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Large-Batch Vanilla Frosting

By America's Test Kitchen

Published on February 18, 2014

Time

30 minutes

Yield

Makes about 5 cups

Large-Batch Vanilla Frosting

Ingredients

1 pound (454 grams) unsalted butter, cut into 32 pieces and softened¼ cup heavy cream 1 tablespoon vanilla extract ½ teaspoon salt 4 cups (1 pound) confectioners' sugar

Before You Begin

This recipe makes enough frosting for three 8-inch layers.

Instructions

  1. Using stand mixer fitted with whisk, whip butter, cream, vanilla, and salt on medium-low speed until combined.
  2. Slowly add sugar and continue to mix until smooth, about 2 minutes. Increase speed to medium-high and whip frosting until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes.
Large-Batch Vanilla Frosting

Large-Batch Vanilla Frosting

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By America's Test Kitchen
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Time

30 minutes

Yield

Makes about 5 cups

Ingredients

1 pound (454 grams) unsalted butter, cut into 32 pieces and softened
¼ cup heavy cream
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon salt
4 cups (1 pound) confectioners' sugar

Ingredients

1 pound (454 grams) unsalted butter, cut into 32 pieces and softened
¼ cup heavy cream
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon salt
4 cups (1 pound) confectioners' sugar

Ingredients

1 pound (454 grams) unsalted butter, cut into 32 pieces and softened
¼ cup heavy cream
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
½ teaspoon salt
4 cups (1 pound) confectioners' sugar

Why This Recipe Works

We cut the butter into pieces and let them soften—but not too much or the frosting will be greasy. Many recipes for vanilla frosting call for milk, but we prefer heavy cream, which gives the frosting a silky quality.

Before You Begin

This recipe makes enough frosting for three 8-inch layers.

Instructions

  1. Using stand mixer fitted with whisk, whip butter, cream, vanilla, and salt on medium-low speed until combined.
  2. Slowly add sugar and continue to mix until smooth, about 2 minutes. Increase speed to medium-high and whip frosting until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes.

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