Vanilla Cream Filling
This vanilla cream filling is the perfect addition to your baked treats, making every bite creamy and irresistible. It’s super quick to make, taking just 5 minutes of your time. You can use it to fill cupcakes, layer between cakes, as a fruit dip, or simply savor it with a spoonful.
Vanilla Cream Filling

Equipment
- stand mixer or hand mixer
Ingredients
- ¼ cup butter (room temperature)
- ¼ cup shortening
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 2-3 tablespoons milk or cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Prepare the ingredients. Make sure the butter is at room temperature so it doesn't get lumpy.
- Combine the ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, combine the butter, shortening, powdered sugar, milk (or cream), vanilla, and salt.
- Initial mixing. Start blending at low speed until the ingredients are just combined.
- Beat the mixture. Increase the speed to medium-high and beat until the mixture is very fluffy. This will take about 3-5 minutes.
- Check the consistency. If the filling is too thick, just add a little more milk or cream, one spoonful at a time, until it's the thickness you want.
- Use or store. Use immediately or cover and refrigerate.
Notes
More Tips:
When you’re mixing, start at a low speed to prevent a mess, then gradually speed up to make it fluffy.
When the powdered sugar starts to mix in, turn up the speed to make it even fluffier.
It’s important to get the right thickness. You can adjust the amount of milk or cream depending on how thick or thin you want it. Begin with 2 tablespoons and add more if needed.
Don’t mix too much or it will become too stiff. Stop when it looks light and fluffy.
For even more fluffiness, chill your mixing bowl and beaters in the fridge for about 10 minutes before you start.

Key Ingredients and Tools
Here are some important things you’ll need to make the perfect filling:

- Stand mixer or hand mixer: This is crucial for achieving the fluffy texture of the filling.
- Shortening: Found in the baking aisle, it helps create a stable and smooth consistency. Sometimes this can be found in the baking aisle or near the oils and fats. If you’re having trouble, ask a store associate for help.
- Clear vanilla extract: Use this if you want a pure white filling, as it won’t add any color like regular vanilla. This might be harder to find than regular vanilla extract. Look for it in the baking aisle or consider ordering it online.
These items will make sure your filling is smooth, fluffy, and delicious.
Here are some key ingredient alternatives for this recipe:
- Butter: You can use margarine or dairy-free butter for a vegan option.
- Shortening: Replace with extra butter for a richer flavor.
- Milk or cream: Use almond or coconut milk as a dairy-free alternative.
- Clear vanilla extract: Regular vanilla extract will also work but might add some color.
These changes might affect how the recipe turns out, but you can try them to fit your preferences.
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This vanilla cream filling is the best – it’s so quick to make and can be used for all your baking needs. Whether you’re filling cupcakes, layering cakes, or just enjoying it by the spoonful, it’s definitely going to be a hit.
With its simple ingredients and easy preparation, you’ll have a delicious filling ready in no time. You should give it a try and effortlessly take your desserts to the next level.

By Katie Shaw

Katie shares simple, reliable recipes from her home in Virginia, where she lives with her husband, three daughters, a chocolate lab, and over thirty chickens.