Almond Buttercream Frosting Recipe
Introduction
This Almond Buttercream Frosting is a rich, creamy, and fluffy frosting perfect for cakes, cupcakes, and cookies. With the delicate flavors of almond and vanilla, it adds a deliciously nutty twist to your desserts.

Ingredients
- 2 cups unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 5 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tsp almond extract
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Step 1: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, or in a large mixing bowl with an electric hand mixer, whip the room temperature butter for about 5 minutes until it is light, fluffy, and pale in color.
- Step 2: Add half of the powdered sugar and mix on the lowest speed setting until fully combined. Then add the remaining powdered sugar and continue mixing on low until fully incorporated.
- Step 3: Add the almond extract, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix on low speed until combined. Slowly drizzle in the heavy cream while mixing on low speed. Scrape the sides of the bowl occasionally to ensure even mixing.
- Step 4: Increase the mixer speed to medium and whip the buttercream for 3 to 5 minutes until smooth and creamy. Finally, turn the mixer back to low and mix for several minutes to remove any air bubbles.
Tips & Variations
- Use room temperature butter to ensure a smooth, creamy frosting without lumps.
- If you prefer a stronger almond flavor, add an extra ½ teaspoon of almond extract.
- For a lighter texture, substitute half of the heavy cream with milk.
- Try adding a few drops of pink food coloring for a pretty blush almond buttercream.
Storage
Store the almond buttercream frosting in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Before using, let it come to room temperature and give it a quick whip with a mixer to restore its creamy texture. You can also freeze it for up to three months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator and whip again before use.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted?
It’s best to use unsalted butter to control the salt level in the frosting. If using salted butter, omit the added salt or reduce it to taste.
How do I make the frosting less sweet?
Reduce the amount of powdered sugar slightly, but keep in mind that it also affects the texture. You can also balance the sweetness by adding a touch more salt or using less extract.
PrintAlmond Buttercream Frosting Recipe
This Almond Buttercream Frosting is a rich, creamy, and aromatic frosting perfect for decorating cakes and cupcakes. Made with room temperature unsalted butter, powdered sugar, almond and vanilla extracts, a pinch of salt, and heavy cream, it whips up to a smooth and fluffy texture with a delicate nutty flavor, ideal for adding an elegant touch to your baked goods.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: Enough to frost a two-layer 9-inch cake or 24 cupcakes
- Category: Frosting
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Frosting Ingredients
- 2 cups unsalted butter (room temperature)
- 5 cups powdered sugar
- 2 tsp almond extract
- 2 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Whip the Butter: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment or in a large mixing bowl with an electric hand mixer, whip the room temperature butter for about 5 minutes until it becomes light, fluffy, and pale in color, which forms a creamy base for the frosting.
- Add Powdered Sugar: Add half of the powdered sugar and mix on the lowest speed setting until fully combined to avoid a sugar cloud. Then add the remaining powdered sugar and continue mixing on low until the sugar is fully incorporated into the butter.
- Add Flavorings and Cream: Mix in the almond extract, vanilla extract, and salt on low speed until combined. Slowly drizzle in the heavy cream as the mixer runs on low, scraping the bowl sides occasionally to ensure all ingredients are evenly mixed.
- Whip to Finish: Increase the mixer speed to medium and whip the buttercream for 3 to 5 minutes until smooth, creamy, and fluffy. Finally, reduce the speed again to low and mix for several minutes to release any air bubbles, ensuring a perfect texture for spreading or piping.
Notes
- Ensure the butter is at room temperature for smooth mixing and to avoid lumps.
- Add powdered sugar gradually to prevent it from flying out of the bowl and to achieve desired sweetness and texture.
- Heavy cream helps achieve a lighter texture; adjust quantity slightly for thicker or thinner frosting.
- The almond extract can be adjusted to taste or substituted with other flavors like hazelnut.
- Store any unused frosting in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; bring to room temperature and rewhip before using.
Keywords: Almond Buttercream Frosting, Buttercream, Cake Frosting, Cupcake Frosting, Almond Extract Frosting, Creamy Frosting

