Bakery-Style Creamy Vanilla Buttercream Frosting Recipe

This bakery-style vanilla buttercream was a signature at Amycakes Bakery—our “House” vanilla frosting. It’s exceptionally creamy and fluffy with a true vanilla flavor that isn’t overly sweet.

🍰 A cream cheese and buttercream blend

This recipe is a balanced blend of cream cheese and classic buttercream. The cream cheese is used in a small amount so the frosting keeps a smooth, velvety texture without tasting strongly of cream cheese. It adds body and richness while helping to tame excessive sweetness, resulting in a bakery-style finish that many people prefer.

🥣 Ingredients (and substitutions)

• Cream cheese — just enough to create a silky, addictive texture.
• Salted butter — this adds flavor. If you only have unsalted butter, add about 1/4 teaspoon salt per stick (4 oz) to approximate the same taste.
• Butter-flavored shortening — a small amount lightens and stabilizes the buttercream. You can substitute equal parts butter if you prefer, but shortening helps make the frosting touch more airy and pipeable.
• Powdered sugar — the main sweetener and structure for the frosting.
• Pure vanilla extract — use pure vanilla for the best, most authentic flavor.
• Instant Clearjel (optional) — if you want a slightly firmer, more stable frosting for piping decorations, whisk in one tablespoon with the powdered sugar before adding it to the wet ingredients. Instant Clearjel should be well combined with dry ingredients first to avoid clumps.

🧁 Tips to achieve a light, fluffy frosting

The mixer will do most of the work here. Follow these key steps for a smooth, airy buttercream:

• Beat each ingredient thoroughly after adding it and scrape down the bowl as needed. This prevents lumps and ensures an even texture.
• After all ingredients are combined, beat the finished buttercream on high for 2–3 minutes. This whips air into the frosting and produces the light, bakery-style loft that makes the texture special.
• If you refrigerate the frosting, allow it to come back to room temperature and re-whip or stir before using so it regains that fluffy quality.

More bakery recipes available on the blog.

💭 Frequently Asked Questions

📖 Recipe & Step-by-Step Instructions

Ingredients (1x batch)

• 4 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
• 1 1/2 sticks (6 ounces) salted butter, at room temperature
• 48 grams (1/4 cup) butter-flavored shortening (or regular shortening)
• 455 grams (3 1/2 cups) powdered sugar
• 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
• (Optional) 1 tablespoon instant Clearjel for extra stability

Instructions

1. In a bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar and Instant Clearjel (if using) until well blended; set aside.
2. Using a stand mixer or hand mixer, beat the cream cheese until it is smooth and broken up.
3. Add the room-temperature salted butter and beat until the mixture is smooth and lump-free, scraping the sides of the bowl as needed.
4. Add the shortening and continue beating and scraping until the mixture is uniform and smooth.
5. With the mixer on low speed, slowly add the powdered sugar mixture. The frosting will be thick at first—keep mixing on low until fully incorporated.
6. Add the pure vanilla extract, scrape down the bowl, then beat the buttercream on high for 2–3 minutes. This step aerates the frosting and makes it light and fluffy. If you used Instant Clearjel, expect the frosting to thicken slightly as it rests for a few minutes.
7. Serve at room temperature. If refrigerated for storage, remove a couple of hours before use and re-whip or stir to restore texture.

Notes

• Instant Clearjel is optional. If you don’t have it, skip it—the frosting is delicious without it. To stabilize without Clearjel, add a little more powdered sugar to reach the desired firmness.
• For the most consistent results, measure ingredients with a kitchen scale.
• Recipe adaptations and minor updates have been made over time. If you have questions, contact the recipe author.