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Simple Fantastic Kitchen
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Delicious vanilla buttercream frosting is a snap to make and only takes a few minutes. All you need is a stand mixer for the easiest, fastest results, although you can also use a handmixer. This recipe only has a few ingredients and is going to taste so fresh and homemade. Everyone always raves about this recipe in my kitchen.
I use clear vanilla extract, because it keeps the frosting from becoming too discolored, so you can easily adjust the color with the food coloring of your choice—the closer you start to white or off white as your base, the easier the food coloring process will be.
When coloring my buttercream frosting, I like to use AmeriColor Food Coloring Kits, as I consider them to be top of the line and the least messy option. They have soft Gel Paste Colors that incorporate into frostings and icings so beautifully and with precision that allows for the least mess. I recommend them highly. 
This recipe will make either 24 cupcakes, a 9 inch layer cake, or about 24-36 cookies, depending on their size.
You can make this recipe in advance of an event. Place the frosting into a food safe, airtight container and it will keep up to 3 days. I find this very convenient. When ready to use, bring the frosting to room temperature and beat it in Stand Mixer for about 5 minutes or so, until it’s your desired texture and smooth creaminess.

You can also make the frosting in advance and freeze it. Just place the frosting in a freezer safe, airtight container and it should last up to 1 month. Once ready to use, transfer container of frosting into the refrigerator and let it thaw overnight. Then remove from refrigerator to bring it down to room temperature. Beat the frosting with a Stand Mixer for about 5 minutes or so until it’s your desired texture and smooth creaminess.
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Vanilla Buttercream Frosting Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups softened butter unsalted allows you to decide the salt to sweet ratio
- 1 pinch fine sea salt
- 1 ½ lb powdered sugar sifted
- 1 tbsp clear vanilla extract
- 2 to 3 tbsp half & half can use heavy cream
- 1 drop Food Coloring AmeriColor Kit optional to color frosting
Instructions
- In Stand Mixer, add softened butter. Use paddle attachment and beat butter on medium-high speed for about 5 to 7 minutes until it looks very creamy.
- Adjust Stand Mixer low speed and add salt. Then slowly add in sifted powdered sugar, continue until fully incorporated.
- Continue on low speed. Add in half & half and clear vanilla extract until fully incorporated.
- Turn the Stand Mixer back up to medium-high again and beat buttercream frosting for an additional 5 to 7 minutes.
- If adding Food Coloring, slowly add a drop at a time and let fully incorporate until you've reached your desired color and it is uniformly incorporated into the frosting.
- Frost the dessert of your choice and enjoy!
Video
Notes
Nutrition

Hi, I’m Allison, the founder of Simple Fantastic Kitchen. I live in the mountains in a tiny house with a tiny kitchen where I make
Fantastic Recipe! The best, creamiest buttercream frosting imaginable!
Thank you so much for the fantastic comment!