Fluffy Buttercream Frosting Recipe

Here’s a buttercream frosting recipe that uses real cream for a truly decadent taste and velvety, fluffy texture. This recipe is lighter than traditional vanilla buttercream frosting, denser than whipped cream and is ideal for spreading on all sorts of treats, from a fancy layer cake to a simple birthday cake. Its medium-consistency makes decorating using a piping bag and tip, possible too.

Prep20 min
Total Time20 min
Skill LevelBeginner

Amount7 1/2 Cups

Ingredients & Tools
Instructions

Ingredients

2 cups solid vegetable shortening
7 cups powdered sugar (confectioners' sugar)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
3/4 cup heavy whipping cream

Instructions

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Beat shortening with an electric mixer at medium speed until fluffy. Gradually add confectioners’ sugar and continue beating until well blended. Frosting may appear dry.
Add vanilla extract, salt and heavy whipping cream, and then beat on low speed until fully mixed. Once combined, beat on high speed until mixture is light and fluffy. Depending on the humidity and climate, it may be necessary to adjust the liquid and the sugar in your frosting. If frosting looks dry, add small amounts of liquid (1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon at a time). If frosting is too soft, add 1 tablespoon of sugar at a time. The key for making adjustments is adding small amounts until you achieve the right consistency.
Frosting can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days after it’s made but may need to be rewhipped before using again.

Notes

- This recipe makes a medium consistency buttercream, which is perfect for frosting cakes and cupcakes but may not be great for piping advanced decorations like flowers.
- You may substitute 1 cup of butter or margarine for 1 cup shortening to achieve a buttery flavor.
- Depending on the humidity and climate, it may be necessary to adjust the liquid and the sugar in your frosting. If frosting looks dry, add small amounts of liquid (1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon at a time). If frosting is too soft, add 1 tablespoon of sugar at a time. The key for both adjustments is adding small amounts until you achieve the right consistency.

How To

Buttercream Frosting Consistency
Whether you’re frosting a cake or piping decorations, the consistency of the frosting is key to getting the right results. Thankfully, it’s easy to take your buttercream from stiff to soft consistency, and the other way around!
How to Hold a Piping Bag
The way your decorations curl and point and lie depends not only on the frosting's consistency but also on the way you hold the bag and the way you move it. Bag positions are described in terms of both angle and direction.
Buttercream Frosting Tips and Tricks
Did your homemade buttercream come out runny or too dry? Are your buttercream flowers drooping or is your frosting filled with air bubbles? We’re here to help!