If you’ve never had Publix Buttercream Frosting, you are missing out! But never fear, you can make your own version at home! This frosting is so smooth & fluffy and not grainy at all. It’s great for topping cakes or cupcakes, sandwiched between two cookies or ya know, just diving in with a great big spoon!! While not exact, this does taste very close to the Publix version. I will have a hard time not making it my new go-to frosting! I did omit a few flavorings from the original recipe that I didn’t have on hand and it turned out great. I am excited to try this again with adding them in. I listed them as options in the recipe below. Stay tuned for Thursday for the recipe for the Red Velvet Cupcakes!
Copycat Publix Buttercream Frosting
Source: slightly adapted from Copykat.com
Ingredients:
2 1/2 sticks (1 1/4 cups) unsalted butter, room temperature
1 1/2 cups vegetable shortening
1/4 tsp. salt
1 1/2 tsp. vanilla
2 lbs. confectioner’s sugar
Optional:
1 tsp butter flavoring
1 tbsp. meringue powder
can sub 1/2 tsp. of the vanilla with 1/2 tsp. almond extract
1 tbsp. milk
Directions:
In the bowl of a stand mixer add the butter, shortening & salt. With mixer on low, beat together for several minutes until fully incorporated and fluffy. Add vanilla, and beat until incorporated.
In a separate medium sized bowl, add the confectioner’s sugar and whisk together to sift. Alternatively you can sift it through a sieve.
Add half of the confectioner’s sugar to the stand mixer, beat until combined on the lowest speed. Add in the remaining confectioner’s sugar 1/2 cup at a time on the lowest speed, until fully incorporated. Once incorporated, beat frosting on medium speed until light & fluffy and a spreadable consistency. If too thick, can add the tbsp. of milk.
Store at room temperature in an airtight container.
Notes:
*The meringue powder, almond extract & butter flavoring were listed in the original recipe but I left them out because I did not have them on hand and it still turned out fabulous! The meringue is supposed to help the frosting hold together but I had no problem with mine holding up. Feel free to add it in if you wish. If you do add it, add it with the first addition of the confectioner’s sugar.
**The butter flavoring & almond extract can be added with the vanilla if desired.
*** I halved this recipe and had enough to frost 12 cupcakes with plenty leftover, probably could’ve frosted approximately 16-18 cupcakes with the leftovers.
Welcome! I'm Stephanie, a thirty something girl loving life with my husband Adam and our two little miracles living in gorgeous Southeast Tennessee. I'm passionate about Jesus, traveling, sports (Go Titans!), and of course food! Read more about me 
Oooooh I’ve never had Publix frosting but it sounds amazing–love this!
Thanks Kayle!
i CAN’T WAIT TO TRY THIS RECIPE THIS WEEKEND. wHAT ICING TIP DO YOU USE TO GET THAT LOOK ON THE CUPCAKES? iS IT WILTON?
Hope you enjoyed them! It is Wilton, I’m pretty sure it was the 2D drop flower tip. I just pulled one out of my drawer when I did it, but I’m pretty sure that’s the one I used.
I absolutely Love Publix icing!!! I can’t wait to try!! I’m so excited! 🙂
Hope you enjoy it Kae!
I’m always stuck in capital case for some reason when i comment, but i’m not shouting at ya. This sounds like a perfect birthday icing that I need in my life right now…in like 4 days. 😉
I don’t know why my site does that sometimes, you aren’t the only one that gets stuck in all caps, but I know you’re not shouting haha! I hope you had a wonderful birthday!!!
i’ve never had publix buttercream but now i wanna try it out 🙂 regardless, your recipe sounds so good!
Publix buttercream is the best! Thanks Sarah!
How long is this icing good for once made?
I’m not 100% sure exactly how long it lasts, but on the 4th & 5th days it still tasted great!
HEY Brandy, I work for the Publix bakery. They icing is good for up to 7 days. But we re aerate it every 2 to get the air bubbles out and keep it looking silky smooth!!
Great tip! Thanks Sam!
I just made this recipe (halved) used vanilla and almond extract (but not bitter flavoring or meringue powder) and ot turned out absolutely fantastic! Light and sweet and easy to pipe on cupcakes (red white and blue swirl for the 4th!) thank you so much!!
So glad you enjoyed them Anne! Hope you had a happy 4th!
This is the reason I love publix frosting. It’s the only one I found so far that tastes like wilton’s original buttercream frosting when I have to in a pinch buy a store made cake. And it’s so easily manipulated into other flavors like mocha cappuccino, peanut butter or Bailey’s. Thank the gods for wilton’s buttercream!
Thanks Brenna! yes I agree, Publix frosting is so good!
How much CONFECTIONERS sugAr do you Need
Sorry for the typo, it should read 2 lbs. confectioner’s sugar (32 oz.). I’ve fixed it above.