Vanilla Frosting

Making this vanilla frosting at home is about as easy as picking up a tub from the grocery store—and it tastes so much better. Thick and creamy, it comes together in a few minutes and calls for only five basic ingredients: confectioners' sugar, butter, vanilla extract, milk, and salt. Our recipe makes the perfect amount for a batch of cupcakes or a single layer cake, and you can easily double the amounts to frost more than that. The only equipment needed is an electric mixer and a bowl, and you’ll combine everything at once before beating—no need to gradually add butter or drizzle in a sugar syrup as with other more involved frostings. Simple and full of vanilla flavor, it might just become your new go-to recipe.

Ingredients for Easy Vanilla Frosting

Confectioners' sugar: Two cups of confectioners' sugar is the base of this thick, sturdy frosting. Sifting it first using a sifter or fine-mesh strainer isn't crucial but will give you an even smoother, more luscious texture.

Butter: You'll need four tablespoons—or half of a stick—of unsalted butter for this recipe. Be sure to let it sit on the counter for about 20 minutes so it thoroughly softens before you use it.

Vanilla extract: A half-teaspoon of extract puts the vanilla in vanilla frosting. You can use an equal amount of vanilla paste instead, or scrape the beans from half of a vanilla bean pod.

Milk: You'll need two tablespoons of milk for this recipe. Whole milk will give you the creamiest result, but reduced-fat or non-dairy milk can also be used.

Salt: A pinch of salt helps to balance out the sweetness of this frosting and brings out the vanilla flavor.