This Sour Cream Frosting is a delicious twist on a traditional buttercream! Perfect for cakes, cookies, brownies...you name it!

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This Sour Cream Frosting has the perfect balance of sweet and tangy! This versatile frosting pairs beautifully with everything from rich chocolate to delicate fruit and floral flavors.
If you enjoy this recipe, check out the posts for my Blueberry Buttercream, Buttermilk Frosting, and Sour Cream Cookies!
Ingredients
With some fridge and pantry staples, you'll be whipping up this frosting in no time! Measurements for each of the ingredients are included in the recipe card, below.
- Unsalted Butter - The base of your frosting! Unsalted butter so that you control the amount of salt in the recipe. You want the butter to be at room temperature.
- Sour Cream - For flavor and richness. You want your sour cream to be at room temperature.
- Powdered Sugar - For sweetness, and because it dissolves completely, giving your buttercream a smooth, creamy texture. I sift my powdered sugar to ensure there are no lumps in the frosting.
- Vanilla Bean Paste - For flavor and lovely vanilla bean flecks in your frosting! If you prefer to substitute, you can use an equal measure of vanilla extract.
- Salt - To balance and enhance the flavors of the frosting.
Instructions
Here's what you need to do to make this delicious frosting, step by step! More detailed instructions are included in the recipe card, below.
- Beat the butter until smooth. Add the sour cream and mix to combine.
- Gradually add powdered sugar and mix until incorporated. Add the vanilla bean paste and salt and mix to combine. **See recipe card, below, for full instructions.**
Variations
This frosting, while completely delicious as written here, can be treated as a blank canvas for whatever flavor you're craving! Here are a few examples:
- Add some spice - This frosting would be lovely with some cinnamon or cardamom!
- Experiment with extracts - Change up the flavor by adding different extracts instead of (or in addition to) the vanilla bean paste! Almond extract would be a fantastic addition!
- Get zesty - Add some lemon, lime, orange, or even grapefruit zest to the frosting for a citrus flair!
Storage
If not using the frosting immediately, place it in an airtight container and it will keep in the refrigerator for up to a week. You'll have to take the frosting out of the fridge to warm up for it to be a spreadable consistency.
For longer storage, the frosting will keep for up to three months in an airtight container in the freezer. Just thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then allow to warm at room temperature until it's a consistency you can work with. If necessary, the frosting can be re-whipped to a smooth consistency.
Other Recipes You May Like
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Sour Cream Frosting
Ingredients
- ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- ¼ cup sour cream, at room temperature
- 2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste (see note)
- pinch salt
Instructions
- In the bowl of a stand mixer, beat the butter until smooth, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.½ cup unsalted butter, softened
- Add the sour cream and mix to combine. Gradually add the sifted powdered sugar and mix until incorporated. Add the vanilla bean paste (see note) and salt and mix to combine.2 cups powdered sugar, sifted, 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste, ¼ cup sour cream, at room temperature, pinch salt
- If not using the frosting immediately, place it in an airtight container and it will keep in the refrigerator for up to a week. You'll have to take the frosting out of the fridge to warm up for it to be a spreadable consistency.For longer storage, the frosting will keep for up to three months in an airtight container in the freezer. Just thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then allow to warm at room temperature until it's a consistency you can work with. If necessary, the frosting can be re-whipped to a smooth consistency.Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition Estimate
Nutrition information is provided as a courtesy and is only an estimate.
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