Buttercream Frosting

I believe this is the same recipe that you will find on all other sites for buttercream frosting. I don’t do anything special. But I do know that I need to read the recipe sometimes when I have a brain fog & need reminding!

Beat with a stand mixer for 5 minutes, stopping often (especially at the beginning) to scrape down the sides and bottom:

• 1 c. butter (Some people use unsalted…. sometimes I do, sometimes I don’t. Just make sure it is room temperature! Not melted. If you need to soften it in the microwave, leave the wrapper on and just zap it for 8-10 seconds at a time, turning it once each time.)

SOMETIMES I feel like adding a taste of cream cheese to the buttercream frosting. I add it to the butter after the 5 minutes of beating the butter. I beat for about 2 more minutes:

• 4 ounces cream cheese, room temperature

Add to the bowl all at once:

• 3 c. powdered sugar (I do not sift it. However, I store it in an airtight container and just shake the container a little bit before using it to kind of “fluff” it up. If it still feels heavy, I will just shake it back out of the measure cup and kind of “fluff” the powdered sugar using the measure cup.)

Turn the mixer on slow. Let it stir for about 20 seconds and then add:

• 2 t. vanilla
• 1 T. milk (I usually use 2% milk since that is what we typically drink. Sometimes I have used Almond milk or Half & Half because there was some to be used up!)

Beat the frosting for several minutes. I don’t add more milk unless it is just too stiff. Some days it needs the extra sip of milk. And remember that everyone likes their frosting a certain way. Some like it creamier, others like more firm.

I usually use the frosting immediately. If I need to refrigerate it, I store in an airtight container or storage bag. Sometimes it is a week or 2 before I use it! It’s so full of sugar, it’s good. Just bring it to room temp, beat it with hand beaters or the stand mixer to fluff it up if you want to. Enjoy!

THIS RECIPE FROSTS ABOUT 24 CUPCAKES (depending on how thick you want your frosting!)