1. Cream Cheese Buttercream Frosting
Ingredients:
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 3-4 cups powdered sugar (adjust for sweetness)
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt (to balance the sweetness)
- 1-2 tbsp heavy cream or milk
Instructions:
- Beat the butter and cream cheese together with a mixer until smooth and fluffy (2-3 minutes).
- Add powdered sugar one cup at a time, mixing on low until fully combined.
- Mix in the vanilla extract and salt.
- Adjust the consistency: add heavy cream or milk if too thick, or more powdered sugar if too thin.
- Beat for another 2-3 minutes until light and creamy.
2. Chocolate Buttercream Frosting
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 ½ cups powdered sugar
- ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder or 4 oz melted dark chocolate
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- 3-4 tbsp heavy cream or milk
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
- Beat the butter with a mixer for 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy.
- Gradually sift in the cocoa powder and powdered sugar while mixing on low speed.
- Add vanilla extract and 3 tbsp heavy cream or milk, then beat until smooth.
- Adjust consistency: add more milk if too thick, or more powdered sugar if too thin.
- Beat on high speed for 2-3 minutes until fluffy.
3. Coffee Buttercream Frosting
Ingredients:
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
- 2 ½ cups powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp instant coffee or espresso powder
- 1 tbsp hot water (to dissolve coffee)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1-2 tbsp heavy cream or milk
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
- Dissolve the instant coffee or espresso powder in hot water, then cool slightly.
- Beat the softened butter for 2-3 minutes until light and fluffy.
- Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing well after each addition.
- Pour in the dissolved coffee and vanilla extract, then beat until smooth.
- Add heavy cream or milk, if needed, for a smoother texture.
- Beat for another 2-3 minutes until fluffy and spreadable.
4. Lemon Buttercream Frosting
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (226g) unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cups (360g) powdered sugar
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
- 1-2 tbsp heavy cream or milk (optional)
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
- Beat the softened butter on high for 2-3 minutes until pale and fluffy.
- Gradually mix in the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, until fully incorporated.
- Add the lemon juice, zest, and vanilla extract (if using), then beat until smooth.
- Adjust the texture with heavy cream or milk, if necessary.
- Beat for another 2-3 minutes until creamy and spreadable.
