Vanilla Frosting (The Best)
Vanilla Frosting (The Best)
Open in full-screen mode

Vanilla Frosting (The Best)

20 MIN
2 H
1 litre (4 cups) / enough for a 2-layer cake, 20-cm (8-inch) in diameter



  1. In a saucepan, melt 60 ml (¼ cup) of the butter. Add the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Add the milk and vanilla and bring to a boil, stirring with a whisk. Simmer gently for about 1 minute.
  2. Pour into a bowl, cover with plastic wrap directly on the mixture to prevent a crust from forming and let cool at room temperature.
  3. Add the sugar and the remaining butter and beat with an electric mixer for about 5 minutes or until the frosting is smooth and creamy.


This frosting will keep for about 3 days at room temperature or in the refrigerator. In this case, let it come to room temperature and beat again to restore its smoothness.

To vary the flavour, replace the milk and vanilla:
Coffee Frosting: 250 ml (1 cup) of cold strong coffee
Lemon Frosting: 125 ml (½ cup) of lemon juice,
125 ml (½ cup) of  water and 1 egg yolk
Coconut frosting : 250 ml (1 cup) of coconut milk


  1. Made Ricardo's frosting to go with his best vanilla cake and oh my gosh it's now my ultimate favorite to use when icing cakes, sweet but not super sweet, just perfect, I was a little scared to try it but I am glad I did, made it exactly as the recipe and it turned out incredible will definitely make again. thank you Ricardo your recipes do not disappoint.

  2. do you have to let it cool for 3 days or can you just use it immediately

  3. My frosting is a bit liquid. I followed the recipe but i dont know why? Can i do anything ?

  4. Can we cover it with fondant over this frosting ?

  5. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this frosting recipe! I could eat it right out of the bowl with a spoon. Not overly sweet and although I was expecting a grainy texture from the granulated sugar, I was pleasantly surprised to find it smooth and creamy!

  6. Very smooth and silky finish, very buttery. It is not a sweet frosting, so it actually goes very well with the "Ultimate vanilla cake" recipe. Easy to make, preparing it exactly as the recipe states.

  7. do we have to add the flour

  8. do we have to add the flour

  9. I was wondering I only have 1/4 cup of lemon juice. eek. will it still be lemony ? can I add vanilla to it?

  10. Is the sugar powdered

  11. Can we freeze it ? For how long ? And what to do to restore it

Rate this recipe

Login to rate this recipe and write a review.


Not a member yet? Sign up today, it's free!


Fields marked with an asterisk (*) are required.

Your comment must comply with our netiquette.

512 characters maximum