Here is my favorite icing recipe for decorating cakes, cookies, or cupcakes.
I got this recipe from my sister, and I’ve had great luck with it.
Ingredients:
1/2 cup butter (softened but not melted)
1/2 cup shortening
4 cups powdered sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla
pinch of salt
5-6 tablespoons of warm water
Cream the butter and shortening together until smooth, add the vanilla. Dissolve the salt into the warm water completely. Mix the water/salt mixture into the creamed butter and shortening. Put the mixer on low, and add powdered sugar slowly, mixing constantly.
The amount of water can be increased or decreased to achieve the desired consistency, I usually have the best luck with 6 tablespoons.
Add food coloring to make the color you need, and ice away.
Linette,
I sometimes have trouble with lumps in my buttercream. I always sift my powered sugar and I beat the butter and shortening together well. I can’t figure it out. I also have a problem with spots sometimes showing up in my colored icing. Do you have any tips that might help? Thank you so much!