How do you make buttercream icing?

Answer 1

* 1/2 cup butter or high-grade shortening * 1/2 tsp. vanilla or other flavoring * 1/4 tsp. salt * 4 cups powdered sugar * 4 tbs warm water * 2 tsp Flavoring (If Wanted)

Steps

# Soften the butter or shortening in a large, shallow bowl. You can heat the bowl by placing over a container of steaming hot water while you work with the butter. # Add the sugar slowly, while still kneeding the butter with your spoon. If you like, sprinkle the sugar in through a sifter. # Add the other ingredients, while stirring. # When the ingredients are throughly mixed, beat with an electric mixer on high until smooth and fluffy. # Use the spatula to lightly spread one layer onto your cake. It doesn't matter if you get crumbs in this layer. # Put the cake in the refrigerator to cool. # When the "crumb layer" is hardened, add another layer of frosting.

Answer 2

- 140g/5oz butter, softened

- 280g/10oz icing sugar

- 1-2 tbsp milk

- few drops food colouring

Method

1. Beat the butter in a large bowl until soft. Add half of the icing sugar and beat until smooth.

2. Add the remaining icing sugar and one tablespoon of the milk and beat the mixture until creamy and smooth. Beat in the milk, if necessary, to loosen the mixture.

3. Stir in the food colouring until well combined.