Vanilla Buttercream Frosting Recipe with Flavor Variations
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Yield:
Enough for 13 x 9-inch cake, an 8-inch 2-layer cake OR 24 cupcakes
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Total Time:
10 mins
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Prep Time:
10 mins
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Cook Time:
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup butter, softened
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 3 to 5 tablespoons milk
Instructions
- Combine butter and powdered sugar in a large bowl with electric mixer. Add vanilla and enough milk to make desired consistency. Beat for 1 to 2 minutes until very creamy. Spread over cake.
- Browned Butter Variation: Heat butter in a small saucepan until well browned. Watch carefully so that the butter doesn't burn. Cool at least 1 hour. Prepare frosting as above.
- Raspberry Variation: Add 1/4 fresh or well drained frozen and thawed raspberries to butter and powdered sugar. Add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and 2 to 3 tablespoons milk and prepare as above.
- Peanut Butter Variation: Reduce butter to 1/4 cup and add 1/4 cup peanut butter. Prepare frosting as above.
- Mint Chip Variation: Reduce vanilla to 1 teaspoon and add 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract and a few drops green food coloring. Prepare frosting as above. Fold in 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips.
- Cookies and Creme Variation: Prepare frosting as above. Beat in 1 cup coarsely crushed chocolate sandwich cookies. Spread frosting over cake and garnish with more cookies.
