Easy Apple Buttercream Icing for Home Baking Recipe
This Easy Apple Buttercream Icing is a deliciously smooth and fluffy frosting perfect for adding a warm, spiced apple flavor to your baked goods. Made with creamy unsalted butter, sweet powdered sugar, and rich apple butter, it offers a cozy twist on traditional buttercream, enhanced with vanilla and a hint of cinnamon for extra depth.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: Enough to frost a 9-inch two-layer cake or about 24 cupcakes
- Category: Frosting
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Buttercream Base
- 1 cup unsalted butter (softened)
- 4 cups powdered sugar (sifted)
Flavoring and Adjustments
- 1/2 cup apple butter
- 2 tablespoons milk or heavy cream (for adjusting thickness)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- a pinch salt (to balance sweetness)
Instructions
- Beat the butter: Beat the unsalted butter on medium speed for 2-3 minutes until it becomes light and fluffy, creating a smooth base for the icing.
- Add powdered sugar: Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar one cup at a time, mixing after each addition until just combined to avoid a sugar cloud.
- Scrape the bowl: Scrape down the sides and bottom of the mixing bowl with a spatula to ensure all ingredients are evenly mixed.
- Incorporate apple butter: Mix in the apple butter on medium speed for 1-2 minutes until fully combined, infusing the frosting with its characteristic apple flavor.
- Add milk and vanilla: Stir in the milk (or heavy cream) and vanilla extract, continuing to mix until the frosting becomes light and fluffy.
- Add spices and salt: Mix in the optional ground cinnamon and a pinch of salt to balance and enhance the sweetness and spice notes.
- Adjust consistency: If needed, adjust the thickness of the icing by adding a bit more milk or powdered sugar until you reach the desired spreadable consistency.
- Final whip: Whip the icing on medium-high speed for 1-2 minutes to achieve a fluffy and smooth texture.
- Taste and adjust: Taste the icing and adjust flavors by adding more cinnamon, salt, or vanilla if desired for perfect balance.
Notes
- Ensure butter is softened to room temperature for easier mixing and smooth texture.
- Sift powdered sugar to prevent lumps in the frosting.
- Adjust milk quantity slowly to avoid overly runny icing.
- This icing pairs wonderfully with apple-flavored cakes, cinnamon rolls, or classic vanilla cupcakes.
- Store leftover icing covered in the refrigerator and bring to room temperature before using again.
Keywords: apple buttercream icing, apple butter frosting, easy buttercream recipe, apple flavored frosting, no bake icing, sweet frosting, homemade buttercream
