American Buttercream
American buttercream is a simple vanilla frosting made with unsalted butter, powdered sugar, vanilla extract, salt, and heavy cream.
- Prep
- 5 minutes
- Cook
- 10 minutes
- Active
- 5 minutes
- Total
- 20 minutes
Ingredients
Instructions
- 1.
Place the butter in the bowl of a stand mixer, then sift the powdered sugar on top.
- 2.
Fit the machine with a paddle attachment, and mix on low until the powdered sugar is fully incorporated.
- 3.
Add vanilla and salt, then increase speed to medium and beat until the frosting is airy and light, pausing along the way to scrape the bowl and beater as needed.
- 4.
This will take about 6 minutes, although the exact timing will vary depending on the power of the machine.
- 5.
During this time, the mixture will have warmed to approximately 70°F (21°C).
- 6.
Reduce speed to low, then drizzle in the cream.
- 7.
When fully incorporated, pause to scrape the bowl and beater, then continue beating a few seconds more on medium speed.
- 8.
Taste and adjust salt and vanilla as needed, or add whatever other extracts or gel colors are desired.
- 9.
Use immediately.