Instructions

• Place ½ cup soft unsalted butter in a mixing bowl.
• Beat the butter with a hand mixer on medium speed until smooth and pale, about 7 minutes, scraping the bowl and beaters as needed.
• With the mixer on low, add the sifted powdered sugar (1.75–2 cups) in ½-cup increments, mixing until each addition is fully incorporated and scraping the bowl between additions. After 1.75 cups, add up to the remaining ¼ cup only if needed for sweetness or thickness.
• Add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and 1 tablespoon heavy whipping cream. Increase the mixer to medium-high and whip 1–2 minutes until the frosting is light, fluffy, and spreadable.
• Use the frosting immediately to spread on a cake or cupcakes, or store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to use.