Easiest American Buttercream Frosting

If you are needing a quick and easy frosting, this deliciously sweet buttercream is perfect for you. Buttercream is one of the creamiest frostings out there and it is super simple to make. It is even easier to use on whatever desserts you may have, whether you need to frost, decorate, or fill.

Buttercream is a soft and delectable combination of powdered sugar and butter to make the perfect filling or frosting for any kind of dessert that fits.

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This frosting is a great choice for using as a filling or to coat a cake. Use this to make a thin or thick layer of frosting around your cakes as well as for decorating. If you want a thicker layer of cake, I recommend increasing the amount of frosting by a half.

Buttercream on sugar cookies is super good and it’s a great frosting for when you need to add detailed decorations to your cookies because it firms up very well.

One of my favorite things about buttercream is that it can be transformed into almost any flavor for whatever your baking needs are. Here is a list of some great flavors that can be added to flavor your buttercream for cakes, cookies, etc.

• Vanilla – Add an additional teaspoon of vanilla for a more vanilla flavor.
• Chocolate – Add in 1/2 sifted cup of unsweetened cocoa powder. For a thicker
• Caramel – Add 1/3 to 1/2 cups of homemade caramel sauce or store-bought.
• Strawberry – Add a 1-ounce bag of freeze-dried strawberries to a blender and crush into a powder.
• Orange – Add 2-3 tablespoons of orange juices with 1 teaspoon of orange zest.
• Coconut – Add 2-3 teaspoons of coconut extract.
• Mocha – Add in 1/2 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder with 1/2 cup of instant coffee.
• Maple – Add 1/3 cup of maple syrup with 1 teaspoon of maple extract.
• Lemon – Add 1/2 cup of freshly squeezed lemon juice with 1 tablespoon of lemon zest.
• Mint – Add 1/2 teaspoon of mint extract.

Yes! you can turn this delicious white buttercream frosting into almond buttercream by replacing just one ingredient. Instead of using vanilla for this recipe, I will have you replace it with almond extract.

American Buttercream tends to be a quick and easy recipe that many people know how to make. However, for some people, it can be too sweet. So, here is a few tips I have for you to make this buttercream less sweet.

Lemon Juice: Adding just a bit of lemon juice to replace some of the milk can cut that sweet flavor in half.

Less Sugar: This may seem like an obvious choice, but using less sugar can help. If you are worried that your frosting may end up tasting too much like butter, you can substitute it with some shortening.

Heavy Cream: Whip up some heavy cream and add it to the frosting. This can help to dilute the sugar a bit.

Salt: Adding a pinch of salt to the buttercream can help cut the flavor, but be sure to not add too much. You want just enough to balance the flavors out.

Cream Cheese: Substitute a tablespoon or 2 of the butter with cream cheese and adjust it to your liking. Keep in mind that this can change the texture of the frosting to a much softer version.

Grainy buttercream is a no-no! Your frosting might come out grainy if you have used the wrong kind of sugar. I make sure to use a cane sugar confectioner’s sugar because it melts faster when it’s beaten. Another reason is that you forgot to sift your sugar. When baking, it is always important to do so.

You can fix your grainy frosting by first, mixing a bit longer. This may help to break up those small lumps or pieces of sugar. Another option could be to add some more milk and let it sit overnight if you can to allow the sugar crystals to melt.

You can thicken the American Buttercream by keeping it in the fridge for a bit without having to add any more of the ingredients. If you are fine with a sweeter frosting, you can add additional powdered sugar to help thicken it right away.

No, this buttercream frosting doesn’t need to be put into the fridge. You may think that because it contains milk it would need to be. But, the powdered sugar helps stabilize the small about of milk.

Yes! You can freeze your American Buttercream. Not only is this a lifesaver for when you need some frosting or a filling, but it’s also great for extending the shelf life of the recipe.

You can keep your buttercream in an airtight container or Ziploc bag for the best storage method. This recipe can be kept at room temperature, in the fridge, or freezer depending on how long you need it.

Get the full list of ingredients, with measurements, and step-by-step directions at the bottom of the post in the printable recipe card.

Butter

Powdered Sugar

Vanilla Extract

Milk

This is the easiest and most simple way to get the best frosting you will ever have. Follow these quick steps to get you the perfect frosting in minutes.

Step 1. Beat the butter in a mixing bowl.

Step 2. Sift the sugar, add to the butter, and combine.

Step 3. Pour in the vanilla and combine.

Step 4. Add the milk and combine until smooth.

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