How to Make Fluffy Buttercream Icing

Butter cream icing is a classic cake icing for event cakes. The base of many wedding cakes and similar confections include a layer of butter cream icing. Cake decorations can also be created from butter cream icing and it makes an ideal piping product for designs. Make this delicious icing at home for a light, creamy flavor on your homemade confections.

Things You'll Need

• Stand mixer or electric beaters
• Large mixing bowl
• 1 cup butter
• 3 cups sifted powdered sugar
• 2 tbsp milk or heavy cream
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/8 tsp salt

Instructions

1. Combine the butter and powdered sugar in a stand mixer or mixing bowl with hand-held electric beaters. Mix them together with the beaters on low speed until well blended.

2. Increase the speed to high for two to three minutes or until the mixture looks light and fluffy. Add the vanilla, salt and one tablespoon of the milk or cream. Beat the mixture on high for one to two minutes.

3. Add the remaining milk, if needed, to thin out the frosting if it is too stiff. Store the frosting in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Tips & Warnings

• For stiffer, decorator frosting, cut the butter in half and add one cup powdered sugar.

• Change the flavor extract for variety. Stick with clear extracts to avoid tinting the icing.

• Use food coloring to create colors, if desired.

• Use unsalted, real butter. Margarine and spreads will not hold up and will result in a soft, runny final product.

References

• Food Network: Quick Vanilla Buttercream
• Betty Crocker: Vanilla Buttercream Frosting
• Wilton: Buttercream Icing
• Food Network: Basic Buttercream Icing Recipe