Adventures of Mel

Category: Icing & Frosting

  • Minecraft Cupcakes with Easy Grass Frosting

    Minecraft Cupcakes with Easy Grass Frosting

    How to make fluffy chocolate Minecraft cupcakes and decorate them with an easy buttercream grass frosting. Ideas for wrappers and toppers too!

    I’d be lying if I said I didn’t love these easy Minecraft cupcakes just as much as my boys. And not because of Minecraft, probably more so because they are so soft and fluffy!

    Minecraft cupcakes with Minecraft cupcake wrappers and Minecraft TNT cupcake topper on white marble countertop with blue burlap

    I love the green buttercream frosting too, and making grass frosting has never been easier with my handy little secret, which I’ll share with you as you read on.

    This recipe makes wonderful Minecraft birthday cupcakes or cupcakes for whatever occasion you’re celebrating. You don’t even have to have an occasion to make them; you can simply make them just because.

    While I like to make my favorite chocolate cupcake recipe with homemade buttercream frosting, you can use a cake mix to make it even easier. I am partial to homemade, though, because they bake up ultra soft and fluffy, with loads of chocolate flavor.

    If it’s a Minecraft cake you’re after, I’ve got ya covered with a few simple choices:

    I don’t know about you, but I’m ready to make this chocolate Minecraft cupcakes recipe. Let’s get baking!

    BENEFITS OF CUPCAKES OVER CAKE

    Cupcakes are just easier to make. Simply mix up the batter, pour it into cupcake cups, and bake it!

    Whereas big cakes require a little more work. Everything has to be just right, including the cook time, batter consistency, frosting, etc. Cupcakes are simply more forgiving.

    chocolate cupcake with green grass buttercream frosting, with white liner pulled away from cupcake

    If diet is a concern, it is much easier to control your portion size with cupcakes. Believe me, it is easy to pig out on a big cake, eating way more than you should.

    However, cupcakes are already portioned out of the oven. This eliminates the temptation to slice off a bigger piece of cake!

    As I said before, making cupcakes is far more forgiving than baking a large cake. Because of this, you can often be far more creative with all of the different flavors you have to choose from and try.

    INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED:

    FOR THE CUPCAKES:

    FOR THE FROSTING:

    FOR DECORATING:

    Keep in mind, all of the ingredient amounts you’ll need are in the printable recipe card below.

    Minecraft birthday cupcakes wrapped in Minecraft wrappers and topped with Creeper cupcake topper

    KITCHEN TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT YOU NEED FOR CUPCAKES:

    Mixer – I prefer to use my KitchenAid stand mixer for both cupcakes and frosting.

    Egg separator – for separating the whites from the yolks.

    Cupcake batter scoop – Makes putting batter into cupcake liners so much easier and less messy.

    Cupcake liners

    Muffin tin – I love my 6-cup Wilton cupcake tins. They bake the perfect regular-sized cupcake.

    Large grass tip and pastry bag – This is my handy little secret tip for piping grass frosting… I switched to a larger tip for piping grass, and it is amazing! So much more efficient, so much quicker, and so much easier! (Also, I don’t use a coupler because I just don’t see the need.)

    We’ll talk specifically about cupcake wrappers and toppers as you keep reading.

    HOW TO MAKE MINECRAFT CUPCAKES

    Making these cupcakes is fairly simple, and decorating them is even easier. We’ll go through the entire process here.

    FIRST LET’S MAKE SOME BUTTERMILK

    We almost never buy buttermilk. We just never use it because I know I can make my own when I’m baking.

    Just add about a tablespoon of distilled white vinegar to a cup (or two) of milk; I usually use a tablespoon for every 1 to 2 cups of milk. Stir and let sit for 5 to 10 minutes.

    making buttermilk in Pyrex measuring cup with vinegar and milk

    Before you know it, you have sour milk or buttermilk. Works like a charm!

    HOW TO BAKE THE PERFECT CUPCAKE

    Now we need to mix up our batter, and if you follow these steps to a t, you’ll come out with the softest, fluffiest cupcakes you’ve ever had.

    1. Cream (or mix) together the butter, canola oil, and sugar for a good 5 to 8 minutes.
    Butter, canola oil, and sugar in KitchenAid mixing bowl on white countertop
    1. You should have already separated your eggs at this point, so go ahead and add the egg yolks and vanilla extract in with the sugar mixture, and mix well.
    egg yolks and vanilla extract with butter and sugar mixture in KitchenAid mixing bowl
    1. In a separate mixing bowl, mix together the dry ingredients, including the cake flour, dark cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
    cake flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt in silver mixing bowl on white marble countertop
    1. Begin by adding a small part of the dry ingredients to your creamed mixture, mixing well.
    adding dry ingredients to cupcake batter in KitchenAid mixing bowl on white marble countertop
    1. Then alternate adding buttermilk with dry ingredients, mixing after each addition, and ending with the dry ingredients.
    adding buttermilk to chocolate cupcake batter in KitchenAid mixing bowl on white marble countertop
    1. Finally, when everything is mixed together, fold in the egg whites and mix together just until the batter is blended.
    adding egg whites to chocolate cupcake batter in KitchenAid mixing bowl on white marble countertop
    1. Add cupcake liners to your muffin tins (you’ll need about 24 muffin cups), and pour or dispense the batter into each liner, filling each cup 3/4 of the way full.
    using white cupcake scoop to dispense chocolate cupcake batter into white cupcake liners in muffin tins
    1. Bake at 350° F for about 20 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
    2. Allow the cupcakes to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes; then remove to a wire rack to finish cooling before frosting.
    dark chocolate cupcakes in Wilton muffin tin

    HOW TO MAKE GREEN BUTTERCREAM FROSTING

    1. Mix together the softened butter, vanilla extract, almond extract, and heavy whipping cream.
    mixing together butter, vanilla extract, almond extract, and heavy whipping cream in KitchenAid mixing bowl on white marble countertop
    1. Add in the powdered sugar, and mix everything together for 2 to 3 minutes, mixing well.
    mixing powdered sugar into buttercream frosting in KitchenAid mixing bowl on white marble countertop
    1. Using Wilton Leaf Green (or a similar coloring), add green coloring to your frosting, and mix until well blended. Be sure to follow instructions for your specific food coloring.
    green buttercream frosting in KitchenAid mixing bowl on white marble countertop

    You’ll end up with a smooth, creamy, beautifully green buttercream frosting to use for decorating your cupcakes.

    HOW TO PIPE GRASS FROSTING ONTO YOUR CUPCAKES

    1. Place the cooled cupcakes in the Minecraft liners of your choosing before decorating.
    chocolate cupcakes in Minecraft cupcake wrappers on white marble countertop
    1. Using this large grass tip (or a similar grass tip), add grass to each cupcake with your green buttercream frosting. Make sure the icing is thin enough to squeeze through the tip but not so thin it’ll just melt away. Your technique should be to squeeze thru, and pull up or away (see my technique video).
    how to pipe grass frosting onto chocolate Minecraft cupcakes
    1. When finished, plop a cupcake topper into each cupcake if you want.
    Minecraft TNT cupcake topper in Minecraft birthday cupcake

    SPEAKING OF MINECRAFT CUPCAKE WRAPPERS AND TOPPERS

    I used these cupcake wrappers and these Minecraft toppers. They are affordable and sturdy and worked really well.

    Plus my boys love them, so that right there is the real winner.

    HOW TO STORE MINECRAFT BIRTHDAY CUPCAKES

    Because of the buttercream frosting in this recipe, I recommend refrigerating these cupcakes after they have completely cooled. I think these cupcakes taste better cold anyway!

    bite out of chocolate Minecraft cupcake sitting on white cupcake liner

    EASIEST WAY TO TRANSPORT CUPCAKES

    This collapsible cupcake carrier (and cake carrier) holds 24 cupcakes, making it easy to transport your cupcakes wherever they need to go. I love that it’s collapsible, so it’s easy to store too.

    WHAT CAN YOU PUT IN THE MIDDLE OF CUPCAKES?

    • You can try piping frosting into the center of cupcakes. Use a cupcake corer to core the cupcake and pipe frosting, berry jam, or whipped cream into the center. This can be a delicious surprise to anyone who takes a bite!
    • Try layering fruit in your cupcake cups before filling them with batter. For this recipe, strawberries come to mind.
    • Add small candies to the center, like mini M&M’s or peanut butter cups.

    Get creative and have fun with it!

    MINECRAFT PARTY IDEAS AND SUPPLIES

    GET THE PRINTABLE RECIPE

    If you love this cupcake recipe as much as I do, please write a 5 star review, and help me share the recipe on Facebook and Pinterest!

    double image of Minecraft cupcakes recipe with top image piping grass frosting onto top of chocolate cupcake with grass cake tip, text saying Homemade Minecraft Cupcakes, and bottom image of bite out of chocolate Minecraft cupcake on white cupcake liner

    CRAVING MORE DELICIOUS RECIPES? Subscribe to my newsletter, and follow along on Pinterest, Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram for all the latest updates!

    Minecraft Cupcakes with Easy Grass Frosting

    How to make fluffy chocolate Minecraft cupcakes and decorate them with an easy buttercream grass frosting. Ideas for wrappers and toppers too!

    • Wilton Recipe Right Muffin Pan, 6-cups
    • Collapsible Cupcake and Cake Carrier, 24 Cupcakes, 2 Layer, Easy to Transport
    • Miner Themed Pixel Grass Cupcake Wrappers, Set of 24
    • Pixel Cupcake Wrappers and Toppers for Minecraft Birthday Party (24 SET)
    • Wilton Leaf Green Icing Color, 1 oz.
    • Symphony Wire Tips, 3 Pcs Grass Stainless Steel Icing Piping Nozzles
    • Wilton Batter Spoons, Set of 3
    • OXO Good Grips 3-in-1 Egg Separator
    • KitchenAid 5-Qt. Artisan Design Series with Glass Bowl – Candy Apple Red

    Chocolate Cupcakes:

    • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
    • 1/2 cup canola oil
    • 1 1/2 cups pure cane sugar
    • 2 large eggs (separated)
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    • 1 1/2 cups buttermilk*
    • 2 cups cake flour*
    • 1/2 cup dark cocoa powder
    • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda
    • 1 teaspoon salt

    Buttercream Frosting:

    • 1 cup salted butter (softened)
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    • 1 teaspoon almond extract
    • 3 tablespoons heavy whipping cream
    • 4 cups powdered sugar
    • Wilton Leaf Green icing color
    1. Cream (or mix) together the butter, canola oil, and sugar for a good 5 to 8 minutes.
    2. You should have already separated your eggs at this point, so go ahead and add the egg yolks and vanilla extract in with the sugar mixture, and mix well.
    3. In a separate mixing bowl, mix together the dry ingredients, including the cake flour, dark cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
    4. Alternate adding the dry ingredients with the buttermilk to your creamed mixture, mixing after each addition.
    5. Finally, when everything is mixed together, fold in the egg whites and mix together just until the batter is blended.
    6. Add cupcake liners to your muffin tins (you’ll need about 24 muffin cups), and pour or dispense the batter into each liner, filling each cup 3/4 of the way full.
    7. Bake at 350° F for about 20 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.
    8. Allow the cupcakes to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes; then remove to a wire rack to finish cooling before frosting.
    9. To make green buttercream frosting, mix together the softened butter, vanilla extract, almond extract, and heavy whipping cream.
    10. Add in the powdered sugar, and mix everything together for 2 to 3 minutes, mixing well.
    11. Using Wilton Leaf Green (or a similar coloring), add green coloring to your frosting, and mix until well blended. Be sure to follow instructions for your specific food coloring.
    12. Place the cooled cupcakes in the Minecraft liners of your choosing before decorating.
    13. Using this large grass tip (or a similar grass tip), add grass to each cupcake with your green buttercream frosting. Make sure the icing is thin enough to squeeze through the tip but not so thin it’ll just melt away. Your technique should be to squeeze thru, and pull up or away (see video above).
    14. When finished, plop a cupcake topper into each cupcake if you want.

    *To make your own buttermilk or sour milk, just add about a tablespoon of distilled white vinegar to a cup (or two) of milk; I usually use a tablespoon for every 1 to 2 cups of milk. Stir and let sit for 5 to 10 minutes.

    *You can use a good gluten-free flour, along with xanthan gum, instead. This is my go to brand of gluten-free cake flour.

    HOW TO STORE MINECRAFT BIRTHDAY CUPCAKES

    Because of the buttercream frosting in this recipe, I recommend refrigerating these cupcakes after they have completely cooled. I think these cupcakes taste better cold anyway!

    EASIEST WAY TO TRANSPORT CUPCAKES

    This collapsible cupcake carrier (and cake carrier) holds 24 cupcakes, making it easy to transport your cupcakes wherever they need to go. I love that it’s collapsible, so it’s easy to store too.

    Cakes & Cupcakes
    American
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  • Pineapple Sunshine Cake with Pineapple Fluff Frosting

    Pineapple Sunshine Cake with Pineapple Fluff Frosting

    The best pineapple sunshine cake from scratch. Topped with a dreamy crushed pineapple fluff frosting, this dessert recipe is sure to be a crowd pleaser!

    Pineapple cake is one simple dessert you can make in a pinch. And what I love most about this dessert is the light, angel lush, pineapple fluff frosting on top of the cake.

    slice of pineapple sunshine cake topped with pineapple fluff frosting and shredded coconut on gray plate with fork

    That whipped pudding topping really adds a refreshment factor to this very yummy dessert. Nothing about this cake is heavy or dense, but it does have the most incredible pineapple flavor.

    While you can make this pineapple sunshine cake recipe with a cake mix, I highly recommend making it from scratch with just a handful of ingredients, including crushed pineapple. Even making it homemade, it’s super easy to make.

    While I do like to add nuts to my cake batter, they are totally optional. I guess you could say the same for the shredded coconut and maraschino cherries I like to sprinkle or add on top of each slice.

    This southern pineapple cake, along with homemade carrot sheet cake, is the perfect dessert for Easter Sunday get togethers.

    A few of my other favorite easy cake recipes include strawberry Jello cake, pumpkin pear spice cake, and my grandmother’s lemon poke cake.

    pineapple cake, sliced and plated on gray plate with fork, on top of blue and white checkered tablecloth, with fresh pineapple, maraschino cherries, and cake pan behind

    WHERE CAN I FIND THE ACTUAL RECIPE CARD?

    If you’d rather skip all of my baking tips, important info for this recipe, and similar recipe ideas – and get straight to the pineapple cake recipe – just scroll down to the bottom, where you’ll find a printable recipe card.

    INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED:

    Remember, all of the ingredient amounts you’ll need are in the printable recipe card below.

    pineapple cake ingredients, including flour, sugar, baking soda, eggs, vanilla extract, crushed pineapple, walnuts, whipped cream, and vanilla pudding mix

    KITCHEN TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT YOU’LL NEED:

    Stand Mixer or Hand Mixer with Large Bowl

    Whisk

    9″x13″ Cake Pan

    Wire Rack

    Cake Tester

    HOW TO MAKE PINEAPPLE SUNSHINE CAKE

    Before you get started mixing up your cake batter, be sure to preheat your oven to 350° F, and grease a 9″x13″ cake pan with cooking spray (or shortening/flour).

    To mix up the batter…

    1. In a large bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients, including the flour, sugar, and baking soda ’til well combined.
    2. Add in the eggs, vanilla extract, and pineapple (do not drain the pineapple), mixing everything together well.
    3. Fold the nuts into the cake batter (optional step).
    4. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan, and bake at 350° F for about 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick or cake tester inserted in the center comes out clean.
    steps for how to make pineapple sunshine cake in light teal colored bowl with whisk and hand mixer, folding nuts into cake batter with spatula, and spreading cake batter in 9x13 baking dish

    Once your crushed pineapple cake is fully baked, allow it to cool completely on a wire rack.

    Now to make the whipped pineapple frosting…

    1. Add the crushed pineapple to a large bowl. Do not drain the pineapple.
    2. Whisk the pudding mix into the crushed pineapple ’til well combined.
    3. Let the pudding mixture sit for about 2 minutes.
    4. Then gently fold the whipped topping or whipped cream into the mixture ’til smooth.
    steps for how to make pineapple fluff frosting in light teal colored bowl with gray spatula, including mixing together crushed pineapple, instant vanilla pudding mix, and whipped cream

    Now you can frost your pineapple cake and garnish with toppings like shredded coconut, extra nuts, maraschino cherries, and/or fresh pineapple.

    easy pineapple cake in light blue cake pan with teal bowl of whipped pudding topping and spatula

    Be sure to refrigerate the cake topped with angel lush frosting for at least 30 minutes before serving; and be sure to store any leftover cake in the refrigerator, as well.

    You can make this easy pineapple cake ahead of time, preferably no longer than the day before unless you’re freezing it.

    CAN PINEAPPLE CAKE BE FROZEN?

    Yes, this cake can definitely be frozen. But I’d wait to make the frosting when you’re ready to actually serve the cake.

    Just be sure to store pineapple cake in an airtight cake pan or cover it with plastic wrap and foil for protection while in the freezer.

    southern pineapple cake in pan with fresh pineapple and maraschino cherries on wood cutting board, and slice of pineapple cake, topped with frosting and shredded coconut, on light blue plate with fork

    ALTERNATIVE INGREDIENT OPTIONS

    If you wanna really twist things up, instead of pineapple, you can use mandarin oranges, canned peaches, etc. I’d be tempted to also try making this with crushed strawberries.

    Or maybe mix it up with two different kinds of fruits. Strawberries and pineapple would be fantastic… Maybe pineapple in the cake and strawberries in the whipped pudding topping.

    Just be sure whatever fruit you choose is canned in 100% fruit juice and not in a syrup. Or if using strawberries, maybe lean toward fresh so you don’t have all the added water from frozen fruit.

    slice of easy pineapple cake, topped with toasted coconut, on gray plate with fork on blue checkered tablecloth

    CAN I MAKE IT GLUTEN-FREE?

    Now I’ll be honest. I have not tried making this cake gluten-free.

    That being said, I’d probably trial it like I have other cake recipes, and I’d make it with a good gluten-free cake flour. I might add a little bit of xanthan gum, as well, depending on if the flour already includes it.

    Of course, you also want to check other ingredients to make sure that everything is safe to consume for a gluten intolerance/allergy.

    GET THE PRINTABLE RECIPE

    If you love this moist pineapple cake recipe as much as I do, please write a 5 star review, and help me share the recipe on Facebook and Pinterest!

    pineapple sunshine cake recipe

    CRAVING MORE DELICIOUS RECIPES? Subscribe to my newsletter, and follow along on Pinterest, Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram for all the latest updates!

    Pineapple Sunshine Cake with Pineapple Fluff Frosting

    The best pineapple sunshine cake from scratch. Topped with a dreamy crushed pineapple fluff frosting, this dessert recipe is sure to be a crowd pleaser!

    • KitchenAid Artisan Tilt-Head Stand Mixer with Pouring Shield, 5-Quart, Empire Red
    • Rorence Stainless Steel Non-Slip Mixing Bowls With Pour Spout, Handle and Lid, Nesting Set of 3, Red
    • Dole Crushed Pineapple in Juice, 20 Ounce Cans (Pack of 12)
    • Nordic Ware Classic Metal 9×13 Covered Cake Pan
    • Ultra Cuisine 100% Stainless Steel Wire Cooling Rack for Baking fits Half Sheet Pans Cool Cookies, Cakes, Breads – Oven Safe for Cooking, Roasting, Grilling
    • Ateco Cake Tester- 1 pack
    • 2 cups all-purpose flour
    • 2 cups cane sugar
    • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
    • 2 large eggs (at room temperature)
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    • 1 can (20 ounces crushed pineapple (do not drain))
    • 1 cup chopped pecans*

    Pineapple Fluff Frosting:

    • 1 container (8 ounces Cool Whip*)
    • 1 small box (3.5 ounces instant vanilla pudding)
    • 1 can (20 ounces crushed pineapple (do not drain))

    Garnish, optional

    • Extra pecans or walnuts
    • Shredded coconut
    • Maraschino cherries
    • Fresh pineapple
    1. Before you get started mixing up your cake batter, be sure to preheat your oven to 350° F, and grease a 9″x13″ cake pan with cooking spray (or shortening/flour).
    2. In a large bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients, including the flour, sugar, and baking soda ’til well combined.
    3. Add in the eggs, vanilla extract, and pineapple (do not drain the pineapple), mixing everything together well.
    4. Fold the nuts into the cake batter (optional step).
    5. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared baking pan, and bake at 350° F for about 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick or cake tester inserted in the center comes out clean.
    6. Once your crushed pineapple cake is fully baked, allow it to cool completely on a wire rack.
    7. To make the frosting, add the crushed pineapple to a large bowl. Do not drain the pineapple.
    8. Whisk the pudding mix into the crushed pineapple ’til well combined.
    9. Let the pudding mixture sit for about 2 minutes.
    10. Then gently fold the whipped topping or whipped cream into the mixture ’til smooth.
    11. Now you can frost your pineapple cake and garnish with toppings like shredded coconut, extra nuts, maraschino cherries, and/or fresh pineapple.
    12. Be sure to refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes before serving; and be sure to store any leftover cake in the refrigerator, as well.

    *Or you can use chopped walnuts.

    *You can use the whipped topping of your choice.

    You can make this cake ahead of time, preferably no longer than the day before unless you’re freezing it.

    CAN PINEAPPLE CAKE BE FROZEN?

    Yes, the cake can definitely be frozen. But I’d wait to make the frosting when you’re ready to actually serve the cake. Just be sure to store the cake in an airtight cake pan or cover it with plastic wrap and foil for protection while in the freezer.

    ALTERNATIVE INGREDIENT OPTIONS

    If you wanna really twist things up, instead of pineapple, you can use mandarin oranges, canned peaches, etc. I’d be tempted to also try making this with crushed strawberries. Or maybe mix it up with two different kinds of fruits. Strawberries and pineapple would be fantastic… Maybe pineapple in the cake and strawberries in the whipped pudding topping.

    Just be sure whatever fruit you choose is canned in 100% fruit juice and not in a syrup. Or if using strawberries, maybe lean toward fresh so you don’t have all the added water from frozen fruit.

    CAN I MAKE IT GLUTEN-FREE?

    Now I’ll be honest. I have not tried making this cake gluten-free. That being said, I’d probably trial it like I have other cake recipes, and I’d make it with a good gluten-free cake flour. I might add a little bit of xanthan gum, as well, depending if the flour already includes it.

    Of course, you also want to check other ingredients to make sure that everything is safe to consume for a gluten intolerance/allergy.

    Cakes & Cupcakes
    American
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  • One Bowl Milk Chocolate Buttercream Frosting

    One Bowl Milk Chocolate Buttercream Frosting

    Easy recipe for the best milk chocolate buttercream frosting, perfect for decorating or piping onto cake and cupcakes. Fluffy, creamy, and silky smooth!

    There’s nothing quite like a swirl of chocolate buttercream frosting to top off a piece of cake or a cupcake. Better yet, pair it up with marble cake, and you’ve got the best of both worlds.

    mixing up milk chocolate buttercream frosting with KitchenAid mixing whisk

    This homemade chocolate icing is very creamy, and it’s the perfect fluffy frosting for cupcakes. It’s very silky, and works really well as a chocolate frosting for piping onto cupcakes or for cake decorating.

    In fact, I use this chocolate frosting recipe in my Minecraft grass block cake recipe.

    Being a rich buttercream frosting, a little bit goes a long way. Combine its buttery flavor with chocolate and you’ve got the makings of a heavenly chocolate buttercream icing for chocolate lovers.

    This is one recipe where I might contend with my kids as to who gets to lick the beaters.

    More of my favorite buttercream recipes include this vanilla buttercream frosting recipe and butterbeer buttercream frosting.

    [mv_video doNotAutoplayNorOptimizePlacement=”false” jsonLd=”true” key=”lo84rg3pmzd5x3cnpsku” sticky=”false” thumbnail=”https://mediavine-res.cloudinary.com/v1575566876/ryv7r7abmmufotgnljvn.jpg” title=”One Bowl Milk Chocolate Buttercream Frosting” volume=”100″]

    WHERE CAN I FIND THE ACTUAL RECIPE CARD?

    If you’d rather skip all of my buttercream tips, important info for this recipe, and similar recipe ideas – and get straight to the recipe – just scroll down to the bottom, where you’ll find a printable recipe card with a longer how to video.

    swirled chocolate frosting for piping on yellow cake cupcakes on white marble countertop

    INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED:

    • Salted butter
    • Vanilla extract
    • Almond extract – While you can make chocolate frosting without almond extract, I wouldn’t recommend it. This extract gives an added pop of flavor and helps the chocolate flavor to really stand out.
    • Heavy whipping cream
    • Powdered sugar
    • Unsweetened cocoa powder – I use regular milk chocolate cocoa, but you can make a dark chocolate buttercream with dark cocoa.

    Keep in mind, all of the ingredient amounts you’ll need are in the printable recipe card below.

    KITCHEN TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT YOU’LL NEED:

    Stand Mixer or Hand Mixer with Mixing Bowl – You can definitely mix homemade frosting by hand, but a mixer enables you to get that silky smooth texture.

    Measuring Spoons and Measuring Cups

    Spatula

    Cake Decorating Kit with Tips and Pastry Bags – if you want to decorate a cake or cupcakes.

    Cake Turntable with Icing Spatula and Icing Smoother – A turntable really makes it easier to frost a round cake, because you can turn as you go.

    KitchenAid mixer whisk with homemade chocolate icing

    HOW TO MAKE CHOCOLATE BUTTERCREAM FROSTING

    Before making any type of buttercream frosting, you want to first soften the butter.

    You can do this by letting it set out for a little bit before cooking, or you can pop it in the microwave for a few seconds (but try not to let it melt).

    Now to mix up chocolate buttercream with cocoa powder…

    1. Mix together the softened butter, vanilla extract, and almond extract.
    2. Then add in the heavy whipping cream and mix well.
    3. Add in the powdered sugar and cocoa powder, and let the mixer work its magic for 2 to 3 minutes.
    4. You’ll end up with a very smooth, creamy, chocolate buttercream frosting that’s perfect for decorating cakes, piping onto cupcakes, and more.
    steps for how to make chocolate buttercream frosting in mint green mixing bowl: 1. mixing together softened butter, vanilla extract, and almond extract; 2. mixing in heavy whipping cream; 3. adding in powdered sugar and cocoa powder; and 4. smooth, creamy, chocolate buttercream frosting

    WHAT TASTES BEST WITH CHOCOLATE BUTTERCREAM?

    Homemade yellow cake or yellow cake cupcakes definitely taste delicious with chocolate icing.

    As do chocolate cake and fluffy chocolate cupcakes. Chocolate on chocolate is absolutely delicious.

    swirls of homemade chocolate buttercream with cocoa powder on cupcakes

    WHY NOT USE SHORTENING INSTEAD OF BUTTER?

    Mainly because I’m not a huge fan of shortening, and I’d rather use butter. I’ve never been a fan of shortening based buttercream because I always feel like there’s something missing in the taste of it.

    Using salted butter will create a very flavorful frosting; but if you’d rather not have all of that buttery flavor, you can cut the butter in half and substitute shortening instead.

    While shortening does add stability to the recipe, heavy whipping cream can do the same thing.

    WHY SHOULD I USE SALTED BUTTER?

    I do recommend using salted butter for this recipe, because the salt in the butter adds a richness and a better flavor to your buttercream than unsalted would.

    And it’s so much easier to use salted butter over trying to add salt to frosting, especially when you’re trying to get a good consistency and texture without any grit.

    swirled chocolate buttercream icing on top of a yellow cupcake

    DOES BUTTERCREAM FROSTING NEED TO BE REFRIGERATED?

    We usually let our cupcakes or cakes with buttercream icing sit out of the fridge for 2-3 days max.

    However, if you were to add cream cheese to your frosting, then it would need to be refrigerated right away.

    CAN I FREEZE MILK CHOCOLATE BUTTERCREAM FROSTING?

    Yes, you can! In fact, I always have leftover icing, so I usually throw it in the freezer to keep it for next time.

    Freezing won’t hurt the texture, consistency, or flavor of your frosting. Just be sure to store it in an airtight container, so it won’t get freezer burn.

    bite taken out of yellow cake cupcake frosted with homemade chocolate frosting

    HOW CAN I ADD TO THIS BUTTERCREAM ICING RECIPE?

    Here are a few more ways you can change up this buttercream frosting recipe…

    • Add a flavored extract for additional flavor… Think maple, caramel, peppermint, etc.
    • If you don’t like the buttery flavor of the icing, you can substitute the same amount of shortening for half the butter.
    • You can use milk instead of heavy whipping cream, but keep in mind, you may end up with a softer icing, especially at room temperature. A softer icing may not work as well for piping and decorating; and heavy cream adds stability.

    IF YOU LOVE THIS HOMEMADE CHOCOLATE ICING, TRY SOME OF OUR OTHER FROSTING FAVORITES:

    GET THE PRINTABLE FROSTING RECIPE

    If you love this chocolate buttercream recipe as much as I do, please write a 5 star review, and help me share the recipe on Facebook and Pinterest!

    double image with top image of chocolate frosting swirled on yellow cupcake, middle text of Chocolate Buttercream Frosting from AdventuresofMel.com, and bottom image of chocolate frosting on KitchenAid mixer whisk

    CRAVING MORE DELICIOUS RECIPES? Subscribe to my newsletter, and follow along on Pinterest, Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram for all the latest updates!

    One Bowl Milk Chocolate Buttercream Frosting

    Easy recipe for the best milk chocolate buttercream frosting, perfect for decorating or piping onto cake and cupcakes. Fluffy, creamy, and silky smooth!

    • IMUSA USA Hand Mixer with Case 5-Speed
    • Rorence Stainless Steel Non-Slip Mixing Bowls With Pour Spout, Handle and Lid, Nesting Set of 3
    • GLOUE Heat-Resistant Baking Spoon & Spatulas – Ergonomic Easy-to-Clean Seamless One-Piece Design – Nonstick – Dishwasher Safe 
    • Kootek 42 Pieces Cake Decorating Kits Supplies with 36 Numbered Icing Tips, 2 Silicone Pastry Bags, 2 Flower Nails, 2 Reusable Plastic Couplers Baking Frosting Tools Set for Cupcakes Cookies
    • Kootek 11 Inch Rotating Cake Turntable, Turns Smoothly Revolving Cake Stand White Cake Decorating Kit Display Stand Baking Tools Accessories Supplies for Decoration
    • Icing Spatula, U-Taste Offset Spatula Set with 6″, 8″, 10″ Blade, 18/0 Stainless Steel with Premium PP Plastic Handle Angled Cake Decorating Frosting Spatula Set of 3
    • 1 cup salted butter* (softened*)
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    • 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
    • 3 tablespoons heavy whipping cream*
    • 3 1/2 cups powdered sugar
    • 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
    1. Mix together the softened butter, vanilla extract, and almond extract.
    2. Then add in the heavy whipping cream and mix well.
    3. Add in the powdered sugar and cocoa powder, and mix everything together for 2 to 3 minutes, mixing well.
    4. You’ll end up with a very smooth, creamy, chocolate buttercream frosting that’s perfect for cake decorating, piping onto cupcakes, and more. Not to mention, it tastes really delicious.

    *If you don’t like the buttery flavor of the icing, you can substitute shortening for half the butter. I do recommend using salted butter for this recipe, because the salt in the butter adds a richness and a better flavor to your buttercream than unsalted would. And it’s so much easier to use salted butter over trying to add salt to frosting, especially when you’re trying to get a good consistency and texture without any grit.

    *You can soften butter by letting it sit out for a little bit before mixing up the frosting, or you can pop it in the microwave for a few seconds (but try not to let it melt).

    *You can use milk instead of heavy whipping cream, but keep in mind, you may end up with a softer icing, especially at room temperature. A softer icing may not work as well for piping and decorating, because heavy cream adds stability.

    Does buttercream frosting need to be refrigerated?

    We usually let our cupcakes or cakes with buttercream icing sit out of the fridge for 2-3 days max. However, if you were to add cream cheese to your frosting, then it would need to be kept in the refrigerator.

    Can I freeze milk chocolate buttercream frosting?

    Yes, you can! In fact, I always have leftover icing, so I usually throw it in the freezer to keep it for next time. Freezing won’t hurt the texture, consistency, or flavor of your frosting. Just be sure to store it in an airtight container, so it won’t get freezer burn.

    WHAT TASTES BEST WITH CHOCOLATE BUTTERCREAM?

    Homemade yellow cake or yellow cake cupcakes definitely taste delicious with chocolate icing. As do chocolate cake and fluffy chocolate cupcakes. Chocolate on chocolate is absolutely delicious.

    Icing & Frosting
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  • Dreamy Butterbeer Buttercream Frosting

    Dreamy Butterbeer Buttercream Frosting

    Butterbeer Buttercream Frosting – Harry Potter fans unite with this dreamy butterbeer buttercream frosting. Easy recipe for a fluffy icing, perfect for cupcakes and cake decorating!

    fluffy butterbeer buttercream frosting on dark chocolate cupcakes on white marble countertop

    Being the Harry Potter fan that I am, I thought it only appropriate to create a yummy butterbeer buttercream frosting. This recipe is one you will definitely enjoy, especially if you love both butterbeer and buttercream icing.

    After creating my own butterbeer recipe, my friend Linda from Life on Summerhill, suggested I make a butterbeer frosting. I mean, how brilliant is she?!

    This frosting is so creamy delicious on my favorite dark chocolate cupcakes. You’re going to love it.

    spreading butterbeer buttercream frosting onto dark chocolate cupcakes with a table knife

    It’s a mix of that buttery butterscotch flavor with the creamy texture of a dreamy buttercream frosting. So scrumptious!

    Add butterbeer to your breakfast and brunch plans with butterbeer pancakes from scratch. They’re oh so delicious.

    I JUST WANT THE RECIPE! TAKE ME TO THE RECIPE FOR BUTTERBEER BUTTERCREAM FROSTING!

    If you’d rather skip all of my cooking tips, important cooking info for this recipe, and similar recipe ideas – and get straight to the scrumptious butterbeer buttercream frosting recipe – just scroll down to the bottom, where you’ll find a printable recipe card.

    swirl of butterbeer buttercream frosting on dark chocolate cupcakes on white marble counter

    FIRST OF ALL, WHAT IS BUTTERBEER?

    Let’s get down to the nitty gritty of what butterbeer actually is.

    We first tried butterbeer while visiting the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando. It’s a drink made famous by the Harry Potter series of books, written by J.K. Rowling.

    It’s a buttery, butterscotch, sweet drink, with a hint of caramel, that’s served hot or cold. It’s described as a “less-sickly butterscotch” and even has a little bit of fizz to it.

    Fandom explains what butterbeer is, where it came from, and what it’s all about.

    WHY DO YOU USE BUTTER INSTEAD OF SHORTENING?

    In my original buttercream frosting recipe, as well as my chocolate buttercream frosting, I explain why I prefer to use salted butter and make my buttercream without shortening.

    Using all butter creates a very flavorful frosting, perfect for that buttery butterbeer taste.

    swirled butterbeer buttercream frosting on chocolate cupcakes

    I also recommend using salted butter, because the salt in the butter adds a richness to your buttercream. It gives it a zing that unsalted butter just can’t do.

    Also, it’s so much easier to use salted butter over trying to add salt to your frosting, especially when trying to get a good consistency and texture.

    While shortening does add stability to the recipe, heavy whipping cream can do the same thing.

    easy butterbeer buttercream frosting swirled onto chocolate cupcakes on white marble countertop with muffin tin and light blue kitchen towel

    CAN I FREEZE BUTTERBEER BUTTERCREAM FROSTING?

    Yes, you absolutely can! If you think about it, bakeries put their cakes in a cooler to store them for their customers.

    Freezing won’t hurt the texture, consistency, or flavor of your frosting. I always have a little bit of icing leftover, and I usually freeze it for the next time we need it.

    BUTTERBEER BUTTERCREAM ICING INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED:

    TIPS FOR HOW TO MAKE BUTTERCREAM FROSTING WITH A TASTE OF BUTTERBEER

    Making homemade buttercream frosting is easy. Butterbeer buttercream frosting is no different, besides a few extra ingredients.

    mixing butterbeer buttercream frosting in white mixing bowl
    • First, make sure you soften the butter. Try to get it out ahead of time and let it soften naturally; don’t be like me and use the microwave to soften it, therefore melting it.
    • Next, mix together the softened butter, vanilla extract, butter extract, caramel extract, butterscotch topping, heavy whipping cream, and cream soda.
    • Add in the powdered sugar, and mix everything together for 2 to 3 minutes, mixing well.

    Finally, if your frosting seems a little thin, you can add in a little extra powdered sugar until you reach the desired consistency.

    chocolate cupcakes topped with swirls of creamy butterbeer buttercream frosting

    You’ll end up with a very smooth, creamy, fluffy buttercream frosting that’s perfect for cake decorating, piping onto cupcakes, and more. And it tastes divine!

    bite out of chocolate cupcake topped with fluffy butterbeer buttercream frosting

    MORE HARRY POTTER FOOD YOU WILL LOVE:

    Polyjuice Potion recipe

    And my friend Linda will show you how to make the prettiest decorations for a Harry Potter celebration!

    chocolate cupcakes with swirls of butterbeer buttercream frosting on top

    KITCHEN TOOLS YOU MAY NEED TO MAKE BUTTERBEER BUTTERCREAM FROSTING:

    Stand Mixer or Hand Mixer – You can definitely mix homemade frosting by hand, but a mixer enables you to get a really smooth texture.

    Measuring Spoons and Measuring Cups

    Spatula

    Cake Decorating Kit with Tips and Pastry Bags

    BUTTERBEER BUTTERCREAM FROSTING RECIPE

    If you love this butterbeer buttercream frosting recipe as much as I do, please write a 5 star review, and help me share the recipe on Facebook and Pinterest!

    butterbeer buttercream frosting recipe

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    Be sure to follow me on social, so you never miss a post!

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    Dreamy Butterbeer Buttercream Frosting

    Harry Potter fans unite with this dreamy butterbeer buttercream frosting. Easy recipe for a fluffy icing, perfect for cupcakes and decorating!

    • 1 cup salted butter (softened)
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    • 1/2 teaspoon butter extract
    • 1/4 teaspoon caramel extract
    • 1 tablespoon butterscotch topping
    • 5 cups powdered sugar
    • 3 tablespoons heavy whipping cream
    • 1 tablespoon cream soda
    1. Mix together the softened butter*, vanilla extract, butter extract, caramel extract, butterscotch topping, heavy whipping cream**, and cream soda.
    2. Add in the powdered sugar, and mix everything together for 2 to 3 minutes, mixing well.
    3. If your frosting seems a little thin, you can add in a little extra powdered sugar until you reach the desired consistency.
    4. You’ll end up with a very smooth, creamy, butterbeer buttercream frosting that’s perfect for cake decorating, piping onto cupcakes, and more. It tastes divine!

    *Make sure you soften the butter first. Try to get it out ahead of time and let it soften naturally. Don’t be like me and use the microwave to soften it, therefore melting it.

    **You can use milk instead of heavy whipping cream, but you may end up with a softer icing, especially at room temperature.

    Desserts
    American
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  • The Best Buttercream Frosting Recipe

    The Best Buttercream Frosting Recipe

    Tips for how to make the best buttercream frosting recipe for cake decorating. Smooth, creamy, and bursting with vanilla flavor, it’s the perfect recipe for cupcakes!

    While I consider this recipe to be the best buttercream frosting ever, I haven’t always had a love relationship with buttercream icing.

    best buttercream frosting on a cherry chip cupcake

    In fact, the way I used to make it, using half shortening instead of all butter, was never my favorite way to make it. I never liked the dulled down flavor of buttercream made with shortening.

    And that, my friends, is how this lovely frosting recipe came to be. I needed a buttercream icing for piping onto chocolate cupcakes, and I wanted to make it a more flavorful icing.

    It turned out to be the best buttercream frosting I’ve ever tasted, reminding me of scrumptious wedding cake. And it’s easy to make, with only 5 ingredients (including absolutely no shortening).

    This frosting recipe makes it easy to pipe grass frosting onto Minecraft cupcakes or decorate whatever type of cake/cupcakes you’re making.

    If you love regular buttercream, you will definitely love butterbeer buttercream frosting.

    how to make the best buttercream frosting ever, pink buttercream icing on a cupcake

    CAN I SUCCESSFULLY MAKE BUTTERCREAM ICING WITHOUT SHORTENING?

    Yes, you can. While shortening does add stability to the recipe, heavy whipping cream can do the same thing.

    Using all butter will create a very flavorful frosting, so if you’d rather not have all of that buttery flavor, you can cut the butter in half and substitute shortening instead.

    WHY DO I NEED TO USE SALTED BUTTER?

    I do recommend using salted butter for this recipe, because the salt in the butter adds a richness and a better flavor to your buttercream. It gives it a zing that unsalted butter just can’t do.

    And it’s so much easier to use salted butter over trying to add salt to a frosting, especially when trying to get a good consistency and texture.

    best buttercream frosting for piping, buttercream icing for piping on cherry chip cupcakes on white marble countertop

    CAN I FREEZE THIS BUTTERCREAM FROSTING?

    You sure can! If you think about it, bakeries put their cakes in a cooler to store them for customers.

    Freezing won’t hurt the texture, consistency, or flavor of your frosting. I always have a little bit of icing leftover, and I usually do freeze it for the next time I need it.

    the best buttercream frosting colored pink and white in separate bowls

    TIPS FOR HOW TO MAKE THE BEST BUTTERCREAM FROSTING

    Making homemade buttercream frosting is really easy, and it doesn’t require a lot of ingredients either.

    • Make sure you soften the butter first. Try to get it out ahead of time and let it soften naturally; don’t be like me and use the microwave to soften it, therefore melting it.
    • Mix together the softened butter, vanilla extract, almond extract, and heavy whipping cream.
    • Then add in the powdered sugar, and let the mixer work its magic for 2 to 3 minutes.
    mixing up the best buttercream frosting in a mixer

    You’ll end up with a very smooth, creamy, vanilla buttercream frosting that’s perfect for cake decorating, piping onto cupcakes, and more. Plus, it tastes really good.

    pink buttercream icing for piping onto cupcakes, the best buttercream frosting recipe

    PAIR HOMEMADE BUTTERCREAM FROSTING WITH THESE DESSERTS:

    CAN I CHANGE UP THIS BUTTERCREAM ICING RECIPE?

    While I do have a chocolate buttercream frosting, here are a few more ways you can change up this vanilla frosting recipe…

    • Add a flavored extract for additional flavor… Think maple, caramel, peppermint, etc.
    • If you want a lemon frosting, try adding in a little lemon juice and/or lemon zest.
    • If you don’t like the buttery flavor of the icing, you can substitute the same amount of shortening for half the butter.
    • You can use milk instead of heavy whipping cream, but keep in mind, you may end up with a softer icing, especially at room temperature.
    • Add a little food coloring to create any color you want or need for your project.
    the best buttercream frosting recipe for cupcakes and cake decorating

    IF YOU LOVE THIS BUTTERCREAM FROSTING RECIPE, TRY SOME OF OUR OTHER FROSTING FAVORITES:

    piping the best buttercream frosting onto cherry chip cupcakes

    KITCHEN TOOLS YOU’LL NEED TO MAKE VANILLA BUTTERCREAM FROSTING:

    Stand Mixer or Hand Mixer – You can definitely mix homemade frosting by hand, but a mixer enables you to get a really smooth texture.

    Measuring Spoons and Measuring Cups

    Spatula

    8 ounce Bowls – These would be perfect for separating your icing to make different colors.

    Cake Decorating Kit with Tips and Pastry Bags

    THE BEST BUTTERCREAM FROSTING RECIPE

    If you love this buttercream frosting recipe as much as I do, please write a 5 star review, and help me share the recipe on Facebook and Pinterest!

    the best buttercream frosting recipe

    CONNECT WITH ADVENTURES OF MEL!

    Be sure to follow me on social, so you never miss a post!

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    The Best Buttercream Frosting Recipe

    Tips for how to make the best buttercream frosting for cake decorating. Smooth, creamy, and bursting with vanilla flavor, it’s the perfect recipe for cupcakes!

    • 1 cup salted butter (softened)
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    • 1 teaspoon almond extract
    • 3 tablespoons heavy whipping cream
    • 4 cups powdered sugar
    1. First, allow the butter time to soften.*
    2. Then mix together the softened butter, vanilla extract, almond extract, and heavy whipping cream.**
    3. Add in the powdered sugar, and mix everything together for 2 to 3 minutes, mixing well.
    4. If you want different colors for your icing, separate the icing into smaller bowls, and follow food coloring instructions for creating colored frosting.
    5. You’ll end up with a very smooth, creamy, vanilla buttercream frosting that’s perfect for cake decorating, piping onto cupcakes, and more. Plus, it tastes really good.

    *If you don’t like the buttery flavor of the icing, you can substitute shortening for half the butter.

    **You can also use milk instead of heavy whipping cream, but remember, you may end up with a softer icing, especially at room temperature.

    Desserts
    American
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    the best buttercream frosting recipe that's easy and delicious
  • Deliciously Easy Cream Cheese Frosting

    Deliciously Easy Cream Cheese Frosting

    Cream Cheese Frosting is easy to make, and this recipe uses only 4 simple ingredients. How to make the best homemade cream cheese frosting perfect for cake, cupcakes, cinnamon rolls, and more.

    Cream Cheese Frosting is definitely my favorite frosting for cakes and cupcakes. There’s just nothing quite as scrumptious as a carrot cake, cherry chip cake, strawberry Jello cake, or chocolate cake with cream cheese frosting. Yum!

    cream cheese frosting swirl on slice of carrot cake on white plate with fork

    This recipe happens to make the best cream cheese frosting for carrot cake. It’s sweet and tangy; and it brings a creaminess that no other frosting can bring.

    It’s also a super easy cream cheese frosting recipe, calling for only 4 ingredients. They’re ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. I know I always have these things on hand.

    I also highly recommend you use a mixer when you mix this up, whether you have a hand mixer or stand mixer. A mixer helps to get all the little lumps that powdered sugar and cream cheese can leave behind when mixing by hand.

    More frosting recipes you may enjoy include this buttercream frosting and chocolate buttercream frosting.

    I JUST WANT THE RECIPE! TAKE ME TO THE RECIPE FOR CREAM CHEESE FROSTING!

    If you’d rather skip all of my cooking tips, important cooking info for this recipe, and similar recipe ideas – and get straight to the scrumptious cream cheese frosting recipe – just scroll down to the bottom, where you’ll find a printable recipe card.

    Easy cream cheese frosting in stand mixer

    Tips for how to make this easy cream cheese frosting:

    First you’ll need a few ingredients… Cream cheese, salted butter, vanilla extract, and powdered sugar.

    Make sure your cream cheese and butter have been softened. If you forget to get them out (like I usually do), just soften them up in the microwave quick.

    1. Mix together your softened cream cheese and salted butter.
    2. Add in the vanilla extract, mixing even more.
    3. Finally mix in the powdered sugar, being sure to scrape the sides of the bowl so you get all of that powdered sugar goodness in your frosting.
    4. And that’s it. It’s ready for spreading on cake, July 4th cupcakes, cinnamon rolls, or whatever other type of dessert you choose to put it on.

    Alternative ways you can switch up the recipe:

    Depending on what you’re making, you could add some sort of flavored extract. One of my favorites is caramel extract for a caramel flavored cream cheese frosting. It’s so good!

    You can add nuts into your frosting; I highly recommend pecans or walnuts. You can mix them in or sprinkle them on top of whatever you’re making. The frosting combined with the crunchy nuts gives a sweet crunchy flavor reminiscent of warm cinnamon baked pecans at Christmas time.

    Try mixing fruit into your frosting for a fruity frosting. We’ve added sliced strawberries to our frosting in the past, which really gives frosting quite the oomph.

    best cream cheese frosting on top of carrot cake in a sheet pan

    More frosting/icing recipes you may enjoy:

    Peanut Butter Frosting

    Easy Sugar Cookie Icing

    Sweet and Tarty Lemon Icing

    Caramel Cream Cheese Glaze

    Kitchen tools you may need to make cream cheese frosting:

    Mixer – I love to use my Bosch for mixing whenever I’m baking anything.

    Spatula – Perfect for scraping the frosting out of the bowl, my spatulas are one kitchen tool I can’t cook without.

    Angled Icing Spatula – This makes it easy to spread icing or frosting around on a big cake.

    DELICIOUSLY EASY CREAM CHEESE FROSTING RECIPE

    If you love this cream cheese frosting recipe as much as I do, please write a 5 star review, and help me share the recipe on Facebook and Pinterest!

    Cream Cheese Frosting Recipe

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    Deliciously Easy Cream Cheese Frosting

    Cream Cheese Frosting is easy to make, and this recipe uses only 4 simple ingredients. How to make the best homemade cream cheese frosting perfect for cake, cupcakes, cinnamon rolls, and more.

    • 16 ounces cream cheese
    • 4 tablespoons salted butter
    • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
    • 4 cups powdered sugar
    1. Mix together your softened cream cheese and salted butter.
    2. Add in the vanilla extract, mixing even more.
    3. Finally mix in the powdered sugar, being sure to scrape the sides of the bowl so you get all of that powdered sugar goodness in your frosting.
    4. And that’s it. It’s ready for spreading on cake, cupcakes, cinnamon rolls, or whatever other type of dessert you choose to put it on.
    Desserts
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    cream cheese frosting, cream cheese icing, easy cream cheese frosting
    easy cream cheese frosting on slice of carrot cake on white plate with fork
  • Easy Sugar Cookie Icing

    Easy Sugar Cookie Icing

    This easy sugar cookie icing is made with powdered sugar and a flavorful secret ingredient. So creamy delicious, my favorite recipe for cookie decorating.

    This easy sugar cookie icing is a cookie icing recipe that’s been with me since I was a little girl. While the main ingredients are butter, vanilla, powdered sugar, and heavy whipping cream, it also uses a secret ingredient.

    Easy Sugar Cookie Icing, using only 5 ingredients. This is my favorite cookie icing, it’s so creamy delicious and perfect for decorating Christmas cookies!

    That secret ingredient is almond extract. I can’t imagine making this icing without it.

    In fact, I also use almond extract in my favorite buttercream frosting recipe and my chocolate buttercream frosting. Just the right amount gives icing a scrumptious flavor kick.

    I can usually mix this cookie icing up in minutes; and when I’m using it with my mom’s cut out sugar cookie recipe that we make every single Christmas, I’ll sometimes add a little food color for cookie decorating purposes.

    Though I have been known to skip the food coloring and go with sprinkles on white icing instead… Those tiny rainbow sprinkle dots that crunch in your teeth when you bite into the cookie? I love those!

    I usually make these sugar cookies the way my mom taught me when I was younger. I’ve never been that patient with a decorating bag.

    So I take the easy way out and use a butter knife to spread the cookie frosting on… Then spread sprinkles all over the cookie.

    Just writing up this recipe is making me wish we still had a few of those soft sugar cookies left in the cookie jar. It’s one of my favorite Christmas recipes!

    If you’d rather skip all of my cooking tips, important cooking info for this recipe, and similar recipe ideas – and get straight to the scrumptious sugar cookie icing recipe – just scroll down to the bottom, where you’ll find a printable recipe card.

    How to make the creamiest dreamiest Easy Sugar Cookie Icing. My mom taught me how to make this icing, and I’ve made it every Christmas since I was a little girl.
    • First, soften the butter.
    • In a large mixing bowl, mix together the butter, vanilla extract, and almond extract.
    • Add the heavy whipping cream to the mixture.
    • Slowly add the powdered sugar to the mixture, mixing it in as you go.
    • Once everything is mixed together, the icing should be smooth and creamy, free of any lumps. It’s important to get the right consistency. You don’t want the icing to be too thick (it won’t spread well) or too thin (it’ll run right off your cookies).
    • At this point, you can add food color, if desired.
    • Have fun decorating cookies together!

    This Easy Sugar Cookie Icing is the perfect recipe for decorating holiday cookies. It’s packed with scrumptious flavor and so creamy.

    Yes, you can. In fact, I usually do have leftover icing, and I’ll stick it in the freezer for next time we need it.

    It freezes just fine, as long as you cover it well so it doesn’t get freezer burn.

    Make an Easy Sugar Cookie Icing to decorate cutout sugar cookies. This icing is my favorite recipe, made with powdered sugar and a secret ingredient for extra flavor!

    Large Mixing Bowl – You’ll need a large bowl to mix up your icing, and you’ll use it for so much more.

    Hand Mixer – A hand mixer comes in so handy for so many things, especially mixing up cookie icing.

    Spatula – Because I’m never without my spatula.

    Food Color – Allows you to make a few different colors, especially for Christmas cookies.

    8 ounce Bowls – These would be perfect for separating your icing to make different colors.

    Cookie Decorating Kit – Just in case you want to add more detail to your cookies.

    Easy Sugar Cookie Icing that’s creamy, perfectly spreadable, and absolutely delicious. Perfect for Christmas cutout sugar cookies.

    If you love this cookie icing recipe as much as I do, please write a 5 star review, and help me share the recipe on Facebook and Pinterest!

    Easy Sugar Cookie Icing, made with powdered sugar and a flavorful secret ingredient. So creamy delicious, my favorite recipe for cookie decorating.

    CONNECT WITH ADVENTURES OF MEL!

    Be sure to follow me on social, so you never miss a post!

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    Easy Sugar Cookie Icing

    Easy Sugar Cookie Icing, made with powdered sugar and a flavorful secret ingredient. So creamy delicious, my favorite recipe for cookie decorating.

    • 4 tablespoons salted butter (softened)
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    • 1 teaspoon almond extract
    • 1 cup heavy whipping cream
    • 6 cups powdered sugar
    1. Soften the butter. 
    2. In a large mixing bowl, mix together the butter, vanilla extract, and almond extract. 
    3. Add the heavy whipping cream to the mixture.
    4. Slowly add the powdered sugar to the mixture, mixing it in as you go.
    5. Once everything is mixed together, the icing should be smooth and creamy, free of any lumps.*
    6. At this point, you can add food coloring, if desired.
    7. Have fun decorating cookies together!

    *It’s important to get the right consistency. You don’t want the icing to be too thick (it won’t spread well) or too thin (it’ll run right off your cookies).

    Cookies & Bars
    American
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