Birthday Cake Icing Recipe

This birthday cake icing recipe is a classic vanilla buttercream frosting that is smooth, creamy, and perfect for cakes and cupcakes. It is easy to spread, holds its shape for piping, and can be made ahead.

Course Dessert

Cuisine American

Keyword american buttercream, buttercream

Prep Time 10

Total Time 10

Servings cupcakes or 9 inch 2 story cake

Calories 138kcal

Author Tiffany Bendayan

Ingredients

2 cups unsalted butter at room temperature, 4 sticks
7 cups powderedsugar
4 Teaspoons pure vanilla extract
2 Tablespoons sour cream
2 Tablespoons milk

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Sift the powdered sugar
Using a mixer on medium to high speed, cream the butter until soft and airy, About 2-3 minutes
Run the sides and bottom of the bowl with a spatula to ensure that all the butter is mixed
Reduce the mixer to low, and slowly add the powdered sugar in batches
Run the sides and bottom of the bowl with a spatula to ensure that all the butter is mixed
Pour in the vanilla, milk and sour cream
Mix until combined
This vanilla buttercream works as a classic birthday cake icing recipe.
This icing can be frozen for up to 3 months or placed in the fridge when not in use

Notes

If your frosting is too soft, chill it briefly and beat again.

If it is too stiff, add a small amount of milk or cream and mix until smooth.

For best results, use room temperature butter.

This frosting can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator or freezer. Re-whip before using.

Perfect for frosting birthday cakes, cupcakes, and piping decorations.

This recipe makes enough for a 2-3 and 4 story 9-inch cake and about 48 cupcakes. If you're doing a smaller cake or less cupcakes, reduce the recipe in half.

Nutrition