The Best Vanilla Frosting Recipes

Discover the best vanilla frosting recipes! From classic buttercream to cream cheese frostings, find the perfect topping for any dessert!

A good vanilla frosting can make any dessert even better! Whether you prefer a rich buttercream, a light and airy whipped frosting, or a smooth cream cheese version, there's a perfect option for every occasion. Below, we'll break down the best vanilla frosting recipes into different categories, so you can find the right one for your cakes, cupcakes, cookies, and more.

Classic Vanilla Buttercream Frostings

For a smooth, creamy, and versatile frosting, buttercream is the go-to choice. These recipes offer different takes on the classic, from rich and buttery Swiss Meringue to extra fluffy American Buttercream. And, buttercream frosting is the one of the best frosting to color (I have a full blog post on how to color frosting here!).

Vanilla American Buttercream Frosting

Using only one bowl and four ingredients, you can whip up a batch of this easy and classic vanilla American buttercream frosting in just 10 minutes so try it today!

Check out this recipe

Swiss Meringue Buttercream

Swiss Meringue Buttercream Frosting is a silky smooth frosting with just a touch of sweetness. Using egg whites, sugar, and butter it's a stable frosting perfect for piping on cakes and cupcakes. 

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Italian Meringue Buttercream Frosting

Italian Meringue Buttercream is a silky smooth frosting using egg whites and hot sugar syrup for a light and stable frosting, perfect for decorating cakes and cupcakes.

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Sweetened Condensed Milk Frosting (Russian Buttercream)

Also known as Russian buttercream, this easy sweetened condensed milk frosting uses only two ingredients and can be made in 15 minutes! 

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Light and Fluffy Vanilla Frostings

If you prefer a frosting that's not as rich but still full of vanilla flavor, these whipped and meringue frostings are perfect.

Marshmallow Frosting

This easy homemade marshmallow frosting tastes just like marshmallow fluff! This recipe is a fun and simple alternative to buttercream, and this step-by-step tutorial will show you how to make perfectly fluffy frosting that doesn't get grainy.  

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Ermine Frosting

This classic Ermine frosting uses flour and milk roux as a base, which is then whipped with butter until you get a light and delicious frosting.

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Stabilized Whipped Cream

This homemade stabilized whipped cream recipe an easy way to keep your whipped cream firm and long lasting. No weeping whipped cream here!

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Cream Cheese and Alternative Vanilla Frostings

For those who love a little tanginess or want an alternative to buttercream, these vanilla frosting options offer a delicious twist.

Cream Cheese Frosting

Using only 4 ingredients, one bowl, and 10 minutes, this cream cheese frosting is the perfect icing for red velvet cake, carrot cake and other cupcakes and desserts!

Check out this recipe

Mascarpone Whipped Cream Recipe

While more of a cake filling than a frosting, we had to add it because it is such a classic vanilla filling for in-between cake layers and filling cupcakes!

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Pastry Cream

While more of a cake filling than a frosting, we had to add it because it is such a classic vanilla filling for in-between cake layers and filling cupcakes!

Check out this recipe

Diplomat Cream

Similar to Pastry Cream, Diplomat cream is the perfect vanilla filling for in between your cake layers or on top of a sheet cake!

Check out this recipe

FAQ

Vanilla frosting is a delicious pairing for any dessert, and with so many versions to choose from, there's something for everyone. Whether you love a rich buttercream, a silky meringue-based frosting, or a tangy cream cheese option, these recipes will help you find the perfect match for your cakes, cupcakes, and cookies.

Best Vanilla Frosting Recipes

A good vanilla frosting can take any dessert to the next level! Whether you love a rich buttercream, a light and fluffy whipped frosting, or a smooth cream cheese version, there's a perfect recipe for every occasion. This list has all the best vanilla frosting recipes to top cakes, cupcakes, cookies, and more.

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Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Prep Time: 30 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 2 hours hours

chill: 2 hours hours

Total Time: 4 hours hours 30 minutes minutes

Servings: 1 batch frosting

Author: Sophia Assunta

Cost: varies

Equipment

• Mixer standing or hand held

INGREDIENTS

Vanilla Buttercream Recipes

• ▢ American Buttercream
• ▢ Swiss Meringue Buttercream
• ▢ Italian Meringue Buttercream
• ▢ Russian Buttercream

Fluffy Vanilla Frostings

• ▢ Marshmallow Frosting
• ▢ Ermine Frosting
• ▢ Stabilized Whipped Cream Frosting

Cream Cheese and Other Vanilla Frostings

• ▢ Cream Cheese Frosting
• ▢ Mascarpone Frosting
• ▢ Pastry Cream
• ▢ Diplomat Cream

Instructions

• Make recipe according to instructions.
• Enjoy!

Notes

• Looking for more frosting recipes? You can find all Partylicious frosting recipes here. 

Tried this Recipe? Let me know!Tag @Sophia.Assunta or #Partylicious!