American Buttercream

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American Buttercream is a basic buttercream that is made of butter and powdered sugar. This is the easiest way to make a frosting at home with simple ingredients. I have to be honest, this is my least favorite frosting as it is very sweet for my taste. However, this buttercream is very stable and used in many desserts. I love to use this cream to make flowers. More details how to make buttercream flowers you can check in Hydrangea flowers post.

bowl with American Buttercream.

Ingredients Note

  • Butter. Unsalted or salted butter.
  • Sugar. Powdered sugar.
  • Cream. Use heavy cream, milk, or water.
  • Vanilla. Use vanilla extract or vanilla bean paste.
  • Salt. Gives taste.

How to make this recipe

In the mixing bowl of a stand mixer, using a pedal attachment beat the butter on medium-high speed for a few minutes or until smooth. Scape the sides and bottom of the bowl with the spatula halfway through. Add sifted powdered sugar and mix on low speed until sugar is incorporated. I like to sift powdered sugar before using it in my dessert to avoid any clumps.

Tips from Marina: place a kitchen towel over your stand mixer as you add powdered sugar to prevent it from splattering out.

Then add vanilla extract or paste and a pinch of salt. Increase speed to medium-high and continue beating until the frosting is smooth and fluffy.

American Buttercream I nth mixing bowl.

If the buttercream is too dry, add some heavy cream or milk and whip again. If the buttercream is too soft, add more powdered sugar. Transfer buttercream into piping or keep it covered at all times because it can start to dry and form a crust very fast.

Expert Tips

  • Add a large pinch of salt to balance the sweetness of the buttercream.
  • Use good quality butter. Salted or unsalted butter is your personal preference.
  • The butter should be at room temperature; then, the buttercream will be light and fluffy.
  • Heavy cream or milk can be substituted with hot boiled water in this recipe.
American Buttercream in the mixing bowl.

Recipe FAQs

How to store American Buttercream?

Store American Buttercream in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

Can I freeze American Buttercream?

You can also freeze this buttercream in an air-tight container for up to 3 months. Thaw the frozen buttercream in the fridge overnight, bring it to room temperature, and whip it again until fluffy.

Can I flavor American Buttercream?

Yes, add about 1-2 tablespoons of additional ingredients such as fruit puree, juice, peanut butter, etc. Strawberry Buttercream, for example, is perfect for cupcakes or macarons. Brown Butter Buttercream is very delicious to eat with a spoon. Check Camila’s blog which has many buttercream recipes for macarons.

Can I color American Buttercream?

Absolutely. Add gel food coloring or oil-based. This cream is perfect for pipe flowers. Wilton has many amazing food coloring for that.

American Buttercream.

If you make this American Buttercream, please tag me on social media and make sure to leave a rating down below. I would love to see your creations!

Recipe

American Buttercream

American Buttercream

Marina
American Buttercream is a basic buttercream that is made of butter and powdered sugar. This cream is very stable and is used in many desserts.
5 from 1 vote
Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 1 batch
Calories 2607 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 stand mixer or electric hand mixer
  • 1 Fine mesh sieve
  • 1 spatula

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup unsalted butter 226 gr
  • 2 cups powdered sugar 400 gr sifted
  • 2 tsp heavy cream or milk if needed
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract or paste
  • pinch of salt

Instructions
 

  • In the mixing bowl of a stand mixer, using a pedal attachment beat the butter on medium-high speed for a few minutes or until smooth.
  • Scape the sides and bottom of the bowl with the spatula halfway through.
  • Add sifted powdered sugar and mix on low speed until sugar is incorporated.
  • Then add vanilla extract or paste and a pinch of salt.
  • Increase speed to medium-high and continue beating until the frosting is smooth and fluffy.ย 
  • You can add food coloring if you like.
  • If the buttercream is too dry, add some heavy cream or milk and whip again. If the buttercream is too soft, add more powdered sugar.
  • Transfer buttercream into piping or keep it covered at all times because it can start to dry and form a crust very fast.ย 

Notes

Sift powdered sugar before adding to the butter.ย 

Nutrition

Serving: 1batchCalories: 2607kcalCarbohydrates: 240gProtein: 2gFat: 188gSaturated Fat: 119gPolyunsaturated Fat: 7gMonounsaturated Fat: 49gTrans Fat: 7gCholesterol: 499mgSodium: 33mgPotassium: 75mgSugar: 236gVitamin A: 5820IUVitamin C: 0.1mgCalcium: 64mgIron: 0.2mg
Tried this recipe?Mention @everything_marina or tag #everythingmarina!
5 from 1 vote (1 rating without comment)

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