Decorator Buttercream Icing

Marg (CaymanDesigns)'s Note:

I always use this when I decorate cakes and I get many, many compliments on the wonderful taste. It is not that usual shortening-and-sugar-bakery-icing taste. If I am not using it to decorate a cake with, I use my all butter variation: Butter Cream Icing (Buttercream Frosting).

• Total Time: 10 mins
• Prep Time: 10 mins
• Cook Time: 0 mins

Ingredients:

Yield: 3.5 cups

• 1/2 cup shortening
• 1/2 cup real butter
• 1 1/2 teaspoons clear vanilla extract
• 1 dash salt (optional)
• 5 cups confectioners' sugar
• 2 -3 tablespoons milk

Directions:

1. Cream butter and shortening then add vanilla.
2. Add sugar a cup at a time beating on medium speed.
3. Add milk 1 Tbls. at a time and beat on high until completely blended.
4. TIP: To cut the sweetness I usually sprinkle some salt in the vanilla (so it will dissolve) before proceeding with recipe as instructed.

Reviews

[Cilantro in Canada]

This was good icing and simple to make. We found we did need to add in about double the amount of milk called for though. Thanks for the recipe

[Emily Elizabeth]

I had to taste this multiple times to be sure , but this icing is perfect! Most decorator icing is just way too sweet. This is perfect. (I used butter flavored Crisco out of necessity)

[Chef #494084]

I am on a mission to find the best frosting for my baby's birthday party...so I am going to be really hard on this recipe (that's why it gets 4 stars instead of 5). In terms of its ability to hold shape it gets 5 stars-for sure! And, yes, the flavor is not shortening-y which is great. The only "problem" I have with it is that it is super sweet...and that is coming from someone with a major sweet tooth. I did cut it with salt in the vanilla as suggested but it was still pretty sugary for me. Otherwise this is awesome! Thanks Marg....