Vanilla Frosting

If you love to bake, learning how to make vanilla frosting is a delicious way to make homemade confections even more decadent. Our recipe for homemade vanilla frosting is easy and approachable, so it makes for a fun baking project to do with kids. All you need are a few simple ingredients (many of which you may already have at home) to create a thick and spreadable frosting that’s delicious on cakes, cookies or sweet breads.

Ingredients for Vanilla Frosting

• Butter: Just as the name implies, butter is essential to any buttercream frosting recipe. Butter adds rich flavor and a dense texture that helps hold together the sugar, vanilla extract and milk.
• Confectioners’ sugar: When making a smooth and creamy frosting, confectioners’ sugar is your best option for sweetening: It blends evenly and consistently with the butter, without leaving clumps or a grainy texture.
• Vanilla extract: This simple ingredient is key to adding deep vanilla flavor, and it mixes in nicely with the other ingredients.
• 2% milk: We add milk to this easy vanilla frosting recipe to prevent it from getting too thick. A bit of milk helps thin out the frosting, making it easier to spread.

Directions

Step 1: Combine the ingredients and mix until smooth

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In a large bowl, beat the butter until it’s creamy. Beat in the confectioners’ sugar, vanilla and enough milk to achieve the desired consistency.

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Vanilla Frosting Variations

• Add flavor enhancers: While homemade vanilla frosting is delicious on its own, adding a few dashes of your favorite extract—like peppermint, almond, orange or coffee—is a yummy way to switch up the flavor without too much effort.
• Add peanut butter: Adding smooth, room-temperature peanut butter is another delicious way to add flavor to vanilla buttercream. The consistency of the peanut butter mixes in nicely with the buttercream and makes for a fully-flavored frosting that’s perfect for cakes or cookies.

How to Store Vanilla Frosting

Homemade vanilla frosting stores really nicely in the refrigerator. Once the frosting is mixed, transfer it to an airtight container with a tight-fitting lid.

How long does vanilla frosting last?

If stored properly in the refrigerator, this easy vanilla frosting can last for up to seven days.

Vanilla Frosting Tips

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Should I start with cold ingredients?

When making homemade vanilla frosting, it’s best to start with room-temperature ingredients. If the butter is too cold, it could result in a clumpy frosting that’s not smooth throughout. Using room-temperature ingredients ensures that everything mixes together evenly and consistently.

What’s the best way to mix this frosting?

An electric handheld mixer or stand mixer is the best way to mix this vanilla frosting until smooth. A handheld mixer is an easy way to fully incorporate all the ingredients without putting unnecessary strain on your wrist or hand. If you’re looking for a new handheld mixer, check out our test of the best hand mixers.

What recipes can I top with this vanilla frosting?

This vanilla frosting is super versatile, so you can use it to top a variety of cookies, cakes or cupcakes. If you’re looking for inspiration, check out some of our favorite cupcake recipes.