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The Boat Shed Kitchen

Classic Vanilla Buttercream Frosting

This classic vanilla buttercream frosting is soft, fluffy, and perfectly sweet. Made with a blend of butter and shortening, it holds up beautifully for piping or spreading and is easy to adjust for your ideal consistency.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings: 24 cupcakes
Calories: 160
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • ½ cup 115g unsalted butter, room temperature
  • ½ cup 95g shortening (or more butter)
  • 4 cups 460g powdered sugar
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 –3 tbsp 30–45ml water or heavy cream
  • Salt to taste

Method
 

  1. In a large bowl, beat butter and shortening together until smooth and creamy.
  2. Add half the powdered sugar and mix until fully incorporated.
  3. Mix in the vanilla and 1 tbsp water or cream.
  4. Add the remaining sugar and continue mixing until smooth.
  5. Adjust with more water/cream for desired consistency, then add salt to taste.
  6. See full steps with tips & photos → https://theboatshedcafe.com/classic-vanilla-buttercream-frosting/

Notes

  • Use heavy cream for a richer, creamier frosting.
  • Butter gives flavor; shortening adds stability—especially in warm weather.
  • For extra-whipped texture, beat on high speed for an additional 1–2 minutes at the end.