When it comes to icing a cake, you have an array of options to choose from! One of the most versatile (and tasty) of all of the icings is buttercream icing. Usually made from a simple mixture of butter and sugar, this icing can be flavored, colored, and applied to a cake, cupcakes, or other sweet treats using a piping bag. Here, we will walk you through a simple recipe that can spruce up any cake in seconds.
What You Need To Make Buttercream Icing
- 8os of unsalted butter warmed to room temperature
- 2 lb of confectioners' sugar
- 1 tsp of vanilla extract
- 3 tablespoons of hot water
- Stand mixer with paddle attachment
How To Mix The Icing
- Turn on the stand mixer and add the butter. Cream it until it is light and fluffy.
- Add the vanilla until it is well mixed. This will typically darken the butter a few shades.
- Add 1 tablespoon of hot water and mix until it has combined well.
- Add the confectioner's sugar to the butter mixture. Do this 2 cups at a time. Be sure to scrape down the mixing bowl after each addition to prevent lumpy icing.
- If the buttercream is too stiff, add the other 2 tablespoons of water to the mix until it is fluffy. Then, spoon the buttercream into a piping bag and put it on your cake, your cupcake, or whatever baked goods you have ready-made!
Top Tip - Buttercream icing is versatile and can be mixed with any flavor combination to make a tasty topping for a cake. Why not add lemon essence, orange essence, raspberry essence, or even coffee essence? Variety is key!