What could be sweeter than the BEST Buttercream Frosting piped on a delicious cupcake? This classic buttercream frosting is the one I used while attending culinary school in the ’70s. Yes, they had those back then.
I see no reason to change this classic recipe since it is perfect for frosting, cakes, and cupcakes with a spatula or a pastry bag and tip.

Buttercream Frosted Cupcake
How to Make Buttercream Frosting
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Supplies
- Stand Mixer fitted with the flat edge paddle attachment (this is like the one I use), electric mixer, or hand mixer
- Measuring cups
- Spatula
- Watch the complete frosting video HERE

Ingredients for Buttercream Frosting
Ingredients
- 1 Stick unsalted butter softened (room temperature)
- 4 cups confectioners sugar
- 5 to 7 Tablespoons heavy cream or milk

Add confectioner’s sugar to butter

Mixer covered with a tea towel

Adding a pinch of salt

Vanilla extract added to the bowl

Add enough cream

Vanilla Buttercream Frosting

Buttercream Frosting
Ingredients
- 1 Stick Unsalted Butter softened not melted
- 4 Cups of 10X sugar
- 5 to 7 Tablespoons Cream or milk
Instructions
- Using an electric mixer to cream butter and sugar together at a slow speed. Then slowly add cream one tablespoon at a time until the icing mixture is firm and smooth.
- Frost your cake or cupcakes and enjoy!
Video
Nutrition

Frosting cupcakes with a pastry bag
Cupcake Picks
To decorate the cupcakes for special events, add some DIY picks. Print out the footballs HERE.

Football picks
Buttercream Frosting Options
You can add a pinch of salt to the frosting to balance its sweetness.
Extracts
Note: Adding an extract to flavor the frosting can change its consistency. I recommend adding it before adding all the cream.
Vanilla buttercream: To make vanilla buttercream frosting, add 1 to 2 teaspoons of vanilla extract.
I have used coconut, peppermint, and almond extracts in buttercream frosting.
Spices
Another way to add flavor to buttercream frosting is to use spices, such as cinnamon, ginger, and/or cloves. Add 1/4 teaspoon of spices at a time and taste before adding more.
Tinting
Buttercream frosting is perfect for tinting any color of the rainbow. I recommend using this type of food color to prevent the frosting from changing consistency. Using a toothpick, add a little at a time.
Want More?
Sometimes, we all need a little inspiration for easy meals and recipes. I’ve put together some recipes. I think you’ll like them.
If you like easy everyday recipes, you might enjoy my favorite recipes delivered straight to your inbox. Click HERE.
See you soon,
Kippi
jumiko
Tuesday 21st of November 2023
All of the information I’ve gleaned from it basically has been quite useful, and I’d for the most part want to generally commend you on really your abilities, actually contrary to popular belief. fnaf
fwe
Monday 7th of November 2022
The cupcake are the cutest!! it look delicious 🙂 Pinned! moto x3m
Kathy
Monday 25th of April 2022
Hi Kippi I am from Saskatchewan Canada and follow your posts . Have a couple questions about this frosting : I have to do96 cupcakes and was wondering if I could decorate and it would keep for 2 days in cool place before anything starts melting or falling , also how many cups are your stick of butter lol😅 . Thanks Kathy
debbie
Monday 7th of February 2022
I looked at the recipe and wrote down the 3 ingredients but under the pictures it mentions vanilla and pinch of salt. What is the full list of ingredients?
Amber
Sunday 9th of January 2022
What type/brand of coloring do you use? The link does not work.