Ingredients
Frosting Ingredients
- 2 cups softened unsalted butter (454 g)
- 4 cups confectioners' sugar (460 g)
- 2 tsp milk
- 1 tbsp pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: Place the softened unsalted butter, confectioners' sugar, milk, and pure vanilla extract into the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment.
- Start Mixing: Begin mixing on low speed to incorporate the ingredients evenly without creating a mess, gradually increasing the speed to high.
- Whip to Fluffiness: Whip the mixture on high speed for 5 full minutes, allowing the frosting to become very pale, satiny, and fluffy. This whipping process is crucial to develop the airy, mousse-like texture.
- Scrape Bowl Sides: Pause several times during whipping to scrape down the sides of the mixer bowl to ensure all ingredients are thoroughly combined and the frosting whips evenly.
- Check Texture: The frosting should double in volume and change from a dull, matte white to a shiny, fluffy white, indicating it is ready for use.
Notes
- Allow the frosting to whip a full 5 minutes to incorporate air, which creates the soft, airy texture.
- A hand mixer can be used instead of a stand mixer but will require 6-7 minutes of whipping on high speed.
- Only use unsalted butter to avoid an overly salty frosting.
- This recipe yields enough frosting for 24 simply frosted cupcakes, one 9×13” cake, or two 9” cake layers. For detailed piping, increase the recipe by 1.5 times.
- Add food coloring at the end by a few drops and whip just until combined, starting with a small amount.
- You can add a splash more milk to adjust consistency slightly; expect the frosting to thicken as the sugar absorbs moisture.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Dessert Frosting
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
