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Classic Vanilla Buttercream Frosting Recipe

When it comes to baking, few things can elevate a cake or cupcake quite like a generous swirl of classic vanilla buttercream frosting. Its creamy texture and sweet, buttery flavour have made it a beloved favourite in homes and bakeries alike. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, an anniversary, or simply indulging in a sweet treat, this recipe will guide you to achieving a perfect buttercream every time.

Ingredients

To make a delightful batch of classic vanilla buttercream, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 250g unsalted butter, softened at room temperature
• 500g icing sugar, sifted
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract (or the seeds from 1 vanilla pod)
• 2-4 tablespoons whole milk or cream
• A pinch of salt (optional, to taste)

Equipment

For this recipe, you will need:

• A large mixing bowl
• An electric mixer (stand or hand-held)
• A spatula
• Piping bags and nozzles (if desired, for decoration)

Method

Step 1: Prepare the Butter

Start by placing the softened butter in a large mixing bowl. Using an electric mixer, beat the butter on medium speed until it becomes pale and creamy. This should take about 3-5 minutes. The key here is to ensure the butter is at room temperature; cold butter won’t blend smoothly, while overly softened butter can result in a runny consistency.

Step 2: Add the Icing Sugar

Gradually add the sifted icing sugar to the creamed butter. Start on a low speed to prevent a cloud of sugar from wafting around your kitchen. Once most of the icing sugar is incorporated, increase the speed to medium and continue mixing until the mixture is fluffy and well combined. This should take another 3-4 minutes.

Step 3: Incorporate Vanilla and Milk

Next, add the vanilla extract (or vanilla seeds) to the bowl. This will infuse your buttercream with that classic, aromatic vanilla flavour. Mix for an additional minute until fully incorporated.

Now, it’s time to add the milk or cream. Start with 2 tablespoons, adding more if necessary to achieve your desired consistency. If the frosting appears too thick, add an extra tablespoon of milk to loosen it up. If it’s too thin, simply add a little more icing sugar until you reach the right texture.

Step 4: Taste and Adjust

Once your buttercream is fluffy and smooth, taste it. If desired, you can add a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness. Give it one last mix to incorporate any additional ingredients.

Step 5: Decorate

Your classic vanilla buttercream frosting is now ready to use! Decorate cupcakes or layer cakes with a spatula for a rustic appearance, or use a piping bag fitted with your favourite nozzle for a more intricate design. This frosting is versatile and can be coloured or flavoured with various extracts if you want to put a twist on tradition.

Storage

If you’re not using the buttercream right away, you can store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. When you’re ready to use it, simply bring it back to room temperature and re-whip it to restore its creamy texture.

Conclusion

Making classic vanilla buttercream frosting is a simple yet rewarding process that yields delicious results. Its rich flavour and smooth texture can transform any baked good into a stunning masterpiece. Whether you’re a novice baker or a seasoned pro, this frosting is an essential recipe to have in your baking repertoire. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to whip up something extraordinary. Enjoy your baking!

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