How to Make Butter Icing

Butter icing is a rich tasting frosting that complements any cake. It's great for that special birthday cake or celebration. Use it on chocolate, yellow, white or lemon cake. The rich texture from the butter, whipped for easy spreading, makes it a quick icing to make. It takes few ingredients, which you probably already have in your kitchen. Once you know how to make butter icing, you may never try another frosting.

Things You'll Need

• 4 tablespoons of real butter, not margarine
• 2 cups of confectionery sugar
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla, not imitation
• 2 1/2 to 3 tablespoons of whole milk or cream
• Mixing bowl
• Electric mixer
• Spatula

Instructions

1. Gather all your ingredients. Soften the butter by letting it set out or microwave for only 5 to 10 seconds. Use a small mixing bowl for easier handling as you whip the frosting.

2. Cream the butter and confectionery sugar. Using the electric mixer, set on medium speed and mix the two ingredients until well blended. It is important that the butter is soft for easy mixing.

3. Add the vanilla. Once the butter and sugar are well blended, add in the vanilla slowly. Continue to mix the icing until the vanilla is well blended. Use a slower speed on the mixer for easy blending.

4. Add the milk or cream. It is important that you add the milk or cream slowly. You don't want too much, so the icing is too thin. Put the mixer on medium-high to high speed. You want to whip the ingredients for a smooth texture. Continue to add the milk or cream until the icing reaches the needed consistency.

5. Frost the cake or cookies. Butter icing is great for cookies as well as cakes. Make sure the cake or cookies are cool before frosting. Use a spatula or a wide knife to apply the icing.

Tips & Warnings

• Substitute half of the butter for peanut butter for a twist on flavor. If the consistency is too thin, add more confectionery sugar.

• Avoid using shortening instead of butter. Butter gives the rich taste.