homemade butter icing recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best homemade butter icing recipe

I’m so excited to share my favorite homemade butter icing recipe with you all. As a busy mom, I’m always on the lookout for easy and delicious desserts that my family will love.

This recipe has been a staple in our household for years, and I’ve tweaked it just right to make it perfect for any occasion. From birthdays to holiday gatherings, this icing is a crowd-pleaser every time.

Plus, it’s surprisingly easy to make and requires only a few ingredients you likely have on hand. My kids adore helping me in the kitchen, and this recipe is one of their favorites too – they love getting their hands dirty and mixing up the sweet treat themselves.

As an added bonus, this icing is not only scrumptious but also relatively healthy compared to store-bought options. I like to think of it as a guilt-free indulgence.

So, let’s get started and whip up some creamy, dreamy butter icing that’s sure to become a new family favorite.

Homemade Butter Icing Recipe

4.7 from 626 votes

This classic butter icing recipe is perfect for topping cakes, cupcakes, and cookies. It’s creamy, smooth, and easy to make with just a few ingredients.

Prep Time10 mins
Cook Time15 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time10 mins
Servings: 12Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 100 kcal

🥘Ingredients

Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter, softened
3 cups powdered sugar
1-2 tbsp milk
1 tsp vanilla extract

👨‍🍳Directions

1In a large mixing bowl, cream the softened butter using an electric mixer or whisk until it is light and fluffy.
2This should take about 2-3 minutes.
3The butter should be pale in color and smooth in texture.
4Gradually add the powdered sugar to the butter, mixing well after each addition.
5Start with 2 cups of powdered sugar and add the remaining 1 cup as needed to reach your desired consistency.
6The mixture may look dry at first, but it will come together as you continue to mix.
7Add the milk, one tablespoon at a time, and continue to mix.
8The icing should become smooth and spreadable.
9If the icing is too thick, add more milk, one teaspoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency.
10Stir in the vanilla extract and mix well.
11The icing should have a smooth, creamy texture and a sweet, buttery flavor.
12Taste the icing and add more powdered sugar or milk as needed to adjust the sweetness and consistency.

🔧Equipment

Mixing bowl
Electric mixer or whisk
Measuring cups and spoons

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 100 kcal🧈Total Fat: 6g💛Saturated Fat: 4g❤️Cholesterol: 15mg🧂Sodium: 15mg🌾Total Carbs: 12g🥦Dietary Fiber: 0g🍬Sugars: 12g🥩Protein: 0g

📝Notes

Tips: For a sweeter icing, add more powdered sugar. For a thinner icing, add more milk. Store any leftover icing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.

This homemade butter icing recipe is perfect for any occasion – whether you’re looking for a quick dessert or want to impress guests with a show-stopping cake topping. The best part?

It’s incredibly easy to make and requires only a few ingredients you likely have on hand. Store any leftover icing in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 2 months.

When serving, simply thaw frozen icing overnight in the fridge or whip chilled icing until smooth before using.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Butter Icing

Q: What type of butter should I use for this recipe?

I prefer using unsalted butter for this recipe as it allows me to control the amount of salt that goes into the icing. You can also use salted butter if that’s what you have on hand – just omit any additional salt called for in the recipe.

Q: Can I make this icing ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this icing ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 2 months. Just be sure to give it a good stir before using.

Q: How do I know if my butter icing is whipped enough?

You’ll know your butter icing is whipped enough when it becomes light and fluffy, almost like marshmallow creme. If you’re unsure, just give it another few minutes of whipping until you reach the desired consistency.

Q: Can I flavor this icing with extracts?

Absolutely! Try adding a teaspoon or two of your favorite extract – vanilla, almond, or coconut work well – to give your icing an extra boost of flavor.

Q: Why does my butter icing turn grainy after refrigeration?

This can happen if the butter isn’t at room temperature before whipping or if the whipping process isn’t thorough enough. Try letting your butter sit out at room temperature for about 30 minutes before whipping and see if that makes a difference.

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