Classic American Buttercream Recipe

This frosting is adored for its simplicity, delicious flavor, and easy preparation.

Prep: Soften butter to room temp

Make: 15min

A staple frosting that boasts a luscious buttery flavour, a smooth and creamy texture, and remarkable versatility in terms of both taste and appearance.

Simple, delicious in flavor, and easy preparation.

Whether you're a beginner or an experienced baker, this frosting is sure to elevate your homemade creations.

Classic American Buttercream Recipe

Ingredients:

• 240g unsalted butter, softened to room temp

• 4 cups powdered sugar (confectioners' sugar)

• 1/4 teaspoon salt

• 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

• 3 tablespoons whole milk or heavy cream

• Optional: Food coloring and additional flavor extracts (e.g., almond, lemon) to taste

Directions:

1. In a large bowl, beat the softened butter with an electric mixer on medium speed until creamy and smooth.

2. Gradually add the powdered sugar to the butter, about one cup at a time, mixing on low speed to avoid creating a cloud of sugar. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed.

3. Add the salt and vanilla extract to the bowl and mix until fully combined. If you wish to add other flavor extracts, do so at this stage.

4. Next, add the milk or heavy cream, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. For a thicker frosting, use less liquid; for a smoother, more spreadable frosting, use more.

5. Beat the frosting on medium-high speed for 2-3 minutes until it becomes light, fluffy, and well-blended. This step is essential for achieving a smooth texture.

6. If you want to add color to your frosting, add a few drops of food coloring and mix until the desired hue is achieved.

Your classic American Buttercream frosting is now ready to be used for decorating your cake. You can spread it with a spatula for a smooth finish or use piping bags and decorating tips for more intricate designs. This frosting pairs well with almost any type of cake, from vanilla to chocolate, and can be easily customised to suit your preferences.

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Handy Tools:

• Once I got my hands on a seamless silicone spatula there was no going back. I've found having various sizes of spatulas for different sized batches or colours of buttercream to be useful.

• With baking being a science, accuracy is key so an electric scale for measuring in grams and measuring cups for cup measurements are particularly helpful gadgets.

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Tips:

• Use unsalted butter! This gives you the control to salt to taste, otherwise if you use salted butter like I did my first time, you will end up with a salty buttercream that will leave you grimacing.

• To get a pure white frosting, use clear vanilla extract instead of regular vanilla extract.

• If your frosting is too thick, add a bit more milk or cream. If it's too thin, add a little more powdered sugar until the desired consistency is achieved.

• If you prefer a less sweet frosting, you can reduce the amount of powdered sugar, but keep in mind that it might affect the overall stability and texture.

• If the weather is cold where you are, microwave the buttercream in a glass or ceramic bowl in 5 second bursts until smooth. Be careful not to overheat and check in between bursts.

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Enjoy your homemade American Buttercream frosting on your cake creations, and don't forget to have fun experimenting with different flavors and designs!