This vanilla frosting is the kind of simple magic every baker needs in their back pocket.
It’s rich, fluffy, and full of warm vanilla flavor—the perfect companion to cupcakes, layer cakes, cookies, and more.
Made with just four basic ingredients, it comes together in minutes and is super easy to customize.
Whether you’re piping birthday cupcakes or spreading it on a sugar cookie, this frosting delivers smooth, sweet results every single time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Just 4 ingredients – pantry staples, nothing fancy
Quick and easy – ready in 10 minutes
Perfectly fluffy and spreadable
Customizable with color or other flavors
Stores well and rewhips like a dream
What You’ll Need (Ingredient Highlights)
Unsalted butter – the creamy, flavorful base
Powdered sugar – sweetens and structures the frosting
Milk or cream – controls texture and spreadability
Vanilla extract – gives classic warm, sweet flavor
Pro Tips Before You Start
Use room-temperature butter for the smoothest blend
Sift powdered sugar to avoid clumps
Add milk gradually to avoid overly thin frosting
Beat for a few extra minutes for extra fluffy texture
Use high-quality vanilla for the best flavor payoff
How to Make Vanilla Frosting
Step 1: Beat the Butter
In a large mixing bowl, beat softened unsalted butter with a hand or stand mixer on medium-high speed for 2–3 minutes until pale and creamy.
Step 2: Add Powdered Sugar
Gradually add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating on low to start, then medium.
Scrape down the sides as needed.
Step 3: Add Vanilla and Milk
Add vanilla extract and 2 tablespoons of milk.
Beat again until light and fluffy.
Adjust with more milk or powdered sugar to reach desired consistency.
Step 4: Use or Store
Use immediately for frosting cakes or cupcakes.
Or store in an airtight container in the fridge and rewhip before use.
What to Serve It With
Cupcakes (vanilla, chocolate, funfetti, red velvet)
Birthday or layer cakes
Sugar cookies or shortbread
Brownies or bars
Sandwich cookies or whoopie pies
Variations / Substitutions
Add gel food coloring for custom colors
Use almond or maple extract for a different flavor twist
Fold in cocoa powder for a chocolate version
Add a touch of lemon zest or cinnamon
Substitute non-dairy milk or vegan butter for a plant-based version
Storage & Leftovers
Store frosting in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week
Freeze for up to 2 months; thaw and rewhip before use
Let frosting come to room temp before spreading or piping
Rewhip with a splash of milk to restore fluffiness
Do not leave frosted cakes in direct heat—this frosting softens
FAQs
Can I use salted butter?
Yes, but you may want to reduce or skip any added salt. Taste before adjusting.
How do I make this frosting whiter?
Use a pinch of violet food coloring to neutralize yellow tones, or beat butter extra long until pale before adding sugar.
Can I pipe decorations with this frosting?
Absolutely! It’s stiff enough for piping swirls, rosettes, and borders.
Is there a dairy-free option?
Yes, use vegan butter and a non-dairy milk like almond or oat.
Check powdered sugar brand for vegan-friendly processing.
Why is my frosting runny?
Too much milk or warm butter.
Chill it briefly and add more powdered sugar to firm it up.
Can I make it less sweet?
You can reduce the sugar slightly, but texture may change.
Try balancing with a pinch of salt or lemon juice.
Final Thoughts
This easy vanilla frosting proves that the best things in baking are often the simplest.
It’s creamy, fluffy, and packed with real vanilla flavor—exactly what you want to top your favorite desserts.
Whether you’re a beginner baker or a seasoned pro, this frosting recipe will never let you down.
Try it once, and it’ll become your go-to too.
Full Recipe Card (Ingredients + Instructions)
Ingredients
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
3½–4 cups powdered sugar
2–3 tablespoons milk (or cream)
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions
In a large bowl, beat butter for 2–3 minutes until pale and creamy.
Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing slowly at first, then increasing speed.
Add vanilla extract and 2 tablespoons of milk. Beat until light and fluffy.
Adjust consistency by adding more sugar (for stiffness) or milk (for smoothness).
Use immediately or store in fridge. Rewhip before using if chilled.
