How to Make Buttercream Icing

By VanillaBean426

How to Make Buttercream Icing How to Make Buttercream Icing

Rate: (12 Ratings)

Whether you're decorating cupcakes or a five tier wedding cake, this buttercream icing is perfect for any occasion!

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

  • 1 1/2 sticks unsalted butter
  • 1 lb. confectioner's sugar
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream or milk
  • 1/4 tsp. salt
  • 2 tsp. vanilla extract

Step1
Before you start, leave the butter at room temperature for at least 30 minutes to soften. Put the butter into the bowl of a mixer fitted with the whisk attachment (or use a hand mixer). Whisk the butter by itself for 2 minutes on high speed to lighten it.
Step2
Turn the mixer down to slow. Slowly add half of the confectioner's sugar. Mix on medium speed for 2 minutes. Add the cream or milk slowly. Mix for 2 minutes.
Step3
Add the reamaining confectioner's sugar, the vanilla, and the salt. Whip on high speed for at least 4 minutes (it really makes the icing soft and fluffy). Use right away or refrigerate airtight for up to 7 days. Let sit at room temperature for 30 minutes and re-whip before using if icing has been refrigerated.

Tips & Warnings

  • Add almond, lemon, or any other flavoring to accent your cake flavor. You can also add a few tablespoons of seedless raspberry or strawberry preserves, or some lemon curd.
  • Food coloring is great to color it, I prefer gel or powder coloring, because it won't take as much to get a bright color as with liquid color.
  • Or: pulse chocolate sandwich cookies (any brand) in the food processor to coarse crumbs and fold in to the buttercream. Use it to ice a dark chocolate cake. Yummy!

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eHow Article: How to Make Buttercream Icing

eHow Member: VanillaBean426

VanillaBean426

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Category: Food & Drink

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