How Can I Make the Frosting Less Sweet?

Buttercream frosting is naturally sweet thanks to powdered sugar; however, if you prefer a less sweet frosting, try these simple adjustments: Reduce Powdered Sugar: Cut back by 1/4 to 1/2 cup. You may need to add a bit more milk to keep the frosting spreadable. Add Lemon Juice: Swap 1/4 to 1 teaspoon of the milk for lemon juice, as the acidity helps balance the sugariness. Add Salt: A pinch of salt can help cut the sweetness without altering the flavor. Keep mixing the buttercream and taste as you go, adjusting until it’s just the right sweetness for you.

Why is My Frosting Grainy or Clumpy?

There are a few common culprits behind a clumpy texture, but don’t worry—here’s what to watch out for to get a smooth frosting. Using Butter That is Too Cold: If the butter isn’t softened properly, it won’t blend well with the powdered sugar, causing clumps. Let the butter sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before mixing to get the right consistency. Lumpy Powdered Sugar: Powdered sugar can clump, especially if it’s been sitting in the pantry for a while. To remove lumps, place powdered sugar in a fine-mesh sieve and sift it into the bowl or onto waxed paper. Too Much Powdered Sugar: Accurate measurements are key. Spoon the powdered sugar into your measuring cup and level it off with a table knife for the correct amount. Undermixing: If the frosting hasn’t been whipped long enough, it can end up a bit clumpy. We found through our testing that mixing for a few extra minutes until it’s light, smooth, and fluffy will fix this.

Can I Add Food Coloring to This Buttercream Frosting?

Yes, you can absolutely add food coloring to this buttercream frosting! After years of decorating cakes, we've found that gel or paste food colors work best. Gel and paste food colors are concentrated and thicker, so you only need a small amount to achieve dark, vibrant colors.

Vanilla Buttercream Frosting

Name: Vanilla Buttercream Frosting
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Yield: 12
Ingredients: 3 cups powdered sugar; 1/3 cup salted butter, softened; 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla; 1 to 2 tablespoons milk

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Prep Time 10 min
Total 10 min
Servings 12
Ingredients 4

Ingredients

3 cups powdered sugar
1/3 cup salted butter, softened
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla
1 to 2 tablespoons milk

Instructions

Step
1

In a medium bowl, mix powdered sugar and softened butter with a spoon or electric mixer on low speed. Depending on the power of your electric mixer, it may take 1 to 2 minutes for the butter to blend with the powdered sugar into a stiff mixture.
Step
2

Add vanilla and 1 tablespoon of milk. Using an electric mixer on low speed, mix for 30 to 60 seconds, or stir by hand with a spoon, until fully incorporated. The frosting should have a slightly smoother consistency but will remain thick. Scrape down the bowl occasionally as you mix.
Step
3

Gradually beat in the remaining tablespoon milk, adding about 1/2 teaspoon at a time until frosting is smooth and spreadable.
Step
4

If the frosting is too thick, beat in more milk, just a few drops at a time, until it is smooth and easy to spread. If the frosting is too thin, gradually beat in a small amount of powdered sugar—about 1 tablespoon at a time—until it thickens and holds its shape. After adding any additional ingredients, mix the frosting for about 1 minute to ensure everything is fully incorporated.
Step
5

Makes about 1 3/4 cups of frosting which is enough to generously frost a 13x9-inch cake or to frost an 8- or 9-inch two-layer cake.

Vanilla Buttercream Frosting

Ingredients

Instructions

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: 1 Serving

% Daily Value*:

Exchanges:

Carbohydrate Choice

Vanilla Buttercream Frosting

Ingredients

Instructions

Tips from the Betty Crocker Kitchens Show

Nutrition Show

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: 1 Serving

% Daily Value*:

Exchanges:

Carbohydrate Choice