Butter Cream Frosting

Prep: 15 min Serves: 12 Cuisine: American

Butter Cream Frosting is a rich and creamy topping that's perfect for cakes and cupcakes. With a delightful blend of butter and shortening, it offers a smooth texture and a sweet, buttery flavor. Ideal for both novice bakers and seasoned pros, this frosting keeps well and can elevate any dessert.

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Ingredients

  • 1/2 c. shortening
  • 1/2 c. butter or oleo
  • 1 1/2 tsp. vanilla
  • 5 c. 10x sugar
  • 1/4 c. plus 1 Tbsp. milk

Instructions

  1. In a large bowl, cream butter and shortening together.
  2. Add vanilla; gradually add 10x sugar, one cup at a time, beating well on medium speed.
  3. Add milk and beat at high speed until light and fluffy.
  4. Keeps very well in the refrigerator with a tightly covered lid for several weeks.

Tips & Substitutions

For a lighter texture, use softened butter instead of oleo, as it incorporates air better. If you don't have 10x sugar, you can blend granulated sugar until fine. Be careful not to overbeat the frosting, as it can become too airy and lose its structure. If you want a flavored frosting, consider adding cocoa powder for chocolate buttercream or citrus zest for a refreshing twist.

Serving Suggestions

This butter cream frosting is ideal for decorating cakes, especially for celebrations like Dad's Birthday Cake or Super Orange Delight. It also pairs well with cupcakes and cookies. For an extra touch, consider using it to top brownies or as a filling for layered desserts. Sprinkle with edible glitter for festive occasions.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover butter cream frosting in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can last for several weeks. When ready to use, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before re-whipping to restore its fluffy texture. If it’s too thick, add a little milk to achieve the desired consistency.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Butter Cream Frosting contains roughly 502 calories, with 7g protein, 76g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (34% of the Daily Value), calcium (32% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein.

502 kcal 25% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 6.7g 13% DV
Total Fat 16.6g 21% DV
Carbs 75.7g 28% DV
Fiber 0.8g 3% DV
Sugar 47.2g 94% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 320.8mg 14% DV
Potassium 293.5mg 6% DV
Cholesterol 21mg 7% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 188mcg 21% DV
Vitamin C 19mg 21% DV
Vitamin D 1.7mcg 9% DV
Calcium 413.5mg 32% DV
Iron 6.1mg 34% DV
Diet fit Low-fat
Contains Milk

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 make this frosting ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this butter cream frosting ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to three weeks. Just remember to let it soften at room temperature before using it to frost your baked goods. A quick re-whip will restore its light and fluffy texture.

How can I adjust the sweetness of the frosting?

If you find the frosting too sweet, try reducing the amount of 10x sugar by a cup. You can also add a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness. Additionally, incorporating unsweetened cocoa powder can create a delicious chocolate version that is less sweet.

Can I color the frosting for decorations?

Absolutely! You can use gel food coloring to tint your butter cream frosting. Start with a small amount and mix until you achieve your desired shade. Keep in mind that darker colors may require more coloring, so add gradually. This works great for themed cakes or festive occasions.

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).

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