Butter Icing

Prep: 10 min

Creamy and sweet butter icing with vanilla flavor, perfect for cakes and cupcakes, appealing to those who love rich, smooth frosting for celebrations or everyday treats.

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Ingredients

  • 2 c. confectioners sugar
  • 1/4 c. butter
  • 2 Tbsp. cream
  • 1 tsp. vanilla

Instructions

  1. Cream butter and confectioners sugar together.
  2. Stir in cream and vanilla until smooth.
  3. Add additional cream if the icing appears too thick.

Tips & Substitutions

To achieve the perfect consistency for your butter icing, ensure your butter is at room temperature before creaming it with the confectioners sugar. If you prefer a less sweet icing, consider substituting half of the confectioners sugar with cocoa powder for a chocolate flavor. For a richer taste, you can use salted butter instead of unsalted, which adds a delightful contrast to the sweetness. Always taste as you go to adjust flavors to your liking.

Serving Suggestions

This butter icing is perfect for frosting cakes, cupcakes, or cookies like Mustacietto Cookies. For a fun twist, try adding food coloring to match the occasion or to create a vibrant design on your baked goods. It also pairs beautifully with Irish Soda Bread(Top O' The Morning To Ya!) for a sweet breakfast treat or snack.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover butter icing in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the refrigerator for up to a week. Before using it again, allow it to come to room temperature and re-whip to restore its creamy texture. If it’s too thick after refrigeration, add a teaspoon of cream to loosen it up.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Butter Icing contains roughly 438 calories, with 1g protein, 17g carbohydrates, and 9g fat.

438 kcal 22% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 0.5g 1% DV
Total Fat 9.3g 12% DV
Carbs 17.1g 6% DV
Fiber 0g
Sugar 17g 34% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 20mg 1% DV
Potassium 197.4mg 4% DV
Cholesterol 27.8mg 9% DV

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 14.6mcg 2% DV
Vitamin C 0.1mg
Calcium 29.3mg 2% DV
Iron 0.2mg 1% DV
Diet fit Low-carb 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 butter icing in advance?

Yes, you can make butter icing in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just ensure it’s in an airtight container. When you’re ready to use it, let it sit at room temperature until soft, then re-whip it to restore its smooth texture.

What can I substitute for cream in the icing?

If you don’t have cream on hand, you can substitute it with milk or even a non-dairy alternative like almond milk or coconut cream. Just be aware that the texture and richness may vary slightly, so adjust the quantity based on consistency.

How can I flavor the butter icing?

You can easily flavor your butter icing by adding extracts such as almond, lemon, or orange in place of vanilla. For a more unique twist, consider adding a few tablespoons of fruit puree or even a hint of espresso for a mocha flavor.

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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