How to Make the Perfect Buttercream Frosting

When it comes to cake baking, the frosting is what turns an ordinary cake into an extraordinary cake. Homemade, fluffy, delicious buttercream frosting will have everyone licking their fingers! It's so simple and easy to make, you will never use store bought frosting again.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• 1 cup butter, softened
• 1 cup butter flavored Crisco
• 2 teaspoons vanilla
• 1/2 cup milk
• 4 to 6 cups of powdered confectioners sugar
• Large mixing bowl
• Electric hand-held mixer

1. 

   The most difficult part of making this frosting is step one. Combine one cup butter and one cup butter flavored Crisco in a large mixing bowl and beat on high for ten 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 teaspoons of vanilla extract, and 4 to 6 cups of powdered sugar until the desired consistency is achieved. For wedding cakes I use 6 cups of sugar to piece the layers together and apply the crumb layer, because it's very thick and it holds its shape. I use less powdered sugar if I'm going to be piping small cursive or designs.

3. 

   Beat the mixture until very smooth. Make sure to give the beaters to the kids or your spouse to enjoy after you're finished. Spread the frosting on cakes, cupcakes, fresh strawberries, etc. It's delectable!

Tips & Warnings

• Add food coloring for fun!

[texasparky]

on 6/2/2009 STOP IT!!! The word "buttercream" alone makes me drool.