Vanilla American Dreamy Buttercream

• servings: 3 cups
• active time: Prep time 10-15 mins
• total time: 10-15 mins

Ingredients

113 g (½ cup) unsalted butter

30 g (¼ cup) powdered sugar (1), unsifted is fine*

½ teaspoon vanilla extract

pinch table salt (or to taste)

69 g (3 ½ tablespoons) sugar syrup**

40 g (1/3 cup) powdered sugar (2), unsifted is fine

15 g (1 tablespoon) heavy cream***, cold from fridge (optional)

For larger quantities or to pair with a cake recipe, go to my Cakeculator and choose "Vanilla American Dreamy Buttercream."

Directions

1. Prepare the Frosting Butter. Add the slightly softened butter to the stand mixer bowl. With the whisk attachment, mix on high speed for about 2 minutes, scraping down the sides at least once. After mixing, the butter will be lighter in color, smooth, soft, and ball inside the whisk.

Add the powdered sugar (1), vanilla extract, and a small pinch of salt to the butter and whisk again at medium- high speed for another 1-2 minutes.

2. Add the sugar syrup incrementally. Add the syrup in 3 to 4 additions. Stop the mixer to add a small amount, then mix at medium speed using the whisk attachment. Repeat until all the syrup is incorporated, scraping down the bowl a couple of times for even mixing.

Mix at high speed after adding all the syrup for one minute. Since most syrups are clear, it can be hard to tell when they're fully emulsified, so set a timer and mix for the full minute.

3. Adjust frosting for sweetness and density. Taste the frosting to determine how much powdered sugar to add. It should be smooth, creamy, buttery, and slightly sweet. Add powdered sugar in a few increments, mixing at low speed to minimize mess. Once all the sugar is added, mix on high speed for 30

seconds and taste again. I prefer a slightly sweeter buttercream (see my footnotes).

You can stop here or add more powdered sugar as desired. Just keep in mind that exceeding double powdered sugar (2) amounts may result in a grainy texture due to sugar granules.

4. Adjust frosting for texture and flavor. Switch to the paddle attachment and smooth the frosting at low speed for a few minutes to remove large air pockets. Taste the frosting; if it's too buttery, add heavy cream one tablespoon at a time until the desired consistency is reached. Adjust salt and vanilla as needed. If you're satisfied with the texture and flavor, whip on low speed for at least one minute.