All Purpose Buttercream Frosting
A rich, creamy buttercream frosting with vanilla and subtle butter flavor, perfect for cakes and cupcakes, suitable for both beginner and experienced bakers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Measure the lukewarm water or milk, vanilla, butter flavor, and salt into a mixing bowl.
- Start the beater on low speed.
- Then beat on medium speed for 3 minutes until a smooth paste forms.
- Add the Crisco or cake shortening and continue to mix on medium speed for 5 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoother consistency, ensure your Crisco is at room temperature before mixing. If you prefer a less sweet frosting, reduce the powdered sugar to 6 cups and add a bit more milk to balance the texture. You can also try using half butter and half Crisco for a richer flavor. This frosting is versatile and works well for frosting cakes like Cadillac Golden Cake or for piping decorations.
Serving Suggestions
This buttercream frosting is perfect for decorating cakes, cupcakes, and cookies. It pairs beautifully with vanilla or chocolate cakes, and can also be used to create fun designs on desserts. Consider using it to frost a Raspberry Freeze Pie or to embellish Chocolate Scotch Bars for an extra touch of sweetness.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover buttercream frosting in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Before using, allow it to come to room temperature and re-whip briefly to restore its texture. If the frosting has thickened, add a small amount of lukewarm water or milk to achieve the desired consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of All Purpose Buttercream Frosting contains roughly 190 calories, with 1g protein, 18g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (25% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1928mg per serving (84% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use real butter instead of Crisco?
Yes, you can substitute real butter for Crisco, but keep in mind that the texture and stability of the frosting may change. Butter tends to be softer and can lead to a meltier frosting, especially in warm conditions. For best results, use a 50/50 ratio of butter and Crisco for a balance of flavor and stability.
How can I color the buttercream frosting?
You can easily color your buttercream by adding gel food coloring. Start with a small amount and mix thoroughly to achieve your desired shade. Gel colors are preferred over liquid ones to avoid altering the frosting's consistency too much. This technique works well if you're decorating a themed cake or cupcakes for a special occasion.
How do I make this frosting chocolate-flavored?
To make chocolate buttercream frosting, simply add 1 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder to the mixture along with the powdered sugar. Mix well until combined. You may need to increase the liquid slightly, so add a tablespoon of milk at a time until you reach your desired consistency. This chocolate version is perfect for pairing with any chocolate cake recipe.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).