From the Cook
From the Cook
1/3
Instructions
1
Add the unsalted butter, 60 grams (½ cup) of the powdered sugar, and a pinch of Kosher salt to a medium mixing bowl. Using a hand mixer or stand mixer with a whip attachment, beat the butter and powdered sugar until the mixture is thick and creamy. It may be a little crumbly at first, but if you keep mixing, it'll eventually come together!
2
Add the remaining 60 grams (½ cup) of powdered sugar, vanilla bean paste or extract, and milk to the frosting. Beat until everything is well-combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl 2-3 times in-between.
3
Turn the mixer to medium-high and beat the buttercream for another 2-3 minutes, until the frosting is very silky, fluffy, and lightened in color. Store in an airtight container for later or use it on cupcakes, cookies, cake, etc.
My Calorie Intake
Review & Earn
Be the first to review this recipe and earn a 20% Bonus
Level up & unlock free Premium by reviewing recipes!
My Notes
Your kitchen notebook is waiting.
Whether it's a recipe tweak or an inspiration burst — jot it down here.
Tips & Tricks (5)
- Room Temperature is Non-Negotiable 🌡️Always bring your butter and milk to room temperature before mixing; cold ingredients create lumps and prevent proper emulsification, resulting in a grainy texture instead of silky smoothness.
- Cream Butter First for Fluffiness 🥄Beat unsalted butter alone for 2-3 minutes until pale and fluffy before adding other ingredients; this incorporates air that creates the signature light, cloud-like texture of premium buttercream.
- Vanilla Bean Paste Blooms in Milk 🌸Whisk vanilla bean paste into the milk first and let it sit for 1-2 minutes before adding to the butter; this allows the vanilla flavor to fully activate and distribute evenly throughout the frosting.
- Sift Powdered Sugar to Eliminate Lumps ✨Always sift your powdered sugar before adding it to prevent lumps and ensure a perfectly smooth, professional-quality finish without grainy texture.
- Add Salt Last for Flavor Balance 🧂Incorporate kosher salt in the final 30 seconds of mixing to heighten sweetness perception and balance flavors without over-mixing, which can deflate your carefully whipped buttercream.
Recipe Facts
Diet at a Glance
Vegetarian
Gluten Free
My Calorie Intake
Smart Nutrition 
Nutrition Per Serving
Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Glycemic Analysis
Glycemic Index
Glycemic Load
More Recipes by Midnight Bake Club
Check out more Midnight Bake Club content!Browse Midnight Bake Club recipes!
No Recipes Available
EXPLORE
Looking for more?
Use our smart searchtool, explore by category, or browse your customized food feed.