Classic Sweet American Buttercream Frosting. It has a high ratio of sugar to butter giving it a sweeter taste and heavier texture. The texture is controlled by the amount of sugar and milk you add. You can adjust to your needs. Due to the higher sugar content this type of frosting will form an outer crust after spreading/decorating. This can be helpful for covering cakes with plastic wrap and transporting.Makes generous amount for 9-inch 2-layer cake or 24 cupcakes
1 stand (or hand) mixer I use my KitchenAId Stand Mixer with Flex Edge or Flat Beater.
Ingredients
3/4cupbutter (unsalted*)room temp.
1/8teaspoon salt
7 1/2cups (2 pounds)powdered sugar*plus more if needed
1/2cupmilkplus more if needed
2teaspoons vanilla
Instructions
Cream the butter, salt and about 2 cups of the powdered sugar for about 3 minutes using a stand mixer fitted with a flex edge or flat beater. Butter should get fluffy and lighter in color. You can use a hand mixer instead if needed.
Alternate spooning in powdered sugar with a couple teaspoons of milk in several batches beating on low after each addition. Scrape the bowl down and repeat the process.
Mix in the vanilla and enough milk (you may not need the entire 1/2 cup) while mixing on low to reach your desired consistency. Beat for several minutes on medium/high speed until you have an even, fluffy consistency.
Notes
Butter:
If using salted butter, omit the salt from the recipe. I like to use unsalted butter if I have it, then I can control the amount of salt in the recipe as different brands of salted butter have varying amounts of salt.
Powdered Sugar:
For smoothest results, sift powdered sugar. Also, different brands of powdered sugar seem to have slightly different textures. I have had a grittier result using some store brand sugars. I don't believe they are all ground and sifted to the same texture. Also, most "organic" powdered sugars use tapioca starch in them which dissolves better than the corn starch most traditional brands use. This can also help give you a smoother texture.
Nutrition (approx. data estimated via online nutritional calculator.)