Best 3 Simple Vanilla Frosting Recipes

facebook share image   twitter share image   pinterest share image   E-Mail share image

In the realm of baking and dessert making, there are few things as versatile and beloved as vanilla frosting. With its smooth, creamy texture and sweet, classic flavor, vanilla frosting adds an irresistible touch to cakes, cupcakes, cookies, and more. Whether you're a seasoned baker or a novice in the kitchen, mastering the art of making simple vanilla frosting is a valuable skill that will elevate your culinary creations. While there are countless variations and adaptations, this article will provide you with a straightforward guide to crafting the perfect basic vanilla frosting, ensuring that your sweet treats reach new heights of deliciousness.

Here are our top 3 tried and tested recipes!

SIMPLE VANILLA BUTTERCREAM FROSTING



Simple Vanilla Buttercream Frosting image

Provided by Alton Brown

Categories     dessert

Time 15m

Yield about 2 cups frosting

Number Of Ingredients 5

6 ounces unsalted butter, room temperature
2 ounces shortening
1 whole egg, room temperature
1 pound confectioners' sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Steps:

  • Place the butter and shortening into the bowl of a stand mixer and, using the paddle attachment, cream the butter on high until light and fluffy, approximately 3 to 4 minutes. Add the egg and beat until well combined, approximately 1 minute. Turn off the mixer and add 1/2 cup of the sugar. Mix on low until combined. Stop to scrape down the sides of the bowl. Repeat until all of the sugar has been incorporated. Add the vanilla and continue to beat until the frosting is smooth and light, approximately 2 to 3 minutes. Use immediately or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 hours or refrigerate for up to a week. Bring to room temperature before using.

SIMPLE VANILLA FROSTING



Simple Vanilla Frosting image

Use our Simple Vanilla Frosting to top our chocolate chip cookie cupcakes.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Dessert & Treats Recipes

Yield Makes 4 1/2 cups

Number Of Ingredients 4

4 1/2 sticks room-temperature unsalted butter
6 3/4 cups confectioners' sugar
1 tablespoon plus 1 1/2 teaspoons whole milk
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Steps:

  • Beat butter and 1 1/2 cups sugar with a mixer on medium speed until pale and fluffy. Reduce speed to medium-low; gradually add an additional 5 1/4 cups sugar. Raise speed to medium-high. Add milk and vanilla. Continue to beat until pale and fluffy, about 3 minutes. Store at room temperature until ready to use (up to 2 days).

SIMPLE LAYER CAKE WITH VANILLA FROSTING RECIPE - (4.4/5)



Simple Layer Cake with Vanilla frosting Recipe - (4.4/5) image

Provided by รก-8183

Number Of Ingredients 17

Cake:
1 stick unsalted butter, softened, plus more for
cake pans and parchment
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 Tbs. baking powder
1/2 tsp. fine salt
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
3 large eggs, room temperature
1 cup whole milk
1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
Frosting:
1 stick unsalted butter, softened
4 oz. cream cheese, room temperature
5 cups confectioner's sugar
1/4 tsp. fine salt
1/4 cup whole milk
1/2 tsp. pure vanilla extract

Steps:

  • 1. Cake: Preheat oven to 350. Butter two 8-inch round cake pans and line bottoms with parchment; butter parchment as well. Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Beat together butter and granulated sugar with a mixer on medium speed until combined, 1 to 2 minutes. Add eggs and beat well, scraping down sides of bowl as necessary. Reduce speed to low and gradually add flour mixture, beating until combined. Add milk and vanilla and beat until just combined. 2. Divide batter between pans; smooth tops with an off-set spatula. Bake until golden and a toothpick inserted into centers comes out clean, 33 to 35 minutes. Let cakes cool in pans on wire racks 15 minutes. Turn out cakes onto racks to cool completely. 3. Frosting: Beat together butter and cream cheese with a mixer on medium-high speed until pale and creamy, about 1 minute. Reduce speed to medium. Add confectioner's sugar, 1 cup at a time, beating well after each addition. Add salt, milk, and vanilla and beat until fluffy, about 3 minutes. If not using immediately, cover surface of frosting with plastic wrap. Frosting can be refrigerated in an airtight container up to 1 week. Before using, bring to room temperature, then beat on low speed until smooth. 4. Place 1 cake layer on a cake plate and spread 1 cup frosting on top. Place remaining cake layer on top. Spread top and sides of cake with remaining frosting, swrirling to coat in a decorative fashion. (If frosting becomes too soft, refrigerate to firm up.) Cake can be covered with a cake dome and refrigerated overnight. Bring cake to room temperature before serving. Makes One 8-inch Layer Cake

Tips:

  • Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature before you start. This will make it easier to cream together with the sugar.
  • If you don't have a stand or hand mixer, you can still make this frosting by hand. Just be sure to cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy.
  • Add the milk or cream one tablespoon at a time until you reach the desired consistency. If you add too much liquid, the frosting will be too thin.
  • If you want a thicker frosting, you can add more powdered sugar. Just be sure to add it one tablespoon at a time until you reach the desired consistency.
  • Flavor the frosting with your favorite extracts or spices. Some popular options include vanilla, almond, lemon, and cinnamon.
  • Use the frosting immediately, or store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Conclusion:

Vanilla frosting is a classic and versatile frosting that can be used on a variety of desserts. It is easy to make and can be customized to your liking. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced baker, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.

Related Topics