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Vanilla Frosting

Name: Vanilla Frosting
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Yield: 6 cups.
Ingredients: 12 cups confectioners' sugar; 3/4 cup butter, softened; 3/4 cup whole milk; 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

80 reviews

Test Kitchen Approved

Total Time

Prep/Total Time: 5 min.

Makes

6 cups

Don't know how to make icing for cake but don't want to settle for store-bought frosting? This four-ingredient easy vanilla frosting recipe is the perfect topper for your cakey creations. The homemade taste just can't be beat. —Mary Faulk, Cambridge, Wisconsin

Ingredients

12 cups confectioners' sugar
3/4 cup butter, softened
3/4 cup whole milk
1 tablespoon vanilla extract

Directions

Combine sugar, butter, milk and vanilla. Beat on medium speed until smooth and fluffy. Spread over cake or cupcakes. Store in refrigerator.

Vanilla Frosting Tips

How do you thicken vanilla frosting?

If this homemade frosting recipe isn’t as thick as you’d like, slowly add a little more milk to the mixture until you reach your desired consistency. If the frosting is too thin, you can add a little more confectioners’ sugar, but keep in mind it will make the frosting sweeter.

How do I give frosting a smooth texture?

For silky smooth frosting, be sure to bring your butter to room temperature; otherwise it won’t cream properly. Sifting the confectioners’ sugar before you measure will also help. Be sure to follow these other baking tips from pastry chefs!

My frosting has air pockets when I’m piping it. Why?

Beat the frosting just until it is smooth and fluffy. Overmixing it can create air bubbles that can wreak havoc when you are piping the frosting, causing messy swirls. Make sure you learn how to use a piping bag before piping away!

Nutrition Facts

2 tablespoons: 145 calories, 3g fat (2g saturated fat), 8mg cholesterol, 25mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (30g sugars, 0 fiber), 0 protein.