Basic Vanilla Cake Frosting
Looking for an easy, classic cake frosting? This simple 4-ingredient recipes is my go-to vanilla frosting recipe for cakes, cupcakes, and more!
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: about 12 servings 1x
- Category: dessert
- Method: no cook
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 stick (1/2 cup) salted butter, softened
- 1 lb powdered sugar (about 4 cups)
- 1 tsp vanilla bean paste or vanilla extract
- 3–4 tbsp milk
Instructions
- In the bowl of a stand mixer, or in a large bowl with a hand mixer, beat butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla until smooth.
- Add milk, one tbsp at a time, until you reach spreading consistency.
- Use right away, or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to use.
Notes
- Use softened, room temperature butter for best results. Butter should be soft enough to leave a slight indent when pressed with one finger but not so soft that it's greasy or slick.
- To soften butter quickly, cut into quarters and microwave on the defrost setting for 5-20 seconds.
- Cream or half and half can be used in place of milk.
- Frosting is most easily spread at room temperature. If you're making it in advance, let it thaw to room temperature before using.
- add 1/4 tsp salt if using unsalted butter.
Keywords: basic frosting, easy frosting recipe, basic vanilla frosting
Find it online: https://livelytable.com/basic-cake-frosting/