How to Make a Cake Decorator' s Essential Frosting With an Easy Recipe for Homemade Buttercream

Buttercream frosting makes a beautiful cake.

Buttercream frosting is a longtime classic and continues to be one of the most versatile and useful frostings for cake decorating. Most people love the taste, and it works well for most cake designs. Decorators use buttercream frosting for smooth boarders, piping and writing, as well as for creating flowers and other fancy details. Luckily, it is easy to make a handy and delicious buttercream frosting.

Things You'll Need

• 1 1/2 confectioners' sugar
• 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
• 1 tbsp. whipping cream
• 1/2 cup butter

Instructions

1. Mix the butter and confectioners' sugar at low speed in an electric mixer until completely blended. Then, turn the speed to medium and let it mix for 3 minutes.

2. Add vanilla extract while the mixer still running. Then, slowly add the cream. The more cream you add, the thinner the consistency, so start with a smaller amount and add more as needed.

3. Beat frosting for 1 minute.

4. Add food coloring if you want colored buttercream frosting. Deeper colors require about three hours to set.

Tips & Warnings

• If frosting is too thin, add more sugar.

• Store extra frosting in a refrigerated, airtight container for up to two weeks.

• If your mixer has a whisk tool, use it to make this frosting.

References

• The Food Network: Quick Vanilla Buttercream Frosting
• Wilton: Types of Icing