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buttercream made with real butter on the paddle attachment of an electric mixer

Easy Buttercream Frosting

This creamy, smooth frosting makes a perfect base and piping frosting for any beautifully decorated cake or cupcake.

Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Keyword buttercream
Prep Time 10 minutes
Servings 3 cups
Author Naomi

Ingredients

  • 1 cup (227g) butter softened (or shortening, for pure white frosting)
  • 1 tsp. (5ml) vanilla extract (or clear vanilla, for pure white frosting)
  • 5 Tbsp. (75ml) milk
  • 4 cups (600g) icing sugar

Instructions

  1. Beat the butter or shortening until creamy; add about 1 cup of the icing sugar and beat until smooth. 

  2. Add the milk and vanilla, and mix on low speed until incorporated. Gradually add the remaining icing sugar, and beat until the frosting is light and fluffy.

  3. If your frosting seems too stiff, add a little milk (start with one tablespoon), and beat until well combined and smooth.

  4. Use the frosting at room temperature. Store leftovers in the refrigerator, and soften before using again.

Recipe Notes

When measuring by cup, if your icing sugar is settled into a bag or container, loosen it up with your measuring cup before you measure it.  If it's too compacted, your frosting will be too stiff.