How to Make Buttercream Frosting in a Snap

Top your cake with homemade buttercream frosting.

When baking a homemade cake, homemade buttercream frosting is a must. It's sweet and easy to make from scratch, and will add that finishing touch to your confection. Use buttercream frosting to ice the cake and for decorations.

Things You'll Need

• 1/2 cup shortening
• 1/2 cup butter
• 4 cups sifted confectioner's sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 2 tablespoons milk
• Large bowl
• Electric mixer
• Saran wrap or airtight container
• Paper towel
• Light corn syrup (optional)

Instructions

1. Mix together ½ cup butter and ½ cup shortening in a large bowl until blended together.

2. Add 1 teaspoon vanilla to the butter-shortening mix.

3. Add the sugar to the mixture 1 cup at a time with the mixture on medium speed. Be sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl frequently.

4. Add in 2 tablespoons milk after all sugar has been mixed and the frosting appears dry. Beat the mixture for an additional 30 seconds. Icing should be fluffy and completed blended.

Tips & Warnings

• If you need to thin the icing for spreading, slowly add milk or light corn syrup 1 tablespoon at a time. Avoid adding more than 3 tablespoons to mixture or it will be too watery.

• To store buttercream icing drape a damp paper towel over the bowl and then cover with airtight plastic wrap. You can also use an airtight container if you do not have saran wrap/plastic wrap.

• Keep refrigerated until ready to use.

• Thaw buttercream icing at room temperature for 10 to 20 minutes. Stir before using.

References

• Food Network.com: Quick Vanilla Buttercream Frosting Recipe