Neapolitan Rose Cake Recipe
Introduction
The Neapolitan Rose Cake frosting is a luscious, creamy buttercream that’s perfect for creating beautiful floral designs on cakes. Its smooth texture and classic vanilla flavor make it a favorite for both beginners and experienced bakers looking to add an elegant touch to their desserts.

Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks / 227 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 teaspoons McCormick® Pure Vanilla Extract
- 32 ounces confectioners’ sugar, sifted
- 2 tablespoons whole milk, up to ½ cup
- Pinch kosher salt
Instructions
- Step 1: Beat the softened butter in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes.
- Step 2: Add the vanilla extract and mix briefly to combine.
- Step 3: With the mixer on low speed, gradually add the sifted confectioners’ sugar, whole milk, and a pinch of kosher salt, scraping the sides and bottom of the bowl frequently.
- Step 4: Once all ingredients are incorporated, increase the mixer speed to medium-high or high and whip the frosting for at least 3 minutes until smooth and fluffy. (You can whip longer—up to 7 minutes—for extra lightness.)
- Step 5: If the frosting is too thick to spread, gradually add more milk, a teaspoon at a time, and beat until you reach the desired consistency.
Tips & Variations
- For a richer flavor, use European-style butter with higher fat content.
- If you want a stiffer frosting for piping intricate decorations, use less milk.
- To make chocolate buttercream, substitute ½ cup of confectioners’ sugar with unsweetened cocoa powder.
- Add a few drops of gel food coloring to tint your frosting without altering the texture.
Storage
Store the buttercream in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Before using, let it come to room temperature and beat it again briefly to restore its creamy texture. You can also freeze the frosting for up to three months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator and re-whip before use.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this frosting without a stand mixer?
Yes, you can use a hand mixer with a whisk attachment. Just be sure to beat the butter until very fluffy before adding the other ingredients.
How do I fix frosting that is too runny?
If your frosting is too thin, add a little more sifted confectioners’ sugar and beat again until it thickens to the right consistency.
PrintNeapolitan Rose Cake Recipe
This Neapolitan Rose Cake frosting recipe creates a smooth, creamy buttercream perfect for decorating cakes with elegant rose designs. The vanilla-scented frosting is sweet and silky, ideal for adding a delicate finishing touch to your baked creations.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: Enough frosting for one 9-inch layer cake or equivalent decoration
- Category: Dessert Frosting
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Frosting Ingredients
- 1 cup (2 sticks / 227 g) unsalted butter, softened
- 2 teaspoons McCormick® Pure Vanilla Extract
- 32 ounces confectioners’ sugar, sifted
- 2 tablespoons whole milk, up to ½ cup as needed
- Pinch of kosher salt
Instructions
- Beat Butter: In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, beat the softened unsalted butter on medium-high speed until it becomes light and fluffy, approximately 3 minutes. This aerates the butter for a smooth texture.
- Add Vanilla Extract: Mix in 2 teaspoons of pure vanilla extract to infuse the frosting with a sweet, aromatic flavor.
- Add Sugar and Milk Gradually: With mixer speed lowered to low, slowly add the sifted confectioners’ sugar, 2 tablespoons of whole milk, and a pinch of kosher salt. Frequently scrape the sides and bottom of the bowl to ensure all ingredients are well combined.
- Whip the Frosting: Once incorporated, increase the mixer to medium-high or high speed and whip the frosting for at least 3 minutes, continuing up to 7 minutes if desired. This step creates a light and airy consistency ideal for piping roses.
- Adjust Consistency: If the frosting is too thick to spread or pipe smoothly, gradually add additional milk, up to ½ cup total, beating well after each addition until the desired consistency is achieved.
Notes
- Make sure the butter is softened but not melted for the best texture.
- Sifting the confectioners’ sugar prevents lumps in the frosting.
- Adjust milk quantity carefully to avoid a too runny frosting.
- This frosting is excellent for piping decorative roses and other cake designs.
- Store any leftover frosting refrigerated and bring back to room temperature before reuse.
Keywords: Neapolitan Rose Cake, buttercream frosting, vanilla frosting, cake decoration, rose cake frosting

