost and Serve
- Use the frosting to pipe or spread onto your favorite cakes, cupcakes, or other baked goods.
- Serve immediately or store for later use.
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- Use room temperature butter: This will ensure a smooth and creamy frosting.
- Sift the confectioner’s sugar: Sifting removes any lumps and creates a smoother frosting.
- Use cold heavy cream: Cold heavy cream whips up better and creates a lighter and fluffier frosting.
- Don’t overwhip: Overwhipping the frosting can make it grainy.
- Adjust the consistency: Add more heavy cream if the frosting is too thick, or more confectioner’s sugar if it’s too thin.
How to Use
- Frost cakes and cupcakes: This frosting is perfect for frosting cakes, cupcakes, and other baked goods.
- Fill cakes and cupcakes: You can also use this frosting to fill cakes and cupcakes.
- Decorate cookies: This frosting can be used to decorate cookies and other treats.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover frosting in a sealed container at room temperature for up to 2 days, in the refrigerator for up to 1 week, or in the freezer for up to 3 months.1
Reheating
Bring the frosting to room temperature before using. If it’s too thick, you can whip it again with a mixer to restore its fluffy texture.
FAQs
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
Yes, you can use salted butter, but you may want to reduce the amount of salt in the recipe.
Can I use a different type of extract?
Yes, you can use any type of extract you like, such as peppermint, lemon, or coconut.
Can I add food coloring to this frosting?
Yes, you can add food coloring to tint the frosting any color you like.
Can I use this frosting for piping flowers?
Yes, this frosting is sturdy enough for piping flowers and other decorations.
Enjoy this classic and delicious Whipped Buttercream Frosting!
PrintWhipped Buttercream Frosting Recipe
- Prep Time: 7 minutes
- Total Time: 7minutes
- Yield: Enough to frost 18 or more cupcakes
- Category: Frostings & Icings
- Method: No-cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Whipped Buttercream Frosting is light, fluffy, and perfect for frosting cakes, cupcakes, and other treats. Made with simple ingredients like butter, powdered sugar, and heavy cream, it’s easy to make and tastes delicious.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups confectioner’s sugar, sifted
- 1/3 cup heavy cream, cold
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon almond extract (optional)
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Cream Butter: In a large bowl, beat softened butter with a hand mixer or stand mixer until light and fluffy.
- Add Sugar: Gradually add confectioner’s sugar and mix on low speed until combined. Increase speed to high and beat for 2-3 minutes, or until light and fluffy.
- Add Remaining Ingredients: Add heavy cream, vanilla extract, almond extract (if using), and salt. Beat on high speed for 2-3 minutes, or until light and fluffy. Add more heavy cream as needed to reach desired consistency.
- Frost: Use frosting to frost cakes, cupcakes, or other desserts.
Notes
- Almond Extract: Almond extract adds a subtle flavor and is great for special occasion cakes.
- Storage: Store frosting at room temperature for up to 2 days, in the refrigerator for up to 1 week, or freeze for up to 3 months. Bring to room temperature before using.
- Yield: This recipe will frost a variety of cakes and cupcakes.
- Storing Frosted Cakes: Frosted baked goods can be stored at room temperature in a sealed container. Refrigerate if they have fruit filling or if you live in a hot climate.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 45mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 30mg