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Mary Berry Vanilla Buttercream

Mary Berry Vanilla Buttercream recipe

Mary Berry’s Vanilla Buttercream is a classic British frosting made with butter, icing sugar, milk, and vanilla extract. It is perfect for piping onto cupcakes, spreading over sponge cakes, or filling sandwich cakes, creating a deliciously smooth and fluffy texture.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 150g (⅔ cup) unsalted butter (softened)
  • 300g (2½ cups) icing sugar (sifted)
  • 2 tbsp milk (or more if needed)
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Instructions

Step 1: Beat the Butter Until Fluffy

  • In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with an electric hand mixer or stand mixer for 2-3 minutes until pale and creamy.

Step 2: Add the Icing Sugar Gradually

  • Sift the icing sugar to remove lumps.
  • Add half of the icing sugar to the butter and beat on low speed until combined.
  • Add the remaining icing sugar and beat again for another 2 minutes until fluffy.

Step 3: Add Milk and Vanilla Extract

  • Pour in the milk and vanilla extract, then beat for another 2 minutes until smooth.
  • If the buttercream is too thick, add a little more milk, one teaspoon at a time, until it reaches the desired consistency.

Step 4: Pipe or Spread the Buttercream

  • Spoon the buttercream into a piping bag with a nozzle for decorating cupcakes.
  • Alternatively, use a spatula or knife to spread the icing smoothly over cakes.