American Buttercream

VEGETARIAN

BAKING

DESSERTTOPPING

SWEET

Adapted from Stella Parks on April 18, 2026

Prep:

5 minutes

Cook:

10 minutes

Active:

5 minutes

Total:

20 minutes

Ingredients

Serves/makes 4

12 ounces unsalted butter, softened to about 65°F/18°C (3 sticks; 340 g)

12 ounces organic powdered sugar, preferably tapioca-based, such as Wholesome; see notes (about 3 cups, spooned; 340 g)

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

3/4 teaspoon (3 g) Diamond Crystal kosher salt; for table salt, use about half as much by volume or the same weight

3 ounces (85 g) heavy cream, straight from the fridge

Other extracts or gel-paste food coloring, such as Americolor, to taste

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.

VEGETARIAN

BAKING

DESSERT

SWEET

2 HOURS , 40 MINUTES

If you don't have organic powdered sugar on hand, conventional powdered sugar will be fine; just add 1/2 teaspoon of plain, unsulfured molasses (not blackstrap) along with the salt and vanilla to create a similar depth of flavor.
This frosting is best used right away.
Makes 4 1/2 cups* (I found that it really makes like 2-3 😅