A great cake deserves a great frosting—one that’s smooth, creamy, and packed with rich vanilla flavor. Whether you’re decorating a birthday cake or piping swirls onto cupcakes, the right vanilla frosting can take your baked goods to the next level.
In this guide, we’ll show you how to make the perfect vanilla frosting with real vanilla, plus tips for getting the best consistency every time.
Classic Vanilla Buttercream Frosting
This is a go-to recipe for creamy, spreadable, and pipeable vanilla frosting. It’s made with butter, powdered sugar, vanilla, and a touch of milk for the perfect consistency.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter (softened)
- 4 cups powdered sugar (sifted for smoothness)
- 2-3 tbsp milk or heavy cream
- 2 tsp Dadora Vanilla Extract (or seeds from 1 vanilla bean for extra flavor)
- 1/4 tsp salt (balances sweetness)
Instructions:
- Whip the Butter – Using a stand or hand mixer, beat the butter on medium-high speed for 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy. This creates a smooth, airy base.
- Add Powdered Sugar – Gradually mix in half of the powdered sugar. Beat on low speed first (to avoid a sugar cloud), then increase speed to combine.
- Add Vanilla & Milk – Pour in Dadora Vanilla Extract and 2 tbsp of milk or cream. Mix again until well incorporated.
- Finish with More Sugar – Add the remaining powdered sugar and continue beating until fully combined.
- Adjust Consistency – If too thick, add 1 tsp of milk at a time. If too thin, add a little more powdered sugar.
- Whip It Up – For an extra fluffy texture, beat for another 2-3 minutes on high speed.
Pro Tip:
For extra vanilla flavor, scrape the seeds from a vanilla bean and mix them in. You’ll get those beautiful specks of real vanilla in your frosting!
Variations of Vanilla Frosting
1. Vanilla Bean Frosting
Swap vanilla extract for 1 scraped vanilla bean pod or 1 tbsp vanilla bean paste for a stronger, gourmet flavor.
2. Cream Cheese Vanilla Frosting
Add 4 oz of cream cheese for a tangy, slightly less sweet alternative—perfect for red velvet or carrot cake.
3. Whipped Vanilla Frosting
For a lighter, less buttery version, use ½ cup butter and ½ cup heavy whipping cream, whipping until fluffy.
Best Cakes & Cupcakes for Vanilla Frosting
This frosting is incredibly versatile! Pair it with:
✅ Classic vanilla cake for a double vanilla dream
✅ Chocolate cake for a rich contrast
✅ Funfetti cupcakes for a party treat
✅ Lemon cake for a fresh, citrusy combo
Final Tips for Perfect Vanilla Frosting
✔ Use high-quality vanilla – Real vanilla extract (like Dadora Vanilla) makes all the difference!
✔ Sift powdered sugar – Prevents lumps for a smoother texture.
✔ Adjust texture as needed – Add milk for creaminess or sugar for stiffness.
✔ Chill if needed – If too soft, refrigerate for 10 minutes before using.
Now you’re ready to create bakery-style vanilla frosting at home! What will you frost first? 🍰✨