This vanilla frosting recipe is the best ever! It takes a lot to earn that title, but this icing definitely earns it. It’s perfect for any cake, cupcake, or baked good you need to frost. This is my go-to recipe any time I bake something, and you can easily make a batch of this frosting ahead of time with just a few simple ingredients. 

cupcakes topped with vanilla frosting, in different colored cupcake wrappers

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Best Vanilla Frosting

Looking for the best frosting to top off your favorite vanilla cake or cupcake recipe? Then you’re going to love this homemade recipe!

This homemade vanilla frosting recipe is light enough in flavor to go with everything. Better yet, it’s super easy to make, so you can make it fresh every time you bake. This is my fail-proof, go-to icing for cakes and cupcakes!

Why You’ll Love this Easy Vanilla Frosting Recipe:

  • Easy: This vanilla frosting is so easy to make, and won’t take long at all.
  • Make Ahead: You can make this ahead of time, so it’s ready to go when you’re ready to frost!
  • Creamy: This easy frosting is delicious, rich, and creamy! The flavor is light enough to complement any cake flavor, and the texture is perfect.

This vanilla frosting will take an ordinary cake to over-the-top yummy! I love it with vanilla, chocolate, or red velvet cupcakes. This frosting isn’t overly sugary sweet, so it won’t make you sick. It really is delicious all by itself and it will turn any cake into the best cake ever! 

making vanilla frosting in a glass bowl
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Homemade Frosting Ingredients

  • Milk: I like to use 2% milk but 1% will also work.
  • Flour: Use all-purpose flour for this frosting recipe. You can also use 1:1 gluten-free flour if that’s what you prefer.
  • Butter: Use unsalted butter for this recipe (do not substitute margarine).
  • Shortening: Shortening helps to make the frosting wonderfully fluffy!
  • Sugar: Sugar adds sweetness as well as structure.
  • Vanilla extract: A little vanilla extract really helps to boost the flavor.
  • Powdered sugar: This fine sugar combines very easily and makes the frosting incredibly light.

How To Make Vanilla Frosting

Be sure to see the recipe card below for full ingredients & instructions!

  1. Whisk milk and flour together on the stovetop until it has thickened, then press it through a strainer into a bowl.
  2. Cover the bowl and refrigerate (or freeze) until cold. 
  3. Use a stand mixer to mix the ingredients together. (Be sure to mix in the order listed on the recipe card.)
  4. Use the icing on all of your favorite baked goods! Cakes, cupcakes, cakey breads, everything!
how to make vanilla frosting step by step photo collage
frosting cupcakes with homemade vanilla frosting

What’s the difference between icing and frosting?

These terms are often used interchangeably, so there’s not always a difference. But generally, icing has a purely sugar base, while frosting might use a base like butter or shortening, making it thicker and creamier.

Which is what makes this such a great vanilla frosting recipe, because we have those extra ingredients to make it super creamy.

How long does homemade frosting last in the fridge?

Stored in an airtight container, this vanilla frosting will last in the refrigerator for 1 week.

Can you freeze frosting?

Absolutely. Place it in a freezer-safe, resealable bag. You can flatten out into a thin layer to make it easy to store. Freeze up to 3 months, then thaw it in the fridge before using it.

Can I use this vanilla frosting for cupcakes and cakes?

Yes! This works for both cakes and cupcakes of all flavors. If you want to frost an entire cake, double the recipe to make sure you have enough.

What to use this frosting on

This super easy vanilla frosting recipe works great on all kinds of baked goods. It’s the best frosting for cakes and cupcakes. Here are some recipes to try out. You can just substitute this frosting in place of whatever is included in the recipes.

glass bowl filled with vanilla frosting, surrounded by unfrosted cupcakes
cupcakes topped with vanilla frosting in different designs

Tips!

  • Be sure to strain the milk and flour mixture through a sieve to remove any lumps.
  • Use a stand mixer to combine the ingredients. You need something powerful and a whisk might not cut it (unless you have very strong arms).
  • Beat for four minutes every time you add an ingredient. It will help incorporate lots of air into the frosting, so it remains light and fluffy.
  • Double the recipe if frosting an entire layer cake, including the sides.
  • This vanilla frosting recipe will keep in the fridge for one week. 

Can you make vanilla frosting ahead of time?

This frosting recipe can easily be made up to a week ahead of time. Just cover the bowl with some plastic wrap and it will keep well in the fridge. It doesn’t form a crust (like some frostings do) and it will be ready to use straight from the fridge.

Do I have to use shortening and butter as listed?

Yes. These ingredients all have their purpose, so follow the recipe as directed for the best results! Shortening and butter behave differently. The shortening helps add fluffy volume, while the butter adds a rich flavor. You need both for the best vanilla frosting!

Can I add other flavors?

I consider this my all-purpose, go-to frosting recipe that works with just about any cake or cupcakes. This white vanilla frosting is so versatile, but to make it perfect for your particular use, you can easily change up the color and flavor as you wish.

Try swapping the vanilla extract for peppermint, lemon, or orange, or add in some cocoa powder to make it chocolatey. Or add food coloring to make it perfect for any holiday or event.

two cupcakes with vanilla frosting

This vanilla frosting is definitely my favorite. I’ve used it time and time again over the years, and it’s never failed me! I just know you’ll love the flavor, the texture, and the ease of making this recipe for any of your cakes, cupcakes, or baked goods.

More Easy Frosting Recipes

If you make this recipe be sure to upload a photo in the comment section below or leave a rating. Enjoy! You can also jump to recipe.

Recipe Card

Best Vanilla Frosting

4.54 from 182 votes
Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 20 minutes
Total: 25 minutes
Servings: 12 servings
Author: Becky Hardin
cupcakes topped with vanilla frosting, in different colored cupcake wrappers
This vanilla frosting recipe is the best ever! It's perfect for any cake, cupcake, or baked good you need to frost. This is my go-to recipe any time I bake something, and you can easily make a batch of this frosting ahead of time with just a few simple ingredients. 
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Equipment

Ingredients 

  • 1 cup milk 227 grams
  • 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour 30 grams
  • ½ cup unsalted butter 113 grams, room temperature (1 stick) – see note
  • ½ cup vegetable shortening 92 grams, such as Crisco (½ stick) – see note
  • 1 cup granulated sugar 200 grams (see note)
  • 2 tablespoons pure vanilla extract 4 grams
  • 3 tablespoons powdered sugar 21 grams

Instructions 

  • Whisk milk and flour together and cook in a stovetop pan on med-low heat until thickened, stirring constantly.
    1 cup milk, 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
    whisking milk and flour together on the stove
  • If small lumps have formed, pour through a mesh strainer into a small(ish) bowl, using a rubber spatula to press the thickened milk through the strainer.
    rubber spatula pushing milk and flour mixture through a strainger
  • Cover the dish and refrigerate until cold. To eliminate condensation forming inside the lid, place a paper towel just under the lid but not touching the milk mixture. To speed up the cooling, place the mixture in the freezer for ½-1 hour.
    glass casserole dish filled with milk mixture

Mix the ingredients in the following order, taking care to beat well:

  • Combine ½ cup butter and ½ cup shortening. Using a hand or stand mixer, cream for 4 minutes on high speed.
    ½ cup unsalted butter, ½ cup vegetable shortening
    frosting in a bowl
  • Add 1 cup of sugar. Beat 4 minutes on high speed.
    1 cup granulated sugar
    homemade frosting in a glass bowl
  • Add cooled milk, flour mixture, and vanilla extract. Beat 4 minutes on high speed
    2 tablespoons pure vanilla extract
    vanilla frosting in a glass bowl
  • Add 3 tablespoons of powdered sugar. Beat 4 minutes on high speed
    3 tablespoons powdered sugar
    making vanilla frosting
  • Frosting is ready to use, or refrigerate until you need it.

Video

Becky’s Tips

  • Butter: Do not use margarine in place of the butter.
  • Shortening: Do not use butter in place of the shortening.
  • Sugar: Use extra-fine granulated sugar or castor sugar if available.
  • Be sure to strain the milk and flour mixture through a sieve if there are any lumps in it.
  • Use a stand mixer to really combine the ingredients and get plenty of air into the icing.
  • Beat the frosting for four minutes between adding the ingredients. It will help incorporate air in the frosting so it remains light and fluffy.
  • Double the recipe if frosting an entire layer cake, including the sides.
  • Nutrition information assumes 12 servings, but that may vary by the recipe.
Storage: Store vanilla frosting in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Calories: 243kcalCarbohydrates: 22gProtein: 1gFat: 17gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 23mgSodium: 10mgPotassium: 39mgFiber: 1gSugar: 20gVitamin A: 269IUCalcium: 28mgIron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Did you make this? Leave a comment!

Meet Becky Hardin

Becky Hardin is a wife and mother living in Saint Louis Missouri. She founded The Cookie Rookie in 2012 as a creative way to share recipes. Now, she is a trusted resource for easy cooking around the world, being featured in Taste of Home, The Kitchn, ABC’s Home and Family, and more. Here at The Cookie Rookie she is the editor in chief of all recipes and continues to enjoy sharing her passion for cooking for busy families. She has since founded two additional food blogs, Easy Chicken Recipes and Easy Dessert Recipes.

4.54 from 182 votes (164 ratings without comment)
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73 Comments
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Kelli
Kelli
April 10, 2021 1:38 pm

This icing is amazing. I added some vanilla bean paste & it was so good on the black magic cake!5 stars

Ginny
Ginny
March 11, 2021 7:45 pm

I followed this recipe exactly even though I had my doubts. And I was pleasantly surprised. It does have a bit of a greasy feel to it. But I really like the flavor and how fluffy it is. I used it on a dark chocolate cake and dusted it with cocoa powder. I would use this recipe again.5 stars

Becky Hardin
Becky Hardin
March 17, 2021 1:53 pm
Reply to  Ginny

Thanks for sharing, Ginny!

Tami Crawford
Tami Crawford
February 15, 2021 3:18 pm

I am updating my review. For those of you that say it tastes like shortening, add 1/4 cup powdered sugar and resist from eating it out of the bowl…the match with a really good chocolate cake is AMAZING! Not too sweet, very fluffy and a perfect compliment to chocolate cake or cupcake! Highly recommend this recipe. Following the directions is very important. Thank you for sharing!5 stars

Becky Hardin
Becky Hardin
February 23, 2021 9:51 am
Reply to  Tami Crawford

Thanks for sharing, Tami!

Bethany
Bethany
November 25, 2020 8:55 pm

This was unexpectedly delicious!!! It seemed like a strange recipe, but it was fluffy and tasted so good with the chocolate cake I made. Thanks so much for posting this recipe!5 stars

Becky Hardin
Becky Hardin
November 30, 2020 3:41 pm
Reply to  Bethany

Thanks for sharing, Bethany!

Becky Hardin
Becky Hardin
August 27, 2020 3:30 pm

I’m so sorry you didn’t enjoy this recipe!

Becky Hardin
Becky Hardin
August 27, 2020 3:20 pm

I’m sorry you didn’t enjoy this one!

Becky Hardin
Becky Hardin
August 12, 2020 5:43 pm

I’m so sorry this one didn’t turn out well for you!

Judith
Judith
August 12, 2020 1:01 pm

Thank you so much for showing this recipe. I thought I had lost it forever. I first received the recipe from my aunt and our whole family loved it. Even though I copied it as a young
twenty-something, I lost the recipe I wrote out and relied on the copy of the recipe my sister had and when she moved away, I thought I would never see it again. My sis said she didn’t know where it was since she didn’t bake or cook any longer. I am so happy and joyous to see this icing recipe again! My aunt is now 99 years old and my sister is 80. I will always love this recipe. So appreciative. Judy m.5 stars

Becky Hardin
Becky Hardin
August 12, 2020 5:29 pm
Reply to  Judith

Oh how special! It warms my heart that I could bring this back to you!

Roxy
Roxy
July 11, 2020 7:16 pm

Will buttermilk work?

Becky Hardin
Becky Hardin
July 11, 2020 9:03 pm
Reply to  Roxy

It may alter the taste slightly, so I would definitely taste it as you go!

Sally G
Sally G
July 9, 2020 12:56 am

Been making this for years, my favorite frosting recipe! A little trivia: this is officially known as Ermine Frosting, and unofficially called Boiled Milk Frosting. It is also the ORIGINAL recipe for Red Velvet Cake, made famous by the Waldorf Astoria Hotel. It is a wonderful recipe!

Becky Hardin
Becky Hardin
July 11, 2020 9:20 pm
Reply to  Sally G

Thanks, Sally!! I love finding out new cooking facts!