Buttercream, which is sometimes referred to as butter icing or butter frosting, is often used to top cupcakes and fill celebration cakes. The main ingredients are butter and icing sugar, with the optional addition of vanilla. Getting the ratio of butter and sugar correct is a tricky job, so I have tried and tested at least 10 recipes throughout the last year to find the ultimate recipe .
When it comes to frosting, many people like it to be sweet but not too sweet, so it can be hard to find the correct balance. Whilst it is all still down to personal preference, I’ve had amazing reviews about the consistency and taste of my buttercream. Ingredients (to decorate 12 cupcakes): 250g butter 375g icing sugar One teaspoon of vanilla extract One tablespoon of boiling water, if needed Method: Start by mixing your room-temperature butter with an electric hand whisk or stand mixer for around four minutes, scraping down the sides after two minutes.
Let the butter mix for a further couple of minutes before scraping down the sides and adding in the icing sugar. I tend to add all my icing sugar in one go and cover my stand mixer with a tea towel, but you can add it a little at a time if you prefer. Whilst this is mixing, I add in my vanilla before scraping down the sides again and mixing, making sure everything is incorporated.
More often than not, the ratio of butter to icing sugar means you won’t need to add any boiling water but if it is looking a little thick, add some boiling water.