White Buttercream Icing

By AzWench

To achieve pure white icing, use white shortening, and clear vanilla extract, instead of the brown, pure vanilla.

Clear vanilla extract is available at most cake decorating stores.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds sifted powdered sugar
• 1 1/4 cups of vegetable shortening
• 1/2 cup cool water
• 2 tablespoon corn syrup
• 2 teaspoons clear vanilla flavoring
• 2 teaspoons butter flavoring
• 1 teaspoon salt

Preparation

Step 1

Cream salt and shortening. Add sugar and flavoring. Beat on high speed for 20-minutes until smooth and creamy. Beat at low speed for two more minutes.

Just keep in mind, the slow beating time is crucial. (It'll reduce the air bubbles created by the high speed beating and produce a smoother mix.)

To use the same icing for decorations or flowers, put some icing in a different bowl and add your food coloring, etc.

Add a small amount of sifted powdered sugar to firm the icing for decorating. This icing should come out snow white.

You can use unsalted stick butter or margarine and you'll have buttercream icing - but it'll most likely be more of an off-white color. (If you've got it in your area, try "Land O Lakes" brand butter to keep your icing white.)

If you use one stick of butter, reduce the shortening by the same amount.

Also, to keep your pure white Buttercream Icing from wilting in warm weather, add 1 Tablespoon of "Meringue Powder" to stabilize the frosting.