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The BEST Vanilla Buttercream

Print Recipe
Smooth and delicious classic American vanilla buttercream.

Ingredients

  • 3 sticks (or 1 1/2 cups) Unsalted butter left at room temp for 15 minutes
  • 1 Tablespoon Pure Vanilla
  • 1 pinch salt
  • 1/4 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 7-8 cups powdered sugar

Instructions

  • In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, whip up the butter until it's light and fluffy, about 2 minutes.
  • Add in the vanilla, salt, and heavy cream and whip up to combine. Scrape the sides of the bowl down with a spatula.
  • With the mixer on low speed, add in your powdered sugar 1/2 cup at a time. It should get pretty thick. Add in a touch (meaning 1-2 Tablespoons) of heavy cream, then turn the mixer on the highest speed for 2-3 minutes until the buttercream is lighter and fluffier in texture.
  • Using a wooden spoon or the mixer on the lowest speed, beat out any air bubbles as desired. For consistency, add more powdered sugar if it's too thin. If it's too thick, add in a touch more heavy cream.