You are going to love this Fluffy Buttercream Frosting! Made without heavy cream and perfect for all types of cupcakes, cookies, and cakes– this is the best buttercream frosting you’ll ever taste! If you’re looking for more simple and delicious recipes, be sure to visit Meals Made Simple.

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This buttercream frosting is fluffy, buttery, sweet, and so easy to make! When I say this is the best buttercream icing I’ve ever had: I’m serious! My family raves over this easy frosting recipe anytime I make it. I love to slather this whipped buttercream frosting on chocolate and vanilla cupcakes, cut out sugar cookies, and even a delectable moist cake.
So smooth and creamy, this vanilla buttercream is an old recipe that has been in my family for years. Super versatile and easy to customize, feel free to mix in your choice of blended fruit or food coloring into this simple buttercream frosting. The different options for buttercream frosting are endless because it can seriously become any color!
Ingredients
- Powdered sugar
- Butter
- Milk
- Vanilla
Optional:
- Sprinkles
- Food coloring

How to Make Buttercream Frosting
First, sift the confectioners’ sugar. Next, mix with softened butter, milk, and vanilla.


Separate a small amount of buttercream into two small containers, and if using, blend in the desired food coloring.
Next, prepare the decorating tools. Use a wide tip for the white buttercream, then use a very small circular tip for each of the different colored icings.
If you are frosting cupcakes, then start on the outer edge and squeeze the white buttercream onto the cupcake going in a circular motion all the way around to the middle. Pipe the different colored buttercream frostings onto the cupcakes and top with your choice of sprinkles.

Tips
- Change the colors of the fluffy buttercream frosting according to which holiday you are celebrating. We have tried all colors ranging from black for Halloween to pastels for Easter.
- Be sure to use gel food-coloring so the buttercream keeps its consistency.
- Store the leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
- If making ahead of time, be sure to bring the buttercream frosting to room temperature prior to using.
- If the buttercream is not thick enough, then you can add a little more sugar.
FAQs
How do I make my buttercream fluffier?
If you want your buttercream to be extra fluffy, then be sure to whip the ingredients on high speed when mixing with the hand or stand mixer. The more oxygen in the icing, the fluffier it gets.
Why is my buttercream not fluffy?
Buttercream that is not fluffy can be a result of a couple of different things. If you’re in a very hot kitchen, then sometimes the icing becomes a bit more softened. Be sure to stick the buttercream frosting in the refrigerator or freezer to allow it to thicken if it seems loose.
What are the three types of buttercream?
There are generally three main types of buttercream frosting that are popular throughout the world! The options range from Italian meringue buttercream to Swiss meringue buttercream.
What is the best butter to make buttercream?
You can use either salted or unsalted butter for buttercream frosting! I like to use a good quality of butter that has a high-fat content so the rich flavors are mixed throughout the vanilla frosting.
Can I overbeat buttercream?
Yes, buttercream can be overbeaten! The colors may change, but the air pockets ultimately will not affect the flavor of the recipe.
Other Recipes You Will Love
- Easy Pumpkin Cupcakes
- Halloween Cupcakes
- Easy Shortbread Cookies
- Sourdough Vanilla Cake
- Brownie Cake Pops
- Sourdough Dessert Recipes

Fluffy Buttercream Frosting
Equipment
- Hand or standmixer.
- Piping tips and bags
- Bowls
Ingredients
- 3 cups confectioners' sugar sifted
- ⅓ cup butter softened at room temperature
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 2 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
Optional
- sprinkles
- food coloring
Instructions
- First, sift confectioners sugar then mix with softened butter, milk, and vanilla until smooth and creamy.
- Separate a small amount of buttercream into two small ramekins and blend in red and blue food coloring until desired color is reached.
- Next, prepare the decorating tools. Use a wide tip for the white buttercream. Use a very small circular tip for each of the blue and red colors.
- To frost the cupcakes, start on the outer edge and squeeze the white buttercream onto the cupcake going in a circular motion all the way around to the middle, overlapping each layer slightly.
- Pipe red and blue buttercream and sprinkle with red, white, blue sprinkles candies.
Nutrition
Recipe Inspired By:
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