Basic Vanilla Buttercream

Published: August 13, 2025

by Saphira

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick to Make: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can whip up this delicious frosting in no time.
Versatile Flavor: The rich vanilla taste complements a variety of cakes, cupcakes, and pastries perfectly.
Easy to Customize: Adjust the consistency and flavor to suit your preferences by adding more milk or different extracts.
Perfect for Decoration: Its smooth texture makes it easy to pipe and create beautiful designs on your baked goods.

Tools and Preparation

To prepare the Basic Vanilla Buttercream, you’ll need some essential tools that will make the process seamless and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Stand mixer with whisk attachment
Mixing bowl
Spatula
Measuring cups and spoons
Sifter

Importance of Each Tool

Stand mixer with whisk attachment: This tool is crucial for achieving the light and fluffy texture that makes buttercream irresistible.
Sifter: Sifting confectioners’ sugar ensures a smooth frosting without lumps, which is key for a perfect finish.

Ingredients

This is the original Neapolitan Rose Cake… everything else is just a copy!

For the Basic Vanilla Buttercream

1 cup (2 sticks / 227 g) unsalted butter (softened)
2 teaspoons McCormick® Pure Vanilla Extract
32 ounces confectioners’ sugar (sifted)
2 tablespoons whole milk (up to ½ cup)
pinch kosher salt

How to Make Basic Vanilla Buttercream

Step 1: Beat the Butter

Begin by adding your softened butter into the bowl of your stand mixer. Beat on medium-high speed until the butter turns light and fluffy, which should take about 3 minutes.

Step 2: Add Vanilla Extract

Once your butter is fluffy, add in the vanilla extract. Mix briefly until fully incorporated.

Step 3: Incorporate Sugar and Milk

With your mixer set to low speed:
1. Gradually add in the sifted confectioners’ sugar.
2. Pour in the milk and add a pinch of kosher salt.
3. Be sure to scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl frequently to ensure everything mixes evenly.

Step 4: Whip Until Fluffy

After all ingredients are combined, increase the mixer speed to medium-high. Whip the frosting for at least 3 minutes; feel free to go longer if desired—my mixer ran for about 7 minutes!

Step 5: Adjust Consistency if Needed

If you find that your frosting is too thick to spread easily, gradually beat in additional milk until you reach your desired consistency.

Now you have a luscious Basic Vanilla Buttercream ready to adorn your Neapolitan Rose Cake or any dessert of your choice!

How to Serve Basic Vanilla Buttercream

Basic Vanilla Buttercream is a versatile frosting that can elevate any dessert. Whether you are decorating a cake or spreading it on cupcakes, there are countless ways to enjoy this delicious buttercream.

For Cakes

Layered Cakes – Spread between layers of your favorite cake for a delightful surprise.
Decorative Topping – Use a piping bag to create beautiful swirls and patterns on top of your cake.

For Cupcakes

Classic Frosting – Generously pipe Basic Vanilla Buttercream onto each cupcake for a classic treat.
Flavor Variations – Mix in food coloring or additional flavors for themed cupcakes.

For Cookies

Sandwich Cookies – Use the buttercream as filling between two cookies for an indulgent dessert.
Frosted Cookies – Spread a thin layer of buttercream on sugar cookies for added sweetness.

For Brownies

Brownie Frosting – Top warm brownies with Basic Vanilla Buttercream for a melt-in-your-mouth experience.
Layered Dessert – Create a layered brownie trifle by alternating layers of brownies and buttercream.

How to Perfect Basic Vanilla Buttercream

To achieve the perfect texture and flavor with Basic Vanilla Buttercream, follow these helpful tips.

Chill Your Ingredients – Start with softened, room-temperature butter for easy blending.
Sift Confectioners’ Sugar – Sifting removes lumps, ensuring a smooth frosting consistency.
Adjust Milk Gradually – Add milk slowly until reaching your desired thickness; you can always add more!
Whip Longer for Fluffiness – Beat the mixture longer to incorporate more air, making it light and fluffy.
Store Properly – Keep any leftover buttercream in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week.

Best Side Dishes for Basic Vanilla Buttercream

Pair your desserts featuring Basic Vanilla Buttercream with these delicious side dishes that complement their sweetness and richness.

Fresh Fruit Salad – A light and refreshing option to balance the sweetness of buttercream desserts.
Chocolate Ganache – Drizzle over cakes or brownies for an extra chocolatey touch.
Ice Cream – Serve alongside vanilla or chocolate ice cream to create delightful contrasts in flavor.
Pound Cake Slices – The dense texture of pound cake pairs beautifully with fluffy buttercream frosting.
Mini Cheesecakes – Individual servings that can be topped with vanilla buttercream for added creaminess.
Coffee or Tea – A warm beverage can enhance the overall dessert experience by providing warmth and depth.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Basic Vanilla Buttercream, it’s easy to make some common mistakes. Here are a few pitfalls to watch out for:

Using cold butter – Starting with cold butter can lead to a lumpy frosting. Always ensure your butter is softened to room temperature before mixing.
Skipping the sifting – Failing to sift confectioners’ sugar can result in a gritty texture. Always sift the sugar before adding it to achieve a smooth finish.
Adding too much milk – Overdoing the milk can make your frosting runny. Add it gradually and stop as soon as you reach the desired consistency.
Not whipping enough – Under-whipping your frosting can leave it dense. Take the time to whip on medium-high for several minutes until light and fluffy.
Ignoring salt – Neglecting to add salt can make your frosting taste flat. A pinch of kosher salt enhances the flavors beautifully.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container.
Refrigerate for up to one week.
Let it come to room temperature before using.

Freezing Basic Vanilla Buttercream

Freeze in an airtight container or freezer bag.
Can be stored for up to three months.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before using.

Reheating Basic Vanilla Buttercream

Oven: Preheat at low heat, then warm the frosting briefly.
Microwave: Heat in short bursts of 10 seconds, stirring in between.
Stovetop: Use a double boiler on low heat, stirring continuously until softened.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Basic Vanilla Buttercream?

Basic Vanilla Buttercream is a classic frosting made from butter, confectioners’ sugar, vanilla extract, and a touch of milk. It’s perfect for cakes and cupcakes.

How do I get my Basic Vanilla Buttercream fluffy?

To achieve fluffiness, ensure your butter is softened and whip the mixture on medium-high speed for several minutes until light and airy.

Can I customize Basic Vanilla Buttercream?

Yes! You can customize by adding flavors like chocolate or almond extract or even food coloring for vibrant decorations.

How long does Basic Vanilla Buttercream last?

When stored properly, Basic Vanilla Buttercream lasts up to one week in the refrigerator and three months in the freezer.

Final Thoughts

Basic Vanilla Buttercream is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. It pairs perfectly with many desserts, from cakes to cookies. Feel free to customize it with different flavors or colors for any occasion. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy creating delightful treats!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card