Step 1: Using a hand mixer (or an electric mixer with the paddle attachment) cream the butter and the shortening together on medium speed until it’s light and fluffy. This should take about 1 minute.
Step 2: Add the vanilla, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.
Step 3: Turn the mixer to low speed. Gradually add the confectioners’ sugar, 1 cup at a time, then beating well on medium speed. Scrape down the sides of the bowl as needed to help everything incorporate!
Step 4: Once all the sugar has been mixed in, your frosting may appear dry and stiff…that’s okay! We’re going to fix that next.
Step 5: Gradually add milk (or heavy cream or water), a little at a time until the desired consistency is reached. Continue to beat at medium speed until light and fluffy. If your frosting is too sweet for your liking, you can add a pinch of salt to help even out the sweetness.
Step 6: And now you’re ready to decorate!
How Much Frosting Does this Recipe Make?
This recipe yields about 2 cups of buttercream, enough to cover a 2-layer cake or frost about 24 cupcakes. This recipe can easily be divided in half if you only need a small amount of frosting. On the other hand, it can be doubled if you have a lot of treats to decorate!
How Long Does it Take for Buttercream to Crust?
The amount of time it takes for the buttercream to crust depends on a couple factors, especially the temperature and humidity inside your kitchen.
Generally, it will take your buttercream anywhere from 10 to 30 minutes to develop a crust. If it’s a particularly warm and humid day, it may take longer. You will know it’s ready when you can very lightly touch the surface of the buttercream and it does not leave a mark.
Is Buttercream Better with Butter or Shortening?
Actually, it’s best with both! Our buttercream uses a combination of the two fats. The butter gives the frosting flavor while the shortening provides structure.
If you’d rather not use shortening, you can replace it with all butter. However, it will take longer for your frosting to crust.
For a super white frosting that will hold its shape well (like for a wedding cake), you can also replace the butter with all shortening.
In the end it all comes down to personal preference and how you’re planning to use your buttercream.
Why is My Buttercream Not Crusting?
If your buttercream isn’t developing a crust, it may be too humid in your kitchen. Try placing your cake somewhere cool to help the crust form.
Another reason your buttercream may not be crusting is that there’s too much moisture in the frosting itself. If your frosting is too wet or soft, keep adding confectioners’ sugar until the consistency improves.
It’s also important that your cake is at room temperature before you start decorating. If your cake is too warm, the buttercream will melt and the frosting won’t set. If your cake is chilled, it can create condensation between the frosting and the cake. That moisture will prevent a crust from forming.
Why is my Buttercream Not Firm?
If your buttercream is too soft or is drooping after you pipe it, try adding more confectioners’ sugar. Weather plays a big part in making buttercream. If there’s a lot of moisture in the air, you may need to add more sugar than usual.
If your frosting is too dry, you can thin it out with milk or water. Be sure to start small, though. Even a teaspoon goes a long way!
Can I Use High Ratio Shortening?
High ratio shortening is 100% fat that many professional bakers use in their buttercream. It behaves a little differently than traditional store-bought shortening, so it needs to be used differently in recipes.
Our buttercream recipe was developed using traditional solid vegetable shortening. It was not tested using a high ratio; therefore, we do not recommend using it as a replacement in this recipe.
How Do You Store Crusting Buttercream?
Buttercream can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container. Be sure to bring it up to room temperature and re-whip it again before using it.
You can also freeze buttercream for up to 6 weeks. Check out our post on How to Store Buttercream Frosting for more hints and tips!
