A perfect buttercream frosting for cakes or cupcakes.
I do a lot of baking and bake a lot of cakes and cupcakes. Having a great buttercream frosting is a key element to any great cake or cupcake. This is my go-to buttercream frosting recipe. This is for frosting a cake or piping swirls on cupcakes.
This buttercream is buttery and creamy. It is perfect for piping and holds up under most circumstances. If I am making a cake in really hot or humid weather or if my cake has to be showcased outside. I adjust this recipe with less butter and more shortening.
This recipe makes a fairly large amount of buttercream frosting. You can easily halve the recipe. I don't like to run out midway through decorating so I usually make a full batch. Extra frosting can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to one week. Bring to room temperature and stir before using.
Tips for Buttercream Frosting
- If your powdered sugar has lumps, sift before using.
- Do not over whip the frosting or you may get little air bubbles.
- Food coloring may be added after the frosting is completely mixed. I use gel food coloring rather than liquid food coloring. The colors are more vibrant and it won't thin your frosting.
- This recipe may be doubled.
- For warmer weather use, decrease the amount of butter and replace with shortening.
I really prefer making my own frostings. I also have a Lemon Buttercream, a Chocolate Buttercream, and a Pumpkin Spice Buttercream. Having a variety of recipes makes it easy to match to your favorite cake or cupcake.
Here is a site that provides easy piping techniques. It's fun to create your own designs.
If you make this recipe, I’d love to hear about it! Leave a comment below and snap a picture and tag me on Instagram @beyondthechickencoop
If you loved this recipe you'll LOVE all the others in this category. Check out all my desserts here!
Buttercream Frosting
Ingredients
- 1 cup butter
- 1 cup shortening
- 2 pounds powdered sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoon vanilla
- 3-4 Tablespoons milk
Instructions
- In a stand mixer, cream butter and shortening together.
- Mix in powdered sugar. I add half at a time, mix and then add remaining sugar. Mixture will be thick.
- Add vanilla and 2 tablespoons of milk. Mix
- Continue adding milk until desired consistency.
Notes
If frosting is too thick, stir in a bit more milk. Just add a little at a time.
Coloring can be added after frosting is made. Just stir in amount of coloring you desire.
Keep left over frosting covered in fridge for up to a week. Bring to room temperature and stir before using.
Nutrition
Shar says
Aloha Kathy, I love your Buttercream Frosting! I searched and searched the internet for a frosting for our humid weather and came across your website. I always prepare it for humid weather, cause here Hawaii the weather is very humid. It's my go to recipe, it never fails ~ Thank You soooo very much, your the bestest 🙂 Much Mahalo'z from the beautiful island of Maui, Hawaii.
Kathy says
Thanks, Shar! Glad to know this works well for you! I have not been to the beautiful island of Maui, but hope to one day! 🙂
Lenda says
Sounds like a perfect recipe, but never used shortening before-what kind do you use? please and thanks
Kathy says
Hello,
I use Crisco shortening in this buttercream to offer stability.
Thanks!
Lynnette says
I'm a bit late in this conversation, but can I use all butter? Is this a creamy frosting or a fluffy frosting? I like creamy over fluffy, that's why I'm asking.
Kathy says
The shortening offers stability. Butter is often too soft by itself and is difficult to decorate with. If you are just wanting to spread the frosting all butter should work.
Anne Lawton says
You cant beat buttercream frosting! Love your pictures
Kathy says
Thanks, Anne!
Citra Kale @Citra's Home Diary says
I Always trial and error with many buttercream recipe for my cake... I'm surely bookmarked yours..sound great to try. thx for sharing.
Kathy says
I hope you do give this a try the next time you need to decorate a cake! We've used this recipe again and again.
Christie says
I suck at buttercream. Thank you for sharing these tips with us at #FoodieFriDIY.
Kathy says
I think you could be successful with this buttercream! Give it a go!
[email protected] says
Nothing like classic buttercream! Thanks for sharing, my friend!!
Kathy says
Thanks!