Simple American Buttercream Frosting (Creamsicle Variation)

Ingredients

• 4.5 sticks (510g) Unsalted butter (Room temperature)
• 6.5 cups (780g) Confectioner's sugar (powdered sugar) (Sifted)
• 2 tablespoons Milk (Room temperature; can substitute heavy cream)
• 1 teaspoon Vanilla extract (Pure vanilla extract preferred)
• 1 teaspoon Orange zest (Freshly grated; optional for creamsicle flavor)
• as needed Sprinkles (Optional, for decoration)

Instructions

1. Prepare Ingredients

   Bring the unsalted butter and milk to room temperature. Measure out all ingredients. If using, zest the orange.

   Time: PT10M

2. Sift Confectioner's Sugar

   Sift all 6.5 cups of confectioner's sugar to remove lumps. Do this in two batches: first 1.5 cups, then the remaining 5 cups. Use parchment paper to catch the sifted sugar for easy transfer.

   Time: PT3M

3. Cream Butter and First Batch of Sugar

   Place the room temperature butter in the stand mixer bowl. Beat on medium speed with the paddle attachment for 1 minute to break it up. Reduce speed to low and slowly add the first 1.5 cups of sifted confectioner's sugar. Beat until light and fluffy, scraping down the sides as needed.

   Time: PT4M

4. Add Remaining Sugar

   With the mixer on low, gradually add the remaining 5 cups of sifted confectioner's sugar. Scrape down the sides. Once incorporated, increase speed to medium and beat until fluffy.

   Time: PT4M

5. Add Milk Gradually

   With the mixer running on medium, slowly add 2 tablespoons of room temperature milk. Mix until the frosting becomes light, creamy, and smooth.

   Time: PT2M

6. Add Flavorings

   Add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and 1 teaspoon orange zest (or other flavorings/zest as desired). Mix on low until just incorporated.

   Time: PT1M

7. Knock Out Air Bubbles

   Reduce mixer speed to low and beat for 30 seconds to remove large air bubbles. Finish by stirring with a spatula by hand.

   Time: PT1M

8. Frost Cupcakes or Cake

   Use a lever-release ice cream scoop to portion frosting onto cupcakes, or use an offset spatula to frost cakes. Decorate with sprinkles if desired.

   Time: PT2M

9. Cleanup

   Wash all used equipment: mixer bowl, paddle, sifter, spatula, scoop, measuring cups, and any bowls or utensils used.

   Time: PT12M

Nutrition Facts

Calories

210

Protein

0.3g

Carbohydrates

28g

Fat

11g

Fiber

0g