Simple and Delicious Buttercream Frosting

I decided on a whim yesterday that I wanted to make cupcakes for Canada Day. I didn't have time to buy frosting before getting ready for the fireworks show, so I ended up making my own with ingredients I already had. I was shocked at how quick and easy this was! This basic vanilla buttercream frosting recipe makes enough to cover a dozen cupcakes, but feel free to double it (for cakes), triple it, add food coloring, or different flavor extracts. If you find this too sweet, you can add a dash of salt to the milk or the vanilla. Personally, I like it sweet, and I used salted butter, so I didn't find it necessary.

• Preparation Time: 15 mins
• Total Time: 15 mins
• Calories: 173 Calories

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons milk
• ¾ teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 cups confectioners' sugar
• 5 tablespoons shortening
• 5 tablespoons salted butter

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Beat butter and shortening together with an electric mixer in a large bowl until light and fluffy. The mixture should be noticeably lighter in color. Beat vanilla extract into the butter mixture. Add sugar, one cup at a time, beating on medium speed until fully incorporated. Add milk, one tablespoon at a time, beating on high until fully incorporated and you have frosting.