Vanilla Buttercream Icing

By srumbel

I use some variation of this icing in most of my recipes. It’s so easily adapted to different flavors. Add 1/2 cup of cocoa and a little more water or milk, and you’ve got a delicious chocolate icing. You can add all kinds of extracts, peanut butter, the options are endless! I use it for cupcakes and cakes. I am always told how good it is. You might not like the idea of shortening, but please, please at least try it. If you try it and still think all butter is better, go for it. But at least try this way. You might just be surprised.
from lifeloveandsugar.com

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup (115g) butter
• 1/2 cup (95g) shortening
• 4 cups (480g) powdered sugar
• 2-3 tbsp (30-45ml) water or milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Preparation

Step 1

1. Combine butter and shortening and mix until smooth.
2. Add 2 cups of powdered sugar and mix until smooth.
3. Add vanilla extract and 1-2 tbsp of water or cream and mix until smooth.
4. Add remaining powdered sugar and mix until smooth.
5. Add a little more water or milk until desired consistency is reached.

Note: You can add different extracts to change up the flavor. You can also add 1/4-1/2 cup of cocoa and a little more liquid to get a chocolate icing. For a peanut butter icing, add 3/4 cup of peanut butter.