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american buttercream
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4.72 from 7 votes

Easy American Buttercream Recipe

This is my American Buttercream (ABC) recipe that is sweet but silky and crusts over to be stable and reliable!
Author Alissa
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Additional Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes

Ingredients

  • 2 sticks unsalted butter, room temperature 8 oz or 226 grams
  • 3 3/4 cups powdered sugar 469 grams
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 2 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • 2 tbsp heavy whipping cream (or whole milk)

Instructions
 

  • Equip the paddle attachment to your stand mixer. Or use a hand mixer.
  • Add the softened butter in the bowl of a stand mixer and beat on high speed for one minute.
  • Turn the mixer off and add 1 cup of powdered sugar and mix on low for 30 seconds. Continue to add powdered sugar one cup at a time to avoid sugar clouds. After all the powdered sugar is all added, scrape down the bowl with a spatula.
  • Add the salt, vanilla, and whipping cream and mix everything on medium speed for two minutes.
  • Then, change the speed to low and mix for 5 minutes. After 5 minutes, if the buttercream is too stiff, add 1 tbsp of additional whipping cream and mix on low. Continue to add whipping cream until it looks smooth and silky but not wet.
  • *Optional* Mix the frosting on low for an additional 5 minutes. This helps eliminate air bubbles, lightens the color, and makes the frosting creamier, silky, and easier to pipe.

Notes

This fills and frosts a 6in round cake. I recommend making a batch + half batch for more detailed piping. 
How do I make my buttercream white?
  • Whip your butter low speed with a paddle attachment for 10 minutes.
  • Or add the smallest drop of purple gel food coloring. Think about the color wheel - purple is opposite of yellow allowing them to cancel each other out.
  • Or use white gel food coloring. The amount of food gel you need varies on how yellow the buttercream is.
Why is my buttercream so grainy?
  • Try sifting your powdered sugar if you are having clumping issues or adding more whipping cream, 1 tbsp at a time.
  • Let your butter come to room temperature before mixing to avoid having a hard time incorporating the sugar and butter. 
How to get rid of air bubbles?
  • Always use room temperature butter.
  • Use a spatula to "push" the air out against the mixing bowl.
  • Always use the paddle attachment when mixing buttercream.
How to store/ how far in advance can you make American buttercream?
  • If you store it properly in an airtight container, it will last in the refrigerator for up to 1 month and in the freezer for up to 3 months.
  • When you need this buttercream, take it out of the fridge or freezer and place on the counter overnight to thaw.
  • Once it has thawed, bring it back to a silky texture by mixing your buttercream on a low speed with a paddle attachment.