Vanilla Frosting Recipe (2024)

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Posted by Aimee 37 comments
Published: Apr 19, 2021 Last Updated: Mar 8, 2024

The best homemade vanilla frosting recipe! Learn how to make the perfect buttercream frosting for all your favorite cakes. Pipe it onto cupcakes, slather it over a sheet cake or scoop it up with cookies.

Confession: sometimes I make a batch of cupcakes just for an excuse to eat frosting! If you love citrus, my Lemon Buttercream Frosting is for you.

Why this Vanilla Frosting is Best

If you learn to make just ONE frosting flavor in your life, make it this one: classic Vanilla Buttercream.

I’m such a cake and frosting girl, and this recipe is my go-to frosting!

• Made with real vanilla for rich flavor.
• Four simple ingredients.
• Whipped to fluffy perfection!
• The most versatile frosting you can make. Enjoy it on my vanilla sheet cake, chocolate cupcakes, and even this dark chocolate cake recipe!

Just 4 Ingredients

• Vanilla extract. Always use real vanilla extract, as opposed to imitation flavoring. You can even make your own vanilla extract at home for an even richer flavor.
• Milk.I use whole milk , but any kind of milk or cream will do.
• Powdered sugar. Also referred to as confectioner’s sugar.
• Butter.Choose unsalted butter for best results.

That’s it. Four easy ingredients to perfect frosting!

Pairings for Vanilla Frosting Recipes

The beautiful thing about vanilla frosting (besides how great it tastes) is that it complements so many other flavors. Just about everyone loves vanilla, whether it’s a main flavor or a complementary touch.

Once this frosting recipe is in your repertoire you’ll want to put it on everything in site!

• Cake. Add it to a classic chocolate cake for a black and white treat.
• Cupcakes. Make some dreamy Vanilla Bean Cupcakes for vanilla lover’s heaven. It’s tasty on Pumpkin Cupcakes too.
• Cookies. Spread a thick layer of vanilla frosting on your Chewy Sugar Cookies then add a few sprinkles for a pop of color.
• Cake Balls. Whip up a boxed cake mix and a batch of this frosting to make the best vanilla cake balls.

Tips for Perfect Frosting

• Vanilla bean variation. Using whole vanilla beans in place of the vanilla extract adds a fresh, aromatic dimension to the vanilla frosting. Cut open a vanilla bean pod. Scrape out the seeds. Add about 2/3 of the seeds to the frosting in place of the vanilla extract.
• Don’t throw away that vanilla bean pod. Use to to make a batch of Vanilla Sugar for using in all your dessert recipes.
• Cupcakes. This frosting is the perfect consistency for piping on cupcakes. Want it thicker or thinner? Change the amount of milk.
• Food Coloring. Want to color the frosting for a holiday or special occasion? I recommend using gel food coloring, as it tends to not have any flavor and a little goes a long way!
• Yield- This recipe yields enough vanilla buttercream to frost about 24 cupcakes or a 2-layer cake generously. Feel free to double this recipe if you want a lot of leftover frosting.
• Storage- Keep vanilla frosting in the refrigerator in an airtight container. When you’re ready to use it, let the frosting sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes to let it soften.
• Freeze- vanilla buttercream freezes well. Go ahead and make a big batch to stash away for whenever a frosting craving takes hold! You can keep it in a freezer bag frozen for up to 3 months. Let frozen buttercream thaw in the fridge overnight before using. You’ll also want to let it soften at room temperature before piping it onto your cupcakes or cakes.

More Frosting Recipes

• Chocolate Buttercream Frosting
• Cream Cheese Frosting
• Lemon Whipped Cream Frosting
• Salted Caramel Swiss Meringue Frosting
• Sugar Cookie Frosting
• Sour Cream Frosting

A good vanilla frosting recipe is a baker’s best friend. This simple frosting is rich, creamy proof that vanilla is anything but boring!