Buttercream Frosting(Makes About 3 Cups)

Prep: 10 min Cuisine: American

Delicate buttercream frosting perfect for cakes, cupcakes, and sweet treats, offering a buttery base with a touch of vanilla and optional pink hue

Be the first to rate this recipe

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup butter or margarine (1 stick)
  • 6 cups sifted confectioners sugar
  • 1/2 cup whipping cream
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1 1/2 tsp vanilla
  • red food coloring

Instructions

  1. Cream butter until soft in a medium bowl.
  2. Add confectioners sugar gradually, alternating with cream, blending well after each addition.
  3. Stir in salt and vanilla.
  4. Take out 1 1/2 cups for white frosting; tint remaining pale pink with red food coloring.

Tips & Substitutions

For a lighter frosting, you can substitute half of the butter with cream cheese. Ensure your butter is at room temperature for easier creaming. If you want a richer flavor, try using unsalted butter. When adding food coloring, start with a small amount and gradually increase to achieve the desired shade. This frosting is perfect for decorating cakes or cupcakes, especially alongside recipes like Blueberry Ice Cream Pie.

Serving Suggestions

This buttercream frosting is ideal for topping cakes, cupcakes, or cookies. You can use it to decorate a birthday cake or to make a delightful layer in a dessert like Good To The Last Drop Cake. Consider pairing it with fresh fruits for a balanced sweetness, or use it to frost a batch of Pride Of Indiana Cookies for a delicious treat.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover buttercream frosting in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Before using, allow it to come to room temperature and rewhip to restore its texture. If you need to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to three months. Just make sure to thaw it in the fridge overnight before use.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Buttercream Frosting(Makes About 3 Cups) contains roughly 212 calories, with 0g protein, 34g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 488mg per serving (21% of the Daily Value).

212 kcal 11% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 0.1g
Total Fat 1g 1% DV
Carbs 33.8g 12% DV
Fiber 0g
Sugar 33.2g 66% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 488.3mg 21% DV
Potassium 46.9mg 1% DV
Cholesterol 3.1mg 1% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 7.7mcg 1% DV
Vitamin C 0mg
Vitamin D 0mcg
Calcium 5.1mg
Iron 0.1mg
Diet fit Under 400 cal Low-fat
Contains Milk

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this frosting ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare this buttercream frosting ahead of time. Just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When ready to use, let it come to room temperature and rewhip to achieve the right consistency.

How can I make the frosting less sweet?

To reduce the sweetness, you can add a bit more cream or incorporate some unsweetened cocoa powder if you're making chocolate buttercream. Adjusting the ratio of butter to sugar can also help balance the sweetness.

Can I use margarine instead of butter?

Yes, margarine can be used as a substitute for butter in this recipe. However, the flavor and texture may vary slightly. For a more authentic taste, opt for a high-quality margarine that mimics the creaminess of butter.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

American recipes → Vegetarian recipes → Dairy recipes → All recipes →