Description
This easy Butter Cream Icing recipe creates a wonderfully sweet and velvety frosting perfect for decorating cakes and cupcakes. It uses simple ingredients to achieve a stable, fluffy, and pipeable result suitable for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
- 3.5 cups powdered sugar, sifted
- 2 tablespoons milk or heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 0.125 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Cream the Butter: In a large mixing bowl, beat 1 cup softened unsalted butter on medium speed for 5-7 minutes until it is lightened in color and visibly fluffy, incorporating essential air.
- Add Powdered Sugar: Gradually add 3-4 cups sifted powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing on low speed until just combined, then increase to medium. Scrape down the bowl frequently. The mixture will become thick and crumbly. If it looks too dry, splash in 1-2 teaspoons of milk to help it come together.
- Introduce Liquid & Flavor: Pour in 1-2 tablespoons of milk or heavy cream and 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract. Beat on medium-high speed for 2-3 minutes until the butter cream icing is light, fluffy, and smooth, looking silky and holding soft peaks.
- Consistency Check: The icing should be spreadable and pipeable, holding its shape without being stiff or runny. For a thicker icing, add a tiny bit more sugar. For a softer, more spreadable frosting, add another teaspoon of liquid until desired consistency is reached.
Notes
Always start with softened, room-temperature butter; it makes a world of difference in texture. For a stiffer icing perfect for intricate piping, use slightly less liquid. For a softer, more spreadable frosting, use a bit more. Using a stand mixer makes this process incredibly easy.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 30 g
- Calories: 130 calories
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 15 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg
Keywords: butter cream, icing, frosting, cake decorating, easy recipe, fluffy, sweet, vanilla, homemade