How to Make the Perfect Buttercream Frosting

Use buttercream frosting on wedding or birthday cakes.

When it comes to cake baking, the frosting turns an ordinary cake into an extraordinary cake. Homemade, fluffy, delicious buttercream frosting will have everyone in your household licking his fingers. It's so simple and easy to make, you may never use store-bought frosting again.

Things You'll Need

• 1 cup butter, softened
• 1 cup butter-flavored shortening
• 2 tsp. vanilla
• 1/2 cup milk
• 4 to 6 cups confectioners sugar
• Large mixing bowl
• Electric handheld mixer

Instructions

1. The most difficult part of making buttercream frosting is here in Step 1. Combine 1 cup butter and 1 cup butter-flavored shortening in a large mixing bowl and beat on high with an electric handheld mixture for 10 minutes. Your arm may get sore but keep telling yourself you can lick the bowl when you're all done.

2. Next, slowly add 1/2 cup milk, 2 tsp. vanilla extract and 4 to 6 cups of confectioners sugar to the bowl and beat until the desired consistency is achieved. Use 6 cups of sugar for a thick frosting that holds its shape. Use less confectioners sugar if piping small decorative elements.

3. Give the beaters to the kids or your spouse to enjoy after you're finished. Spread the frosting on cakes, cupcakes or fresh strawberries. It's delectable.

Tips & Warnings

• Add food coloring for fun!

References

• Savory Sweet Life: Classic Vanilla Buttercream Frosting

Resources

• The Repressed Pastry Chef; Buttercream Icing; May 2008