Buttercream Cake Icing
A rich, smooth buttercream icing perfect for cakes and cupcakes, featuring buttery flavors and aromatic flavorings that create a delightful, creamy frosting for any celebration.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cream together Crisco, butter, butter flavoring, vanilla flavoring, and creme bouquet or almond flavoring.
- Add powdered sugar a little at a time while blending well.
- Continue blending until the mixture is smooth.
- Use the icing immediately or refrigerate if needed, noting it may harden due to the butter.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter texture, ensure your butter is at room temperature before creaming with the Crisco. If you don't have butter flavoring, you can increase the vanilla extract. Consider using a mix of Crisco and unsalted butter for a more stable icing. This buttercream can be flavored further with cocoa powder or fruit purees for variety. Also, if you're aiming for a vibrant color, gel food coloring works best.
Serving Suggestions
This buttercream icing is perfect for decorating cakes and cupcakes, particularly pairing beautifully with Sunshine Angel Cake. Use it to frost cookies for a delightful treat or as a filling between cake layers. It also complements rich desserts like Aunt Bessie'S Pound Cake, adding a creamy texture alongside the cake's density.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover buttercream icing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. If it hardens, let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before using. You can also re-whip the icing to restore its creamy texture. For longer storage, consider freezing the icing in a sealed container for up to three months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Buttercream Cake Icing contains roughly 68 calories, with 1g protein, 14g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (24% 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 margarine instead of Crisco in this recipe?
While margarine can be used, it may result in a softer icing that doesn't hold its shape as well as Crisco. If you prefer a butter-only version, you can substitute Crisco with additional butter, but the icing may be more difficult to work with, especially in warm environments.
How can I color the buttercream for decorating?
To color your buttercream, use gel food coloring for the best results, as it won’t alter the consistency of the icing. Start with a small amount and mix it in thoroughly, adding more until you achieve your desired shade. Remember that colors may deepen as they sit, so adjust accordingly.
What can I do if my icing is too thick?
If your buttercream is too thick, simply add a few drops of milk or cream to loosen it up. Mix well until you reach the desired consistency. Be cautious not to add too much liquid at once, as this can make the icing too runny, so add gradually.
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).