Get the App

Recipes

Find a Recipe Blue Ribbon Recipes Pinch It!™ Feed Browse All Recipes

Editorial

Food Bites & Articles Videos What is a Blue Ribbon? Meet the Test Kitchen

Community

Member Recipes Groups Sweepstakes Contests Shopping

vanilla buttercream frosting

(1 rating)
kitchenChatter avatar
Recipe by
Pat Duran
@kitchenChatter
Las Vegas, NV

This is a rich and very creamy frosting by William Sonoma from 1996 in their Good Cooking Book. I use this all the time- it makes a lot and saves well refrigerated if you have any left over.

(1 rating)
yield serving(s)
prep time 20 Min
cook time 5 Min
method Stove Top

Ingredients For vanilla buttercream frosting

  • 2/3 c
    granulated sugar
  • 4 lg
    egg yolks, at room temperature
  • 1 Tbsp
    water
  • 1 c
    unsalted butter, room temperature, cut into pieces
  • 1 1/2 tsp
    vanilla extract

How To Make vanilla buttercream frosting

  • 1
    In a metal bowl, whisk together the sugar, egg yolks and water. Set the bowl over a saucepan of simmering water. Do not allow the bottom of the bowl to touch the water. Whisk constantly until the mixture reaches 170^ on a candy thermometer, about 4 minutes.
  • 2
    Remove bowl from over the water. Using an electric mixer set on high speed, beat the egg mixture until cool and thick, about 5 minutes. Gradually add the butter pieces, beating until smooth after each addition. Beat in vanilla. If the buttercream looks broken or lumpy, set the bowl back over simmering water for a few seconds, then beat again until smooth. (I never had this happen yet.)
  • 3
    Photo of finished buttercream frosting. To store: Cover and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Before using, let stand at room temperature until softened. If necessary ,rewarm over simmering water for a few seconds, then beat until smooth.
  • 4
    For coconut flavor: Omit water and whisk in 3 Tablespoons canned sweetened cream of coconut with the sugar and egg yolks. Then add 1 teaspoon imitation coconut extract with the vanilla extract. Mix 1/2 cup toasted sweetened shredded coconut into the finished buttercream, if desired.
  • 5
    Coffee Flavor: Stir 2 teaspoons instant espresso powder when cooked egg mixture is removed from the heat, then beat as directed.
  • 6
    Orange Flavor: Add 1 Tablespoon grated orange zest with the vanilla extract.
  • 7
    Vanilla Bean Flavor: Cut 1 vanilla bean in half lengthwise and using the tip of a sharp knife, scrape the seeds from the bean into the finished buttercream; beat in the seeds to distribute evenly.
  • Last Step: Don't forget to share! Make all your friends drool by posting a picture of your finished recipe on your favorite social network. And don't forget to tag Just A Pinch and include #justapinchrecipes so we can see it too!
ADVERTISEMENT