The Best Cupcake Frosting Recipe
If you love cupcakes with rich flavor and a creamy, melt-in-your-mouth finish, this all-butter cupcake frosting is for you. Made with real butter and Vanilla Flavoring Extract, this frosting is smooth, fluffy, and perfect for piping beautiful swirls on cupcakes.
Why This Is the Best All-Butter Cupcake Frosting
• Made with 100% real butter
• Rich, creamy flavor
• Smooth texture for piping
• Easy to color and flavor
• No greasy mouthfeel
All-Butter Cupcake Frosting Recipe
Ingredients
-250g unsalted butter (room temperature, soft but not melted)
-600-650g icing sugar (sifted)
-2-4 tbsp fresh milk or whipping cream
-1 ½ tsp Vanilla Flavoring Extract
-A pinch of salt (optional)
Instructions
1. Beat the butter
Beat the butter on medium-high speed for 4-5 minutes until pale, light, and fluffy.
2. Add icing sugar gradually
Reduce mixer speed and add icing sugar in batches. Scrape down the bowl between additions.
3. Add liquid & flavoring
Add milk (or cream), Vanilla Flavoring Extract, and salt. Beat on medium-high speed for another 3 minutes until smooth and creamy.
4. Adjust consistency
• Too stiff → add milk ½ tsp at a time
• Too soft → add a little more icing sugar
Your frosting is now ready to pipe
Texture & Stability Notes
Because this is an all-butter frosting, it is:
• Softer than shortening-based frosting
• Best used in air-conditioned rooms
• Not recommended for long outdoor display in hot weather
How Much Frosting Does This Make?
• 20-24 cupcakes with standard swirls
• 15-18 cupcakes with tall bakery-style piping
Pro Tips for Perfect All-Butter Frosting
• Use European-style butter if possible (higher fat= creamier frosting)
• Always sift icing sugar
• Beat butter long enough to remove yellow tint
• Re-whip frosting briefly if it softens
FAQ
1. Is all-butter frosting stable enough for piping?
Yes, as long as the butter is not too soft and the environment is cool. Chill briefly and re-ship if needed.
2. Why does my frosting look yellow?
Butter naturally has a yellow tone. Beating longer helps lighten the color. You can also add a tiny drop of violet food coloring to neutralize yellow.
3. Can I use this frosting for ombre or swirl designs?
Absolutely. This frosting takes color very well and is ideal for muti-color piping.
4. Can I use salted butter?
Yes, but omit the added salt and taste before piping.
5. Can this frosting be used on cakes too?
Yes! It works well for cupcakes, layer cakes, and simple cake frosting.