This easy and creamy Julia Child buttercream is the perfect frosting for cakes and cupcakes. Made with simple ingredients like butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla, it’s smooth, fluffy, and lightly sweet. You can customize it with food coloring or different flavors. Whip it up in minutes for a rich and delicious homemade frosting!
Ingredients Needed
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, at room temperature
- 2 cups powdered sugar (confectioners’ sugar), sifted
- 1 ½ teaspoons pure vanilla extract
- 2 tablespoons whole milk
- 3 drops food coloring (optional)
How To Make Buttercream Recipe
- Cream the Butter: In a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the butter until smooth and fluffy.
- Add the Sugar: Gradually mix in the sifted powdered sugar, beating continuously until fully combined.
- Mix in the Vanilla: Add the vanilla extract and beat until incorporated.
- Add the Milk: Pour in the milk and continue beating for 3 to 4 minutes until the frosting becomes light and airy.
- Incorporate Food Coloring (Optional): Add food coloring and beat for 30 seconds until evenly blended.
- Use or Store: Use immediately or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.

Recipe Tips
- Use room-temperature butter: For smooth and fluffy buttercream, make sure the butter is soft and at room temperature before mixing.
- Sift the powdered sugar: This helps prevent lumps and ensures a smooth texture in your frosting.
- Beat for enough time: To get a light, airy consistency, make sure to beat the mixture for at least 3 to 4 minutes after adding the milk.
- Customize the flavor: Feel free to add different flavorings like almond extract or citrus zest to change the taste.
- Use food coloring carefully: If adding food coloring, start with a few drops and mix well, adding more if needed to reach the desired color.
How To Store & Reheat Leftovers
- Refrigerate: Store leftover buttercream in an airtight container. It can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Place leftover buttercream in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. To thaw, leave it in the fridge overnight, then bring it to room temperature and re-whip before using.
Nutrition Fact
Serving Size: 2 tablespoons (32 grams)
- Calories: 140
- Total Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Trans Fat: 1.5 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Sodium: 60 mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 21 g
- Dietary Fiber: 0 g
- Sugars: 21 g
- Protein: 0 g
More Julia Child Recipes:

Julia Child Buttercream Recipe
Description
This easy and creamy Julia Child buttercream is the perfect frosting for cakes and cupcakes. Made with simple ingredients like butter, powdered sugar, and vanilla, it’s smooth, fluffy, and lightly sweet. You can customize it with food coloring or different flavors. Whip it up in minutes for a rich and delicious homemade frosting!
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream the Butter: In a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, beat the butter until smooth and fluffy.
- Add the Sugar: Gradually mix in the sifted powdered sugar, beating continuously until fully combined.
- Mix in the Vanilla: Add the vanilla extract and beat until incorporated.
- Add the Milk: Pour in the milk and continue beating for 3 to 4 minutes until the frosting becomes light and airy.
- Incorporate Food Coloring (Optional): Add food coloring and beat for 30 seconds until evenly blended.
- Use or Store: Use immediately or store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Notes
- Use room-temperature butter: For smooth and fluffy buttercream, make sure the butter is soft and at room temperature before mixing.
- Sift the powdered sugar: This helps prevent lumps and ensures a smooth texture in your frosting.
- Beat for enough time: To get a light, airy consistency, make sure to beat the mixture for at least 3 to 4 minutes after adding the milk.
- Customize the flavor: Feel free to add different flavorings like almond extract or citrus zest to change the taste.
- Use food coloring carefully: If adding food coloring, start with a few drops and mix well, adding more if needed to reach the desired color.