Fluffy and Sweet: The Best-Ever Buttercream Frostings

Sure, cakes without frostings exist, but it's that sweet, fluffy topping that takes the everyday dessert to the next indulgent level. If fondant is the fanciest option and glaze is the most-basic, buttercream is in the sweet spot of the frosting world: a go-to, multipurpose smear that's ideal atop any treat and easy to prepare with ingredients you already have on hand.
There are just two key elements to a buttercream: butter and sugar. Beyond that, you can dress up the mixture with vanilla extract, chopped chocolate or your favorite colors for special occasions. Read on below to get Food Network's recipes for the best-ever buttercreams — both chocolate and vanilla — and learn how to recreate top bakery tastes in your own kitchen.
Quick Vanilla Buttercream Frosting — Let the mixer do the work of beating the butter and sugar until they're soft and fluffy, then add just a splash of vanilla extract and decadent whipping cream for extra richness.
Chocolate Buttercream Frosting — Laced with a duo of melted chocolates, this comforting meringue-based frosting gets its silkiness from butter while just a bit of instant espresso powder helps boost the flavor of the chocolate without adding a coffee taste.