Whipped Buttercream Frosting Recipe

If you’ve ever dreamed of a frosting that is exquisitely light, creamy, and melts perfectly on your tongue, then you are going to fall head over heels for this Whipped Buttercream Frosting. It’s the ideal balance of rich buttery flavor and sweet, airy texture that transforms any cake or cupcake into a decadent masterpiece. Whether you’re decorating a birthday cake, a batch of cupcakes, or even just want a luscious spread for your cookies, this frosting feels like a special treat every single time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering these simple yet essential ingredients is the first step to creating your dream frosting. Each one plays a crucial part: from the creamy base that adds richness to the sugary sweetness that brings delightful texture and the touch of vanilla that gives it that irresistible warmth.

• 200 g Butter (unsalted and softened): The creamy foundation of the frosting that gives it richness and smoothness.
• 350 g Powdered sugar (sifted icing sugar): Provides sweetness and helps achieve that perfect light, fluffy texture.
• 80 ml Heavy cream (full-fat): Adds moisture and volume, making the frosting luxuriously airy.
• 2 tsp Vanilla extract: Brings warmth and enhances the overall flavor with a classic sweet note.
• 1 pinch salt (optional): Just a touch to balance sweetness and intensify all the flavors.

How to Make Whipped Buttercream Frosting

Step 1: Whisk the Butter Until Creamy and Smooth

Start by placing your softened butter, cut into manageable pieces, into the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment. Whisk it at high speed for about 3 to 5 minutes. This step is all about turning the butter into a luxuriously smooth, creamy base that will hold the sugar beautifully while incorporating air for lightness.

Step 2: Gradually Add Powdered Sugar

Lower the mixer speed and add the sifted powdered sugar in several batches. This careful addition ensures the sugar fully incorporates without making a mess or causing graininess. Mixing slowly at this point helps to definitively blend the sweetness into the butter, giving your frosting the perfect balance of fluffy and sweet.

Step 3: Mix in Vanilla Extract and Heavy Cream

Pour in the vanilla extract and full-fat heavy cream. Then crank the mixer back up to high speed for about 5 minutes. This step is where the magic happens to create that voluminous, smooth, and beautifully fluffy texture that characterizes classic Whipped Buttercream Frosting. It should become light, airy, and ready to spread or pipe.

Step 4: Remove Air Bubbles for a Perfect Finish

Finally, switch to a rubber spatula or the flat mixing attachment and carefully beat the frosting at low speed for 2 minutes. This gentle step releases any trapped air bubbles, ensuring an ultra-smooth and polished finish perfect for decorating your cakes or cupcakes.

How to Serve Whipped Buttercream Frosting

Garnishes

Serving your whipped buttercream frosting is a joyful chance to get creative. Fresh berries, edible flowers, or a sprinkle of colorful sprinkles add a charming contrast to the creamy texture. If you want a little extra sparkle, dusting with cocoa powder or a drizzle of caramel can bring delightful flavor complements.

Side Dishes

While whipped buttercream frosting is a star on its own, it pairs beautifully with simple vanilla, chocolate, or red velvet cakes. It also brings cupcakes, brownies, and even soft cookies to a new level of indulgence. For more adventurous pairings, try it with spice cakes or carrot cakes where the creamy sweetness balances richer, heartier flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

Why stick with just spreading the frosting? Use a piping bag fitted with your favorite tip to create elegant swirls, rosettes, or ruffled designs. You can also layer it between cake layers for a luscious surprise inside. For an eye-catching dessert table, consider coloring the frosting with natural food coloring or folding in finely chopped nuts for texture.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftover whipped buttercream frosting, don’t worry—it keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Just be sure to press a piece of plastic wrap directly on the surface to avoid any crust forming.

Freezing

You can freeze whipped buttercream frosting for up to three months. To freeze, place it in a sealed container and thaw overnight in the refrigerator when ready to use. Once thawed, give it a quick whip to bring back its airy texture before spreading or piping.

Reheating

Unlike some frostings, this whipped buttercream doesn’t require traditional reheating. Instead, after thawing, simply whip the frosting briefly with a mixer to restore its light and fluffy consistency. Avoid heating it in the microwave since that can cause separation.

FAQs

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?

Yes, you can use salted butter if that’s what you have on hand, but skip adding the pinch of salt to avoid over-seasoning your frosting. Unsalted butter allows you full control over the salt level and is preferred for baked goods.

How can I make the frosting less sweet?

To tone down the sweetness, reduce the amount of powdered sugar slightly and increase the heavy cream by a tablespoon or two. This will keep a smooth texture while balancing the sweetness to your liking.

Can I add other flavors to the Whipped Buttercream Frosting?

Absolutely! You can experiment by adding lemon zest, cocoa powder, almond extract, or even a splash of coffee. Just remember to adjust the liquid and sugar accordingly to keep the right texture.

Why does my whipped buttercream frosting feel grainy?

Graininess often happens if the powdered sugar isn’t sifted properly or if the butter is too cold. Always sift the sugar and make sure your butter is softened to room temperature before whipping for the smoothest texture.

Can I make this frosting by hand without a mixer?

While possible, it’s quite labor-intensive to achieve the light, fluffy texture by hand. Using a stand or hand mixer helps whip in air, which is key for this frosting’s signature volume and creaminess.

Final Thoughts

Making Whipped Buttercream Frosting from scratch is such a rewarding experience, and the results always bring a smile with their fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth goodness. Once you have this easy recipe in your baking repertoire, you’ll find so many excuses to whip up batches for every occasion. Trust me, this frosting will quickly become a beloved classic in your kitchen too!

Print