How To Make 10-Minute American Buttercream

The ONLY American Buttercream Recipe You Will Ever Need

Who doesn’t love the deliciously creamy, smooth sweetness of American buttercream? Some may think it’s too sweet, but it has a special place in my heart.

Whether you’re frosting cupcakes for a bake sale, finishing off a birthday cake for your little one, or just licking it off the spoon, buttercream is a well-known icing used a whole bunch. I’m sharing with you how to make the best buttercream frosting.  I am a little bias but it is fingerlicking good.  

This post is all about how to make american buttercream.

It’s crazy to think I had no idea about the other types of buttercream until 9 years ago! The only vanilla frosting I ever saw my mom make was American buttercream.

Over the years, I’ve made this recipe for countless family get-togethers and birthday parties. It’s pretty much my go to icing if you want something easy, sweet, and can withstand the summer temperatures of the South a little longer.

If you are interested in this icing, check out this vanilla cake from scratch.

What is American Buttercream?

American buttercream is one of the easiest and most popular frostings to make. It is made by creaming together butter and powdered sugar. It is great for piping, decorating, and spreading on cakes or cupcakes.

Unlike Swiss or Italian meringue buttercreams, American buttercream does not require cooking egg whites or using a thermometer. This makes it ideal for beginners and busy moms.

Ingredients needed

• Butter – Use salted or unsalted butter (If you use unsalted add a tsp of salt to the recipe)
• Powdered Sugar
• Heavy Whipping Cream – Almond milk or any milk can be used to replace whipping cream
• Vanilla Extract – Use any flavor extract or add vanilla bean paste.

Directions for 10-Minute American Buttercream  

Got 10 minutes? Great, because that’s all you’ll need to make this amazing buttercream. Here’s how to do it step by step!  

Step 1. Beat the Butter  
Place your softened butter in a large mixing bowl. Using an electric mixer (a stand mixer with a paddle attachment works even better!), beat the butter on medium-high speed for about 3-4 minutes, or until it’s light and fluffy. This step is super important to ensure your buttercream is smooth and airy.  

Step 2. Add the Powdered Sugar Gradually  
Reduce your mixer speed to low and slowly add half of the powdered sugar. Mixing on low keeps the sugar from poofing all over your kitchen (been there, done that!).  

Once all the sugar is in, increase the speed to medium and beat for another 2-3 minutes. At this stage, your frosting will look thick, so don’t worry—that’s exactly where you want it to be.  

Step 3. Add Vanilla and Salt  
Mix in your vanilla extract and the pinch of salt (optional). The salt helps balance out the sweetness and gives your buttercream a more complex flavor.  

Step 4. Adjust the Consistency with Milk or Cream  
Now it’s time to get that perfect frosting consistency. Add 2 tablespoons of milk or heavy cream to start. Beat the mixture on high speed for about 1 minute.

Step 5. Add the remainder of the powdered sugar
Reduce your mixer speed and add the remainder of the powdered sugar. If the frosting still feels too thick or stiff, add more milk one tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency.  

Want to add some flair? Try these ideas:

Color it: Add gel-based food coloring for vibrant hues without altering the consistency.  

Flavor it: Swap the vanilla extract for almond, peppermint, or even orange extract. You can also throw in some cocoa powder for a delicious chocolate version.  

Texture it: Toss in a sprinkle of cinnamon or a hint of espresso powder for a grown-up twist.    

Now, your buttercream is ready to shine atop your cakes, cupcakes, or even cookies!  

How much buttercream does this receipe make?

This recipe will make enough icing to frost and fill a two-layer cake and two dozen cupcakes. I double the recipe if I have to fill and frost a three-layer cake and add decorations. My commercial KitchenAid allows me to double the recipe in one bowl. Here is the link for it. KichenAid Commercial Mixer

American Buttercream is more than just a frosting recipe; it’s a baking essential. Whether you’re celebrating life’s big milestones or just looking to brighten up the everyday, this 10-minute recipe will have your sweet creations looking and tasting amazing.  

I’d love to see what you whip up! Share your frosted treats with us on social media using the hashtag #ButtercreamDreams. And if you’re still experimenting with your baking, don’t forget to bookmark this recipe for next time.  

Happy baking, and don’t forget to enjoy a spoonful of buttercream for yourself (because you deserve it!).  

Vanilla Buttercream Frosting

This recipe only requires 4 simple ingredients, which makes this frosting quick and easy to make.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Servings 24 cupcakes

Ingredients

  

• 2 cups salted butter
• 3.5 cups powdered sugar
• 2 tbsp whipping cream
• 2 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

 

Step 1. Beat the Butter

• Place your softened butter in a large mixing bowl. Using an electric mixer (a stand mixer with a paddle attachment works even better!), beat the butter on medium-high speed for about 3-4 minutes, or until it’s light and fluffy. This step is super important to ensure your buttercream is smooth and airy.

Step 2. Add the Powdered Sugar Gradually

• Reduce your mixer speed to low and slowly add half of the powdered sugar. Mixing on low keeps the sugar from poofing all over your kitchen (been there, done that!).
• Once all the sugar is in, increase the speed to medium and beat for another 2-3 minutes. At this stage, your frosting will look thick, so don’t worry—that’s exactly where you want it to be.

Step 3. Add Vanilla and Salt

• Mix in your vanilla extract and the pinch of salt (optional). The salt helps balance out the sweetness and gives your buttercream a more complex flavor.

Step 4. Adjust the Consistency with Milk or Cream

• Now it’s time to get that perfect frosting consistency. Add 2 tablespoons of milk or heavy cream to start. Beat the mixture on high speed for about 1 minute.

Step 5. Add the remainder of the powdered sugar

• Reduce your mixer speed and add the remainder of the powdered sugar. If the frosting still feels too thick or stiff, add more milk one tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency.