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Basic Buttercream Icing

This recipe can be used for all kinds of cake recipes, and can be modified with food colorings and flavorings.
Print Recipe
Course Dessert

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup shortening
  • 1 cup unsalted butter (very softened, but not melted)
  • 4-6 cups powdered sugar
  • 1-3 tsp milk
  • flavoring extracts and food coloring (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Combine butter and shortening in a bowl and cream with a mixer until light and fluffy.
  • Add powdered sugar and milk a little bit at a time and gently stir in with a spoon or spatula to prevent mess, then whip with mixer until smooth, about 5-10 minutes. Adjust to reach the desired thickness for your cake. More milk will make it thinner, more sugar will make it thicker.
  • If not using right away, cover with plastic and refrigerate. Allow to warm slightly and whip again with a mixer before using. Enjoy!