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Easy Cupcake Recipes with Vanilla Buttercream Frosting

There’s something kind of magical about a good frosting. You know that moment when a cupcake goes from looking like a plain little muffin to suddenly being party-ready with a swirl of creamy, fluffy buttercream on top? That’s the power of this vanilla buttercream frosting recipe. It doesn’t just sit there, it transforms your baked goods into something people reach for first on the dessert table. I’ve made this frosting more times than I can count, usually while trying to keep myself from ‘testing’ half the bowl before it even touches a cupcake. The recipe is simple, steady, and flexible—it can stand on its own, or play nicely with sprinkles, food coloring, or even a dash of almond extract if you’re feeling fancy. And if you’re chasing after easy cupcake recipes, this frosting is your best friend, always ready to help you pull off a batch that feels bakery-worthy without the stress. Think of it as the frosting that has your back, whether you’re layering it over a Vanilla Cupcake Recipe, piping it into neat swirls, or just spreading it in a casual swoop for a birthday cake. It’s sweet, creamy, and balanced—the kind of frosting you’ll keep in your back pocket, because once you’ve tried it, you’ll wonder why you ever bothered with the stuff in a can.
Prep Time10 minutes
Total Time10 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keywords: american buttercream frosting recipe, best vanilla frosting recipe, easy buttercream frosting recipe, easy cupcake frosting recipe, Easy Cupcake Recipes, vanilla buttercream frosting recipe, Vanilla Cupcake Recipe
Servings: 12 cupcakes
Author: Elena

Ingredients

  • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cups powdered sugar, sifted
  • 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
  • 2–4 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened butter until smooth and creamy.
  2. Gradually add the powdered sugar, about one cup at a time, mixing on low speed to prevent sugar clouds.
  3. Add the vanilla extract and a pinch of salt. Mix until combined.
  4. Slowly add the heavy cream or milk, one tablespoon at a time, until the frosting reaches your desired consistency.
  5. Beat on high speed for 2–3 minutes until light, fluffy, and spreadable.