Best 3 Simple Vanilla Frosting Recipes

**Vanilla Frosting: A Sweet and Versatile Delight**

Vanilla frosting is a classic and versatile frosting that can be used to decorate cakes, cupcakes, cookies, and other desserts. It is made with simple ingredients like butter, sugar, milk, and vanilla extract, and can be easily made at home. This article provides three variations of vanilla frosting: a simple vanilla frosting, a chocolate vanilla frosting, and a lemon vanilla frosting. Each frosting has its own unique flavor and texture, and can be used to create a variety of different desserts. Whether you are a beginner baker or a seasoned pro, these vanilla frosting recipes are sure to become your go-to frosting recipes.

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

Ingredients

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

Ingredients

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 á-8183

Number Of Ingredients 17

Ingredients

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:

Use unsalted butter to control the amount of salt in the frosting.
Bring butter to room temperature for easier creaming.
If you don't have powdered sugar, you can make your own by processing granulated sugar in a food processor or blender until it's fine and powdery.
To prevent the frosting from being too runny, gradually add the milk until you reach the desired consistency.
For a richer frosting, use heavy cream instead of milk.
Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract for a classic vanilla flavor.
For a chocolate frosting, add 1/2 cup of cocoa powder.
For a citrusy frosting, add the zest of one lemon or orange.
Tint the frosting with food coloring to match your party theme.
Store the frosting in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Conclusion:

This simple vanilla frosting is a delicious and versatile topping for cakes, cupcakes, and cookies. With just a few ingredients and a little bit of time, you can create a smooth, creamy frosting that will add a touch of sweetness to your favorite desserts. Get creative and experiment with different flavors and colors to make your frosting unique.