Item# WLRECIP-41
Easy Vanilla Buttercream Frosting
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Easy Vanilla Buttercream Frosting
- Amount
- 2 Cups
- Prep Time
- 20 min
- Skill Level
- Beginner
- Total Time
- 20 min
Vanilla buttercream frosting is the traditional choice for bakers and decorators alike. Quick and easy to make, this delicious recipe is well-loved for its flavor and versatility. Use this vanilla frosting as is, or try other delicious flavor variations like chocolate or strawberry buttercream. Our vanilla buttercream frosting recipe is smooth and spreadable, making it perfect for frosting cupcakes, cakes, and cookies. This buttercream can also be stiffened to hold its shape for decorating treats with buttercream flowers or piped messages. Pair with a basic yellow cake for consistency or a chocolate layer cake for a bit of contrast. If you're after a super white frosting, this homemade buttercream can also be prepared with all shortening, resulting in a pure white frosting.
Ingredients
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List of ingredients that you can add to your cart by selecting and then choosing "Add Selected to Cart"
- 1/2 cup solid vegetable shortening*
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups sifted powdered sugar (confectioners' sugar)
- 2 tablespoons milk, heavy cream or water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (pure or imitation)
- Pinch of salt (optional)
- *can be substituted for an additional 1/2 cup unsalted butter
Tools
List of ingredients that you can add to your cart by selecting and then choosing "Add Selected to Cart"
- Silicone Spatula
- Electric mixer (for best results) or hand mixer
Instructions
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Notes:
How to Store: Frosting should be stored in an airtight container and can be frozen for up to 6 weeks.
Substitutes:
- Shortening substitute: 1/2 cup butter can be substituted for the 1/2 cup of shortening, although the buttercream will appear more yellow. Keep in mind that frosting with all butter will be softer and more prone to melting if you’re piping with warm hands or in a warm room. Including shortening in your recipe is optimal for giving your buttercream structure and stability, while still maintaining it’s fluffy consistency.
- Liquid substitute:Water can be used as the liquid ingredient, although the fat from milk and heavy cream make for creamier, more flavorful buttercream.
- Butter substitute (for pure white buttercream): Substitute out the 1/2 cup of butter for additional white vegetable shortening and opt for clear vanilla flavor extract. To add the butter flavor to the shortening frosting, add 1/2 teaspoon of clear butter flavor.
Modifications:
- When using a hand mixer: Start adding your milk or water a little earlier in the process to avoid exhausting your hand mixer. This should be done if you notice that your hand mixer starts to slow down while mixing the powdered sugar.
- To cut sweetness: If your buttercream is too sweet, add a pinch of salt to taste. Popcorn salt is a great option to use in buttercream because it’s more granular than other salts. Make sure it dissolves completely once mixed in.
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- You can also add a pinch of salt to your liquid ingredients to ensure the salt gets distributed evenly. Just make sure it completely dissolves before incorporating it.
- You can also opt for 1/2 cup salted butter rather than 1/2 cup unsalted butter to avoid overly sweet buttercream.
- To add flavor: This recipe can be easily flavored using extracts and other flavorings, like almond extract or cocoa powder. Liquid flavoring may water down the frosting, so substitute out some of the milk or water with liquid flavoring.
- To color: Use Icing Colors or Color Right food coloring to tint frosting any color without disturbing the frosting’s consistency.
Troubleshooting:
- Air bubbles: To avoid creating air bubbles, make sure to use the paddle attachment instead of the whisk attachment on your electric stand mixer.
- Too stiff or too thin: If your frosting is too thin, add small amounts of powdered sugar until you reach the desired consistency. If too thick, add small amounts of liquid until the desired consistency is reached.
- Grainy consistency: Make sure your ingredients are all room temperature to avoid a grainy or gritty consistency.
- To preserve while in use: Depending on the weather and humidity, your buttercream may start to crust over. To avoid this, cover your frosting bowl with plastic wrap.
Consistencies:
This buttercream recipe is for medium consistency, which is excellent for piping decorations like rosettes and dots. However, it will need to be thinned for frosting birthday cakes and borders.
- Stiff Consistency: Gradually add additional powdered sugar for a stiffer consistency that still flows easily through piping tips. Best for dimensional decorations that need to retain their shape when piped. This consistency is generally best for piping upright petals for flowers.
- Medium Consistency: Add 1 teaspoon of liquid (light corn syrup, milk or water) for each cup of stiff frosting. For pure white frosting, add up to 2 tablespoons of clear liquid. Medium consistency is best for borders such as stars, dots, rosettes and shells, and other decorations that remain relatively flat.
- Thin Consistency: Add 2 teaspoons of liquid (light corn syrup, milk or water) for each cup of buttercream frosting. For pure white frosting, add up to 4 tablespoons of liquid. Thin consistency is best for cake frosting, as well as piping lines and letters. If you are making a buttercream intended for writing, use light corn syrup as your liquid. Writing will flow easily and won’t break.
How To
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