How to Make Buttercream Frosting in a Snap

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By A. Y. Fitzgerald
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Buttercream frosting is a must for anyone who wants to make their own cake! It's sweet and easy to make from scratch. With these instructions you will be able to make your own icing for cakes. Buttercream frosting can be used for spreading on cakes or decoration

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

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 (if you prefer to thin icing)

Step 1

In a large bowl mix butter and shortening until blended together.
Step 2

Add vanilla to creamed butter/shortening.
Step 3

With the mixer on medium speed, gradually add sugar one cup at a time. Be sure to scrap down sides of the bowl frequently. The confectioners sugar makes the buttercream frosting sweet and gives it the taste everyone loves!
Step 4

After all sugar has been mixed in the icing will appear dry, add in milk and beat for an additional 30 seconds. Icing should be fluffy and completed blended.
Step 5

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

Tips & Warnings

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 10-20 minutes, stir, and icing is ready to use.