All About Frosting

One of the most important recipes in the baking world is for buttercream frosting. This is a universal recipe and is a main part to many baking creations. While there are many different types of frosting, buttercream frosting is one of the most common.

Since buttercream frosting is a key component in baking, it is important to have a solid recipe. I’ve put together my buttercream frosting recipe and a few tips I always live by.

Buttercream Frosting Recipe:

Note: This recipe makes enough frosting for 24 cupcakes or a medium sized cake (6-8 inch pans)

Ingredients:

• 8 cups of powdered sugar (sifted)
• 2 cups of softened butter (4 sticks)
• 2 tablespoons of milk (may vary depending on consistency of frosting)
• 1-2 teaspoons of vanilla extract

Steps:

• Mix the softened butter together until smooth and creamy
• Add in the milk and vanilla, mix slowly
• Add in the powdered sugar one cup at a time, mixing in between each cup
• Add in food coloring for some fun colors!

Tips:

1. The first tip, and probably the most important one, is to soften your butter before hand. I suggest letting it sit out at room temperature at least an hour before using. DO NOT MELT!! The consistency of the butter can make or break your frosting, so this step is crucial.
2. If you have a stand mixer, I suggest using the paddle attachment for this recipe. I have tried the whisk attachment, but the paddle works much better for me. I find the whisk attachment makes the frosting too airy.
3. If you want a creamy frosting that is perfect for frosting a cake, you have to add more milk than what is listed in the recipe. However, if you add extra milk, add it in after the sugar. The more milk you add, the creamier the frosting will be. Don’t add too much milk though or else the frosting will liquefy.
4. Sifting your powdered sugar will help eliminate any clumps. Once you have clumps in your frosting, it is difficult to get them out. If you don’t have a sifter or don’t want to take the time to do it, you can use a fork and break up the balls of sugar.