Basic Buttercream Frosting

Need a quick, easy, no-fuss no-muss frosting? Well here you go! No need for fancy ingredients, techniques, or what have you. Just your basic spread-it-on-the-cake frosting.
The best part about this is that it is REALLY versatile. By adding only one or two extra ingredients, you can make ay flavor you like!



Basic Buttercream Frosting

Ingredients:
Powdered Sugar
Softened, or room temperature, Butter

Grab your mixer and start out with about 3 cups of powdered sugar (which is about 1 lb, or half a regular 2 lb bag of powdered sugar), and then toss in 2 sticks of butter.

Using the whisk attachment, turn your mixer on low until everything is combined. You'll probably need to scrape down the sides a few times. Then you can ramp up the speed to medium and let it beat for a couple minutes. If it's too dry, add some more butter (or a little bit of milk or cream). If it's too wet, add some more powdered sugar. I like mine on the thick, dense side.

There you have it! Super basic buttercream frosting. Frost your goodies and enjoy!

BUT, let's get to the good stuff. Flavors!
If you want to flavor your frosting, add in your flavoring before you mix. Examples:

-To ramp up the regular buttercream flavor, simply add 1 tsp of pure vanilla extract
-Lemon frosting (my FAVORITE) can be made by adding the zest of one lemon and even a tsp or two of lemon juice if you like.
-Actually, you can make just about any citrus frosting by adding some of their zest and fresh juice, like orange, grapefruit, lime, etc. . .
-Add 1-2 tsp of peppermint extract for peppermint frosting, which is especially great during the holiday season.
-Experiment with any other extracts you like, such as almond, hazelnut, or coconut.
-Fruit purees are also great additions! Whiz up some fresh strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, bananas. . . the possibilities are endless! Just remember when adding more liquid (by way of a puree) you may need more powdered sugar.