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Buttercream Decorating Icing
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A classic and elegant buttercream icing that will make your cakes and cupcakes look like they came straight from a five-star bakery. It has a hint of vanilla for flavor, but other extracts can also be used.
serves/makes:
ready in:
30-60 minutes
30-60 minutes
2 reviews
1 comment
ingredients
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1/2 cup solid vegetable shortening
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/8 teaspoon salt
4 cups confectioners' sugar
3 tablespoons milk or cream
food coloring paste as desired
directions
Combine the butter and shortening in a mixing bowl. Beat on medium speed with an electric mixer until creamy. Add the vanilla and salt.
With the mixer running, add the confectioners' sugar in 1 cup increments, mixing well after each addition.
Add the milk and food coloring and beat on medium-high speed until fluffy, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 30 minutes before using. To use as a frosting, thin the icing with milk until it is a spreadable consistency. For pure white icing, use all shortening and omit the butter and food coloring paste.
recipe tips
For a smoother texture, sift the confectioners' sugar before adding it to the butter and shortening.
Try different flavor extracts or add-ins, such as cocoa powder or espresso powder, to create flavor variations.
If the icing seems too soft, chill it in the refrigerator for a few minutes before piping or decorating with it.
Adjust the consistency of the icing by adding more sugar to thicken or more milk to thin it out, as needed.
For more stability in warm weather, use more shortening and less butter in the recipe.
Try different food coloring techniques like ombre, marbling, or other piping techniques for different decorative finishes.
common recipe questions
Why use vegetable shortening in buttercream icing?
Vegetable shortening helps to stabilize the icing and gives it a smooth and creamy texture.
Can I use all butter instead of a combination of butter and shortening?
You can use all butter for a richer flavor, but the icing may not hold its shape as well, especially in warm temperatures.
What can I use if I don't have vegetable shortening?
If you don't have vegetable shortening, you can use all butter or even coconut oil as a substitute, keeping in mind the flavor may vary slightly.
How can I make the buttercream icing less sweet?
You can reduce the amount of confectioners' sugar used (the frosting may not hold its shape as well, however) or balance out the sweetness with a pinch of salt or a few drops of lemon juice.
Can I use a different extract instead of vanilla?
You can use different extracts such as almond, lemon, or orange to flavor the icing.
How do I store leftover buttercream icing?
Store the icing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Before using, let it come to room temperature and re-whip until fluffy.
Can I freeze buttercream icing?
Buttercream icing can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and rewhip before using to restore its texture.
How can I thin out the buttercream icing if it's too thick?
Add a splash of milk, cream, or water, a little at a time, and mix well until you reach the desired consistency.
What is the purpose of chilling the buttercream icing before using it?
Chilling the icing helps it to firm up slightly, making it easier to work with and hold its shape when decorating cakes or cupcakes.
How can I add colors to the icing?
Use gel food coloring or food coloring paste to add color without altering the consistency of the icing. If you must use liquid food coloring, do so sparingly and adjust the thickness of the icing if needed with more powdered sugar.
tools needed
Mixing Bowl: A medium to large-sized mixing bowl for combining the butter and shortening, as well as for mixing in the other ingredients.
Electric Mixer: An electric mixer to beat the butter and shortening until creamy and to incorporate the remaining ingredients. A stand mixer works best but a hand-held electric mixer will work also.
Measuring Cups and Spoons: For measuring ingredients such as the vanilla, salt, and confectioners' sugar.
Spatula: A spatula is useful for scraping down the sides of the mixing bowl to make sure all ingredients are well incorporated.
Plastic Wrap or Lid: Covering the mixing bowl before refrigerating the icing will help prevent it from drying out.
Piping Bags and Decorating Tips (optional): If the icing is to be used for detailed cake or cupcake decorating, piping bags and various decorating tips can be used for creating designs.
what goes with it?
Cakes: A classic pairing for buttercream icing, especially vanilla or chocolate cakes, as the buttery sweetness of the icing enhances the cake's flavor while adding a decorative finish.
Cupcakes: Boost simple cupcakes with a swirl of this buttercream. They'll look and taste like they came from a gourmet cupcake bakery.
Cookies: Spread some buttercream between two cookies for an easy whoopie pie. It adds richness and sweetness that takes simple cookies to the next level.
Brownies: Spread a layer of the buttercream icing on top of brownies. The sweetness complements the fudginess of the brownies perfectly.
Fruit Tarts: Pipe some of this buttercream on fruit tarts as an elegant topping. The sweet and buttery flavor contrasts nicely with the tartness of the fruit.
Pancakes: Use the buttercream as a decadent spread on pancakes for a sweet breakfast treat.
Layer Cakes: Use this buttercream to create stunning layer cakes. The fluffy texture acts as glue to hold layers together while adding moisture and flavor.
Sweet Rolls: Slather some of this buttercream on warm cinnamon rolls for a decadent twist on breakfast or dessert. The warmth melts the icing slightly, making it a luscious topping.
Frozen Treats: Freeze dots of this icing on waxed paper or parchment. Transfer to an airtight container and keep in the freezer to sprinkle on ice cream or other desserts.
nutrition data
76 calories, 4 grams fat, 10 grams carbohydrates, 0 grams protein per tablespoon. This recipe is low in sodium.
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reviews & comments
September 30, 2015
Thank you I need This for teachers day on Monday.
How many cups of icing would I need to make to decorate a two box Betty Crocker 9X13 rectangle cake? Does the butter have to be unsalted?
The amount needed will vary by what sort of decorating you are doing. This isn't a spreadable icing, it's meant for creating decorations such as flowers, usually using a piping bag. If you want to substitute salted butter, omit the additional salt called for in the recipe.
September 12, 2008
I used this recipe to decorate 2 cakes for my daughters birthday party. It's an amazing recipe, tastes wonderful and is also perfect for decorating. I posted some pictures of the cakes I made and they should be up in a few days. I would recommend this to anyone that is decorating cakes or just wants a nice rich icing