Buttercream Icing Recipe

Buttercream icing - also known as buttercream frosting - is the ideal way to turn a simple cake into something a little bit special, and this recipe takes just 5 minutes to make!

Deliciously smooth and creamy, this vanilla buttercream icing is perfect for fairy cakes, cupcakes and Victoria sponges. This recipe will create enough buttercream to cover an 8-inch circular cake.

Once you've mastered how to make buttercream, why not try salted chocolate buttercream or coffee buttercream?

What’s the difference between buttercream icing and buttercream frosting?

The best way to distinguish frosting from buttercream is through the ingredients each recipe uses.

While both contain powdered sugar, a fat-rich binding ingredient, flavouring and sometimes milk or water, frosting does not contain any butter. Instead, frosting recipes normally use shortening or cream cheese.

Does buttercream icing need to be kept in the fridge?

Buttercream icing doesn’t have to be refrigerated, as the icing’s high fat content keeps it fresh, and your icing will last for up to a week with no refrigeration.

However, to prevent the icing from drying out, keeping your iced cake in a cool, airtight container is best.