Sometimes I find frosting to be overwhelmingly sweet but I think this recipe is well-balanced and the heavy cream adds that little bit of creaminess. Plus you can always adjust the powdered sugar if you don't want as strong of a flavor. I will say though, more powdered sugar makes the frosting more stiff and thick, while less may make it runnier.
I think buttercream frosting is perfect for cupcakes and cakes to create designs or a nice structure.
I found this frosting really easy to work with and perfect for kids to help decorate! I am not amazing at piping or frosting but I really found this recipe to be easy!
INGREDIENTS
makes enough frosting for 2-3 dozen cupcakes, depending on the design
- 2 cups Unsalted Butter, softened
- 4 cups Powdered Sugar
- 1 tsp. Vanilla Extract
- ½ tsp. Salt
- ¼ cup Heavy Cream
INSTRUCTIONS
Begin by whipping your butter until soft, creamy, and lighter in color. Use either an electric stand mixer or a hand mixer. With an electric stand mixer, I used the paddle attachment for a fluffier consistency. Mix on medium speed for about 10 minutes, scraping down the sides occasionally.
Once smooth and fluffy, add half the powdered sugar and mix on low-medium speed until fully combined. Then, add the second half of the powdered sugar and mix until combined.
Then add the vanilla extract and salt, and mix until combined.
On low speed, slowly pour in the heavy cream. Mix until combined.
TIPS
Make sure your butter is completely at room temperature, or else it won't be smooth.
The paddle attachment makes fluffier buttercream, while the whisk attachment makes it stiffer. At least, what I have heard but I would have to test it using the whisk as well!
Pipe the frosting at room temperature for best results.
If you want bright red frosting:
Using gel dye will make it easier/ quicker
The color develops a deeper hue over time, let rest on the counter for an hour or as long as possible
If on hand, add a tiny it of black or brown frosting
Begin by whipping your butter until soft, creamy, and lighter in color. Use either an electric stand mixer or a hand mixer. With an electric stand mixer, I used the paddle attachment for a fluffier consistency. Mix on medium speed for about 10 minutes, scraping down the sides occasionally.
Once smooth and fluffy, add half the powdered sugar and mix on low-medium speed until fully combined. Then, add the second half of the powdered sugar and mix until combined.
Then add the vanilla extract and salt, and mix until combined.
On low speed, slowly pour in the heavy cream. Mix until combined.
The finished product on a cupcake! I am no expert but I did my best. I highly recommend this frosting recipe to everyone.
I also made cupcakes for my nephew's birthday using this frosting! My nephew is a big Pokemon fan, hence the design of the cupcake lol.
My niece and nephew also decorated a few, I am so proud of how well they did! The frosting picks up color really well and is easy to work with! Watching them decorate gave me the confidence to pipe my nephew's birthday cupcakes. I am not a professional quite yet but I am working my way up from amateur. I have always been in love with baking and decorating. I am so blessed to share that with my niece and nephew. Their fearless nature, childlike imagination, and freedom remind me of what it's all about. Sharing love with baking. Making memories with baking. Healing hurt with baking. Expressing creativity with baking. It is a beautiful thing to create and share.
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