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Easy Buttercream Frosting Recipe (4 Ingredients & Perfectly Fluffy!) - Simple, Sweet, and Foolproof

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
  • 3–4 cups powdered sugar (start with 3 cups, add more to thicken)
  • 1–2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 2–4 tablespoons milk or heavy cream (more for a softer consistency)
  • Pinch of fine sea salt (optional, but recommended to balance sweetness)

Method
 

  1. Beat the butter: In a large bowl, beat softened butter on medium-high for 2–3 minutes until pale and creamy. This step builds the base for a fluffy frosting.
  2. Add powdered sugar gradually: Reduce speed to low and add powdered sugar 1 cup at a time. Mix until mostly incorporated before adding more to avoid a sugar cloud.
  3. Flavor it: Add vanilla and a pinch of salt. Taste and adjust the vanilla if you like a stronger flavor.
  4. Thin to the right consistency: Add milk or cream 1 tablespoon at a time on low speed until it’s smooth and spreadable.
  5. Whip it light: Increase speed to medium-high and beat for 2–3 minutes. This adds air, making it fluffy and easy to pipe.
  6. Adjust if needed: Too thick? Add a splash more milk. Too soft? Beat in more powdered sugar, a few tablespoons at a time.