If you’ve ever baked a cake or cupcakes, chances are you’ve encountered American buttercream—it’s the classic frosting that everyone loves. It’s sweet, creamy, and oh-so-easy to make! Whether you’re a baking newbie or a seasoned pro, this American buttercream frosting recipe will quickly become your go-to for frosting all your favorite desserts.
The best part? It’s super customizable. You can adjust the sweetness, add different flavors, or even play around with colors for that perfect look.
What I love about American buttercream is how versatile it is. It pipes beautifully for decorations, spreads easily for cake layers, and adds just the right amount of sweetness to every bite. So, if you’re looking to make a frosting that’s both simple and delicious, you’re in the right place.
Let’s dive into this easy-to-follow recipe and get your cake frosted to perfection!
Why you will love this American buttercream frosting?

American buttercream is the frosting that just works, whether you’re frosting a simple birthday cake or going all out with a detailed design. It’s reliable, easy, and always delicious!
- Can be made with easily available pantry staples.
- Very firm, spreadable, and pipeable.
- Quick and easy to make.
- Ideal for decorating.
- Customizable to your taste.
How to make a American buttercream frosting recipe?
Before diving into a detailed step-by-step recipe, let’s understand the overall steps to make this simple buttercream frosting recipe.
Sr. No. | Steps |
1. | Beat butter until fluffy. |
2. | Gradually add powdered sugar and beat. |
3. | Beat in vanilla, salt, and cream. It’s ready to use. |
See? It’s as easy as that! You are just a few steps away from a frosting that’s perfect for any cake or cupcake.
American buttercream frosting ingredients

Unsalted butter – Butter is the star of this frosting! It gives the buttercream its rich, creamy texture and smoothness. Using unsalted butter lets you control the amount of salt in your recipe, which is key to balancing the sweetness. Use salted butter if that is what you have but skip out the salt entirely.
Powdered sugar – Powdered sugar, also known as icing sugar, is what makes the frosting sweet and gives it that perfect consistency. Unlike granulated sugar, it dissolves easily, so you get a smooth, lump-free finish. Use store-bought or prepare your homemade icing sugar.
Vanilla extract – Vanilla adds that warm, classic flavor that everyone loves in buttercream. You can also experiment with other extracts (like almond or lemon) to mix things up, but vanilla is the go-to for that familiar taste.
Heavy cream – A little liquid is needed to get the frosting to the right consistency. Heavy cream makes the frosting extra smooth and rich, but milk works just as well if that’s what you’ve got on hand. Add it gradually until you reach the texture you want.
A pinch of salt – Even a little bit of salt helps balance out the sweetness of the powdered sugar. It brings all the flavors together and enhances the creamy richness of the butter.
These ingredients come together to create the perfect buttercream—sweet, smooth, and easy to spread. Simple, right? But each one plays an important role in getting that perfect texture and flavor, so don’t skip any of them!
Any substitute?
Heavy cream – Use milk instead of cream in 1:1 proportion.
Dairy-free (vegan) – If you need a dairy-free version, substitute the unsalted butter with dairy-free butter (like margarine or plant-based butter) and use almond milk or coconut milk instead of heavy cream. The texture and flavor will be slightly different, but it will still be delicious!
Tools needed
- Measuring cups / measuring spoons – To measure ingredients.
- Weighing scale – to precisely measure ingredients.
- Mixing bowl – to make the buttercream.
- Hand beater – to beat the ingredients together.
American buttercream frosting (step-by-step) recipe
- Add unsalted butter (softened to room temperature) in a mixing bowl. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer, beat the butter on medium speed for about 2-3 minutes until it’s light, fluffy, and pale in color. This will give your buttercream that smooth, creamy texture.
- Now, gradually add powdered sugar (also called icing sugar). Add it in batches, about 1/2 cup at a time, and keep mixing after each addition. This will help prevent a sugar cloud in your kitchen! Keep mixing until it’s all well combined and looks like a soft, thick cream. Scrape the bowl in between, as needed.
- Add a pinch of salt (about 1/4 teaspoon) which will balance out the sweetness and make the frosting taste even more amazing. Trust me, it works wonders! Mix it well into the frosting.
- Next, add vanilla extract. This step is what brings the classic flavor to your buttercream. If you’re feeling a little adventurous, you can substitute vanilla with other extracts like almond or cardamom for a unique twist. Mix it in well.
- Now, you want to make the frosting just the right consistency. Add heavy cream or milk, depending on how thick or thin you want your frosting to be. If you want a more spreadable texture, add a little more liquid; for piping, you can keep it thicker. Mix it all together until it’s perfectly smooth.
- Once everything is well combined, give it a final whisk for about 1 minute. This will ensure your buttercream is extra fluffy and smooth, and ready to spread or pipe onto your cakes or cupcakes.
Watch me making (video)
Storing and freezing instructions for American buttercream frosting recipe
Just like my cream cheese frosting, this buttercream frosting can be stored at room temperature, in the refrigerator or freezer.
Storing instructions
If you plan to use your buttercream within 1-2 days, you can leave it at room temperature. Just make sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container to prevent it from drying out or crust formation on top. Keep it in a cool, dry place. Avoid putting it anywhere too hot, or it might start to soften or melt.
If you need to store your buttercream for a bit longer, pop it in the fridge! It will stay fresh for about a week. Make sure to store it in an airtight container or cover it well with plastic wrap. When you’re ready to use it again, just take it out and let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes. You might need to give it a quick mix or re-whip to get it back to that smooth, fluffy texture.
Freezing instructions
Freezing buttercream is a great option if you want to keep it for a few weeks or months. To freeze, simply place your buttercream in an airtight container or a zip-top bag. If you’re using a bag, squeeze out any air before sealing it. Label it with the date so you know when you made it. Frozen buttercream can last up to 3 months, so it’s perfect if you’re prepping ahead for a big event or need it on hand for future bakes.
Thawing instructions
When you’re ready to use your frozen buttercream, just take it out of the freezer and let it thaw overnight in the fridge. Once it’s thawed, leave it at room temperature for about 30 minutes to soften up. Then, give it a quick whisk or beat with your mixer to bring back that smooth, fluffy texture. If it feels a bit stiff, you can add a teaspoon of milk or cream to loosen it up and get it back to the perfect consistency.
And that’s it! With these simple tips, you can store your buttercream frosting for days or even months, always ready when you need it. Enjoy baking and happy frosting!
In short,
Sr. No. | Storage Type | Days/Weeks/Months |
1. | Room temperature | 1 to 2 days. |
2. | Refrigerator | 1 to 1.5 weeks. |
3. | Freezer | 3 months. |
Variations
One of the best things about American buttercream is how easily it can be customized to suit your tastes or match your cake’s theme. Here are a few fun variations you can try out:
1. Chocolate Buttercream
Love chocolate? This one’s for you! Simply add ½ cup of unsweetened cocoa powder to the powdered sugar before mixing it in with the butter. You’ll get a rich, chocolatey frosting that’s perfect for all those chocolate lovers out there. For an even deeper chocolate flavor, you can melt 4 oz of dark chocolate and mix it in after the butter and powdered sugar have been combined.
2. Vanilla Almond Buttercream
For a sweet twist on classic vanilla, try adding a teaspoon of almond extract along with the vanilla extract. The almond flavor adds a lovely, nutty depth that pairs wonderfully with cakes like carrot cake, red velvet, or even a simple vanilla sponge.
3. Strawberry Buttercream
If you’re craving something fruity, strawberry buttercream is a delicious option. You can use fresh or freeze-dried strawberries. Simply puree fresh strawberries (about ½ cup) and fold them in after you’ve mixed the butter and powdered sugar. If using freeze-dried strawberries, crush them into a fine powder and mix them in with the powdered sugar. This will give you a lovely pink color and a fresh berry taste!
4. Coffee Buttercream
For coffee lovers, dissolve 2 tablespoons of instant coffee granules in 2 tablespoons of hot water and let it cool. Add this coffee mixture to your frosting along with the vanilla extract. The result? A coffee-infused frosting that’s perfect for pairing with chocolate or mocha cakes.
These are just a few ways to give your buttercream a unique twist! The options are endless—have fun experimenting and finding your favorite flavor!
Secret tips to make the best American buttercream frosting recipe
Want your buttercream to be absolutely perfect every time? Here are a few pro tips that’ll take your frosting to the next level:
1. Use room-temperature butter – This is a game-changer! Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature before you start. Cold butter won’t whip up properly, and you’ll end up with a lumpy texture. Leave it out for about 30 minutes before starting the recipe. It should be soft but not melty.
2. Sift the icing sugar – Sifting your powdered sugar might seem like an extra step, but trust me, it makes a huge difference. It helps avoid any lumps and ensures your buttercream is silky smooth, and won’t stuck in while piping. Plus, it mixes in better and quicker, so you won’t have to beat the frosting for too long.
4. Add liquid gradually – If you add too much liquid at once, your frosting might end up too runny. Start with 2 tablespoons of milk or cream and gradually add more, depending on the consistency you want. For piping, you want it a little thicker, and for spreading, a bit thinner is fine.
7. Don’t skip the salt – Even though buttercream is sweet, a tiny pinch of salt works wonders to enhance the flavor and balance out all that sugar. It won’t make it taste salty, but it will help bring out the richness of the butter and make your frosting extra delicious.
FAQ’s
Can I make this frosting ahead of time?
Yes, absolutely! You can make your buttercream ahead of time and store it in an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to a week, or you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Just remember to bring it to room temperature and give it a quick mix before using it.
How do I fix grainy buttercream?
If your buttercream feels grainy, it’s likely from the powdered sugar not being mixed well enough. You can add a little more cream or milk (just a tablespoon at a time) and mix it again. If it’s still grainy, you can try beating it on medium-high speed for a few more minutes to smooth it out. Have a look at my detailed guide on fixing grainy buttercream.
Why is my buttercream too thin?
If your buttercream is too thin, it could be because you added too much liquid. To fix it, just add a little more powdered sugar, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency. If you’re in a pinch, you can also chill it in the fridge for 10-15 minutes to help firm it up.
Can I add color to the buttercream?
Of course! If you want to add color to your buttercream, just use a few drops of gel food coloring. Gel food coloring is more concentrated than liquid, so you don’t need much to get vibrant colors. Mix it in slowly until you get your perfect shade. I have done the same while preparing American buttercream frosting for my 4-inch vanilla cake.
If you have any further questions, please feel free to drop a comment below and I will be happy to answer them :).
Want to try some other frosting recipes?
- 3-ingredient peanut butter ganache.
- Chocolate cream cheese frosting.
- Fudgy chocolate frosting.
- Chocolate brownie frosting.
- Dark chocolate ganache.
What are you waiting for?
I’d love to hear how your buttercream turns out! Have you tried any fun variations or tweaks to the recipe? Maybe you added a special flavor or made it dairy-free—whatever it is, drop a comment below and share your thoughts!
I’m always excited to hear how you make this recipe your own. And if you have any questions or need more tips, don’t hesitate to ask. Happy baking and I can’t wait to see what you create!
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