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The Best Homemade Buttermilk Frosting Recipe

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If you’re looking for the best vanilla buttercream frosting with a creamy texture and the perfect balance of sweetness, this buttermilk frosting recipe is just what you need! Made with simple ingredients and a touch of tangy buttermilk, this is the perfect buttercream to elevate your homemade treats!

The Best Homemade Buttermilk Frosting Recipe is the perfect balance of sweet and tangy, making it a must-try for any baker. This simple frosting recipe creates a fluffy frosting with a smooth consistency that pairs beautifully with layer cakes, sheet cakes, and cupcakes. 

A white bowl filled with creamy, fluffy buttercream frosting on a wooden table, with a white linen cloth napkin nearby. The frosting looks smooth and inviting.

Using unsalted butter, powdered sugar, buttermilk, and pure vanilla extract, this frosting delivers a rich and creamy texture that far surpasses the store-bought stuff.  Whether you’re frosting a birthday cake or experimenting with different flavors like almond extract or peppermint extract, this homemade buttercream is incredibly versatile. 

Plus, it’s easy to make with just a hand or stand mixer and stores well in an airtight container for later use. Once you try this perfect buttercream, you’ll never want to go back to anything else!

A Special Birthday Cake for My Grandson

It was my grandson’s birthday, and I wanted to make him a homemade cake. I asked him what kind of cake and icing flavor he wanted. He wanted me to make him a white cake with buttercream frosting. No problem, you got it! Baking homemade treats for my family gives me pure joy. 

There’s just something so special about seeing their faces light up with excitement as they take the first bite. As I whipped up the buttermilk frosting, the kitchen filled with the sweet yummy aroma of pure vanilla extract and butter, and I couldn’t wait to frost the cake. 

When I finally presented it to him, his smile said it all—he absolutely loved it! Moments like these make baking from scratch so worthwhile, and this perfect buttercream will forever be a part of our cherished family celebrations.

Why You’ll Love This Buttermilk Frosting

  • Fluffy frosting with a smooth consistency
  • The perfect way to balance sweetness with a little bit of tang
  • Much better than the store-bought stuff
  • Works with different flavors – add flavor extract, gel food coloring, or orange zest for a twist!

Tools Needed

  • Stand mixer with paddle attachment and whisk attachment (or hand mixer)
  • Large bowl for mixing
  • Rubber spatula for scraping down the sides of the bowl
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Sifter for the powdered sugar
  • Pastry bag (Option-if piping the frosting)
  • Airtight container for storage

Ingredients You’ll Need

  • 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
  • 4 cups confectioners’ sugar (or powdered sugar)
  • 1/4 cup buttermilk (or 1 tbsp buttermilk powder + 1/4 cup water)
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract (or almond extract for a different taste)
  • 1/2 tsp lemon juice
  • 1/8 tsp pinch of salt
  • 2 tbsp heavy cream (or sour cream for a richer taste)
Smooth, creamy buttercream frosting clings to a mixer paddle. The soft, whipped texture hints at delightful homemade baking. The close-up shot conveys anticipation.

How to Make the Best Buttermilk Frosting

Step 1: Beat the Butter

In a large bowl or the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat the room-temperature unsalted butter on low speed for 1-2 minutes until creamy and smooth.

Step 2: Add Sugar and Buttermilk

Gradually add the powdered sugar (or confectioners’ sugar) one cup at a time, mixing on low speed to avoid air bubbles. Pour in the buttermilk, followed by the lemon juice, and mix until combined.

Step 3: Add Flavor & Creaminess

Add the pure vanilla extract, pinch of salt, and heavy cream (or additional cream for a looser texture). Beat on medium speed until you reach the desired consistency. Scrape down the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula as needed.

Step 4: Whip for Fluffiness

Switch to the whisk attachment and beat on medium-high speed for another 1-2 minutes until you have a fluffy frosting with a smooth texture.

Tips for the Best Buttermilk Frosting

  • Use real butter for the best flavor
  • Add a little bit of tapioca starch for extra stability
  • Want chocolate buttercream? Mix in unsweetened cocoa powder!
  • Store leftover frosting in an airtight container or a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
  • Need cream cheese frosting? Replace half the butter with cream cheese!
  • Use a pastry bag for easy decorating

Helpful Tips for the Best Buttermilk Frosting

  • Always sift your powdered sugar to prevent lumps and achieve a smoother frosting.
  • Avoid overbeating to prevent too much air from getting in, which can cause air bubbles.
  • Chill your frosting for 10-15 minutes if it becomes too soft before decorating.
  • Adjust consistency as needed – add a bit more buttermilk for a thinner frosting or more powdered sugar for a thicker consistency.
  • Use a rubber spatula to scrape the sides of the bowl to ensure all ingredients are well incorporated.
  • Try replacing a portion of the butter with cream cheese for a richer taste.
  • Experiment with flavors by adding different extracts like peppermint extract or a splash of espresso for a mocha twist.

Decorating Tips

  • Use a pastry bag with different piping tips for professional-looking swirls.
  • For a smooth cake finish, spread the frosting with an offset spatula and chill before smoothing.
  • Avoid air bubbles by mixing at low speed and using a rubber spatula to press out excess air.

How to Fix Common Frosting Problems

  • Too Thick? Add a little more buttermilk or heavy cream.
  • Too Thin? Mix in additional powdered sugar until it thickens.
  • Grainy Texture? Let the frosting rest for 10 minutes, then mix again on low speed.
  • Too Sweet? Add a tiny pinch of salt or a bit of sour cream to balance the flavor.

Ways to Use This Frosting

  • Frosting a sheet cake or layer cake
  • Piping onto vanilla cupcakes or chocolate cupcakes
  • Spreading on a vanilla cake for a classic look
  • Swapping flavors with peppermint extract or different extracts for a fun twist

Flavor Variations

Offer creative ways to customize the frosting, such as:

  • Chocolate Buttermilk Frosting: Add unsweetened cocoa powder for a rich chocolate flavor.
  • Citrus Twist: Mix in orange zest or lemon zest for a refreshing taste.
  • Coffee Buttercream: Add a teaspoon of instant espresso powder for a mocha flavor.
  • Spiced Buttercream: Stir in a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, cozy taste.

Pairing Suggestions

Here are just a few cakes and desserts that go well with this buttercream frosting:

  • Classic Vanilla Cake – A timeless pairing.
  • Chocolate Cupcakes – The buttermilk adds a delicious tang.
  • Red Velvet Cake – A great alternative to cream cheese frosting.
  • Sugar Cookies – Perfect for piping decorations

Storage and Freezing Tips

Properly storing your homemade buttermilk frosting ensures it stays fresh and ready to use for your next baking project!

Refrigeration:

Store the frosting in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Before using, let it come to room temperature, then mix it with a hand mixer or paddle attachment at low speed until smooth. If the frosting seems too thick, add a little bit of heavy cream to bring back the creamy texture.

Freezing:

For long-term storage, freeze the frosting in a freezer bag or airtight container for up to three months. When ready to use, thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Rewhip with an electric mixer on medium speed to restore its fluffy texture.

Extra Tip: To prevent freezer burn, press a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the frosting before sealing it in a container.

A knife with creamy buttercream frosting is held above a small white bowl filled with more frosting. The background shows part of a cake waiting to be frosted on a wooden surface.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this frosting ahead of time?

Yes! Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Let it come to room temperature and beat it again before using.

What if my frosting is too thick?

Add a heavy cream or buttermilk splash until you reach the desired consistency.

Can I use a hand mixer instead of a stand mixer?

Absolutely! Use a medium-dash mixer, frequently scraping down the bowl’s sides.

Is this similar to Swiss meringue buttercream?

Not quite—this is an American-style buttercream, which is sweeter and easier to make.

Final Thoughts

This buttermilk frosting is one of the best simple frosting recipes, delivering the best flavor every time. Whether you’re making a birthday cake, sheet cake, or cupcakes, this frosting will add the perfect touch. 

With its fluffy texture and smooth consistency, this recipe is sure to be your favorite for years to come! Next time you bake, skip the store-bought stuff and try this homemade buttercream instead. 

Next time you need a delicious and easy-made homemade buttercream, this buttermilk frosting recipe will be your go-to! If you love trying homemade frosting recipes, be sure to save this one in your recipe card for later

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4 Comments

  1. I’ve never thought to use buttermilk in frosting! I’m not a fan of things that are too sweet so this would be right up my alley!

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