Whipped Buttercream Icing
A light and fluffy whipped buttercream icing with rich vanilla flavor, perfect for decorating cakes and desserts, suitable for those seeking a smooth, creamy frosting.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Beat granulated sugar, meringue, and water to a thick meringue; set aside.
- Cream together Crisco, vanilla, powdered sugar, salt, and butter flavoring.
- Cream well together, then add the first half of the meringue mixture.
- Beat well.
- Add the remaining meringue mixture and beat well (do not underbeat).
- Use to decorate cakes; will keep indefinitely in refrigerator.
Tips & Substitutions
For a fluffier texture, ensure your meringue is beaten to stiff peaks before combining. If you don't have meringue powder, you can use liquid egg whites instead. For a more indulgent flavor, consider substituting half of the Crisco with unsalted butter. Sifting the powdered sugar before use will help prevent lumps in your icing.
Serving Suggestions
This buttercream icing is perfect for decorating cakes, especially layered cakes like Gouie Chocolate Cake or cupcakes. It pairs beautifully with flavors of chocolate or vanilla. For a delightful treat, use it to frost Nearly Brownie Cookies or spread it on Pinwheels(Cookies) for a sweet snack.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover buttercream icing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. When ready to use, allow it to come to room temperature and re-whip it briefly to restore its texture. If you need to pipe decorations, consider adding a little bit of milk to adjust the consistency.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Whipped Buttercream Icing contains roughly 408 calories, with 5g protein, 60g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (23% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein.
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 regular butter instead of Crisco?
Yes, you can substitute regular butter for Crisco, but keep in mind that this will alter the texture, making it less stable in warmer conditions. If using butter, ensure it is at room temperature and beat it well to achieve a light and fluffy consistency.
How can I make this icing chocolate flavored?
To make chocolate buttercream icing, add 1/2 to 2/3 cup of unsweetened cocoa powder to the powdered sugar before mixing. You may need to adjust the liquid slightly to achieve the desired consistency, so add a tablespoon of water or milk as necessary after incorporating the cocoa.
Is this icing suitable for vegan diets?
This recipe is not vegan due to the use of meringue (egg whites). However, you can create a vegan version by using aquafaba (the liquid from canned chickpeas) as a substitute for meringue and replacing Crisco with a plant-based butter alternative. This will yield a similar texture and taste.
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).