This classic buttercream icing is a favorite among home bakers for its silky texture and stability. By combining shortening and butter, it achieves the perfect balance of flavor and structure, holding up beautifully in warm conditions while remaining soft on the palate. The addition of meringue powder provides a stable base that resists weeping or melting, making it ideal for detailed piping, rosettes, and borders. With a rich vanilla aroma and a sweet, creamy finish, this icing pairs wonderfully with pound cakes, cupcakes, and layer cakes. It’s easy to make, forgiving to work with, and yields enough to decorate a standard two-layer cake or a dozen cupcakes. Keep it in your repertoire for birthdays, holidays, or any occasion that calls for a polished, professional-looking finish.
Wilton Home Decorating Buttercream Icing
Description
This classic buttercream icing is a favorite among home bakers for its silky texture and stability. By combining shortening and butter, it achieves the perfect balance of flavor and structure, holding up beautifully in warm conditions while remaining soft on the palate. The addition of meringue powder provides a stable base that resists weeping or melting, making it ideal for detailed piping, rosettes, and borders. With a rich vanilla aroma and a sweet, creamy finish, this icing pairs wonderfully with pound cakes, cupcakes, and layer cakes. It&# 226;ÂÂs easy to make, forgiving to work with, and yields enough to decorate a standard two-layer cake or a dozen cupcakes. Keep it in your repertoire for birthdays, holidays, or any occasion that calls for a polished, professional-looking finish.Ingredients
Directions
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Sift the powdered sugar and meringue powder together into a large mixing bowl to remove lumps, then set aside.
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In a separate bowl, cream the shortening, butter, vanilla extract, and water together until smooth and well combined.
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Gradually add the sifted dry ingredients to the wet mixture while mixing on medium speed.
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Continue mixing until all ingredients are thoroughly incorporated and the icing is smooth.
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Blend for an additional minute on medium-high speed until the buttercream is creamy and fluffy.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 3
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 940.0kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 54.3g84%
- Saturated Fat 25.5g128%
- Cholesterol 64.5mg22%
- Sodium 194.4mg9%
- Total Carbohydrate 117.4g40%
- Dietary Fiber 0.0g0%
- Sugars 117.3g
- Protein 0.3g1%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Flavoring Variations: You can substitute or supplement the vanilla with clear almond extract or other clear flavorings. The total amount of liquid flavorings should not exceed 2 teaspoons to maintain the icing's consistency.
Storage: Store leftover buttercream in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days, or refrigerate for up to 2 weeks. Let it come to room temperature and re-whip with a mixer before using if it has been chilled.
Consistency Tip: If the icing becomes too stiff, add a teaspoon of water at a time. If it becomes too soft, add more powdered sugar or chill briefly before piping.
Yield Note: This recipe yields approximately 3 to 4 cups of icing, sufficient for decorating a standard two-layer cake or 12-15 cupcakes.
