Easy Semi-Homemade Buttercream Frosting

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With this quick and easy recipe, you can have delicious semi-homemade buttercream in no time! This rich and creamy frosting is perfect for topping cakes, cupcakes, cookies, or even just eating with a spoon. Made with just a few simple ingredients, this buttercream is sure to be a hit with everyone.

semi homemade buttercream on beater sitting on counter

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Semi-Homemade Buttercream
Ingredients
Handy Kitchen Tools
How to Make Semi-Homemade Buttercream
Frequently Asked Questions
More Easy Recipes
📖 Recipe

Semi-Homemade Buttercream

Do you love the taste of homemade buttercream but don't have the time to make it from scratch? This is the perfect compromise. It is faster, easier, and still holds its shape when piped onto a cake.

This rich and creamy buttercream is perfect for topping cakes, cupcakes, and cookies. It's also great for filling and decorating cakes. And best of all, it's super easy to make.

If you want something a bit lighter, you can make homemade whipped cream in just minutes!

Ingredients

15-ounce container of vanilla frosting (426g)
1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature (227g)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (5ml)
2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream (30ml)

This works best with traditional ready-made frosting and not the whipped options that may be available.

two sticks of butter next to container of frosting on white table

Handy Kitchen Tools

How to Make Semi-Homemade Buttercream

In a large bowl or stand mixer, add the frosting and softened butter. Beat this on high for 3 minutes.

Then add in the heavy cream and vanilla flavoring and keep mixing for another 5 minutes.

Use to pipe on cakes or cupcakes as desired.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Make Buttercream in Different Flavors?

Yes. It is easy to make buttercream in different flavors. The easiest way to add flavors to the buttercream is to use extracts. There is a wide variety of extracts in all types of flavors.

You can also add juice, like orange juice or lemon juice. Just be careful of the amount of moisture added so you don't change the texture and thickness of the frosting.

How Long Does Semi-Homemade Buttercream Last?

The shelf life of semi-homemade buttercream varies depending on the ingredients used and storage conditions. Generally, it will last up to a week if stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. You can also freeze buttercream for up to three months.

Making semi-homemade buttercream is so easy and fast that it's worth making a fresh batch each time you need some.

Do I Have to Refrigerate Semi-Homemade Buttercream?

If you make your buttercream with real butter, then it should be kept in the refrigerator. While it can sit out, it will last much longer if it is refrigerated. Semi-homemade buttercream made with margarine or shortening can usually be left out at room temperature.

While it can be stored at room temperature, it is better to keep it in the refrigerator to prevent melting or separating.

semi homemade frosting on cupcakes with sprinkles

More Easy Recipes

If you are looking for more ideas for your dessert menu, check out some of our favorite cake recipes below. These are ideal for adding this tasty buttercream to when serving. Make sure you bookmark the recipes that you like You can also print the recipes or pin them to Pinterest to keep handy for when you are ready to bake.

📖 Recipe

Yield: 12

Easy Semi-Homemade Buttercream Frosting

This easy semi-homemade buttercream is the perfect way to turn a container of frosting into an option that works beautifully for piping onto cakes and cookies!

Prep Time 10 minutes

Total Time 10 minutes

Ingredients

15-ounce container of vanilla frosting (426g)
1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature (227g)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (5ml)
2 tablespoons heavy whipping cream (30ml)

Instructions

Pour the canned frosting and the room-temperature butter into a large bowl. Beat on high for 2 to 3 minutes.
Add the vanilla flavoring and heavy cream.
Continue beating on high for 5 minutes.