Serves 4
15 min
Perfect Vanilla Frosting
Recipe GLPR5534dd6aff8762
A luxurious, fluffy vanilla frosting made with cold butter, powdered sugar, and pure vanilla extract. This frosting is whipped until light and airy, creating a smooth, spreadable consistency perfect for cakes and cupcakes. The combination of butter and heavy cream creates an exceptionally rich and creamy texture that's both stable and delicious.
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Ingredients
1½ cups (3 sticks) unsalted butter, cold and cut into pieces
5 cups powdered sugar, divided
2½ teaspoons vanilla extract, divided
2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream
Directions
Cut the cold butter into small pieces. Using an electric mixer with a paddle attachment, whip the butter on medium-high speed for 5-7 minutes, stopping occasionally to scrape down the sides of the bowl with a spatula. Continue beating until the butter becomes pale in color and noticeably lighter in texture.
Reduce the mixer speed to low. Add 2 cups of the powdered sugar and mix until the sugar is fully incorporated into the whipped butter, about 1-2 minutes. Scrape the bowl as needed to ensure even mixing.
While still on low speed, add 2 teaspoons of the vanilla extract and mix until completely combined, about 30 seconds to 1 minute.
Add the remaining 2 cups of powdered sugar and beat on low speed until the sugar is fully incorporated. Once combined, increase the mixer speed to medium-high and beat for 3 minutes to develop a fluffy texture.
Add the final 1 cup of powdered sugar along with the remaining ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract and the heavy whipping cream. Beat on low speed until the ingredients just begin to combine, about 1-2 minutes. Increase the mixer speed to medium-high and beat for an additional 3-5 minutes, scraping down the bowl as needed, until the frosting is light, fluffy, and increased in volume.
