This American buttercream recipe is the fastest, easiest way to get a rich and creamy frosting that holds up perfectly.
Butter, shortening, powdered sugar, cream, and a splash of vanilla are all you need to whip up this easy, all-occasion frosting ready to use in minutes.
You’ll Be Obsessed with This American Buttercream Because…
- All you need are a few basic ingredients and an electric mixer to make this delicious topper.
- This American buttercream frosting recipe is perfect for novice bakers because it’s easy to make and holds up well.
- Color portions of the frosting to pipe flowers, leaves, letters, and borders on cakes and cupcakes.
What’s in American Buttercream?
Butter: Fresh, full-fat, unsalted butter provides the best flavor and texture. Margarine can also be used but go for the full-fat variety.
Shortening: American buttercream frosting is so popular because shortening is a critical ingredient that stabilizes the texture. This recipe can be made with all butter if shortening isn’t available, but won’t hold up at room temperature either. Lard is often swapped out for shortening in baking recipes like pie crusts but is not recommended for frosting.
Sweetener: Powdered sugar (AKA icing sugar or confectioner’s sugar) is finely ground sugar and dissolves quickly in this recipe.
Cream: Cream prevents the frosting from being overly sweet and overly greasy. Use heavy whipping cream or your favorite coffee creamer for a quick flavor upgrade.
Variations: Other than vanilla, this buttercream can be flavored with other extracts like rum, bourbon, banana, orange, lemon, coconut, and even peppermint for a festive cupcake frosting. Blend in ⅔ cup cocoa powder in Step 1 if you want a chocolate-flavored frosting.
How to Make American Buttercream
- Cream butter and sugar until fluffy (full recipe below).
- Mix in powdered sugar and cream until smooth.
- Whip frosting on a high mixer setting until light and fluffy, adding extra cream to desired consistency.
Ways to Use American Buttercream
Ice a homemade carrot cake with American buttercream or tint some pink and top watermelon cupcakes.
Storing American Buttercream
Keep leftover frosting in a covered container at room temperature for 3 days or in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze it in zippered bags for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before using.
More Delicious Dessert Ideas
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American Buttercream Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter 1 stick, room temperature
- ½ cup shortening
- 1 pound powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1-2 Tablespoons heavy cream milk, or coffee creamer
Instructions
- In the bowl of a stand mixture, or a large bowl, cream butter and shortening together until light and fluffy.
- Add powdered sugar, vanilla, and 1 Tablespoon cream to the butter mixture.
- Mix until incorporated.
- Mix on high for 3-5 minutes, until buttercream is silky, smooth, and fluffy. If needed, add up to one additional Tablespoon of cream to thin and achieve the desired consistency.
Notes
- Leftovers will keep in an airtight container for 3 days and in the freezer for 3 months.
Nutrition Information
Nutrition information does not include optional ingredients or garnish and is an estimate. It may change based on actual ingredients and cooking methods used.
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