How to Make the Best Buttercream Frosting

What is something that everyone loves to eat but hardly anybody enjoys making? The answer that you are looking for is buttercream frosting. Actually, making frosting of any kind is a mammoth task undertaken by bakers if done manually. Automatically, with the help of an electric stand mixer, indeed, this task becomes convenient.

So, the first thing that you must ask yourself is whether or not you are going to wholeheartedly complete the laborious task of making smooth buttercream frosting for cake or, after a few whips, call it quits and end up with a lumpy frosting bowl? Now, coming back to the question, why should buttercream be smooth? Let’s apply logic, shall we? Frostings of any kind are used to decorate, layer, cover and beautify the appeal of a dessert. From pastries to cupcakes to cakes, all of these desserts are coated with creamy frostings of all kinds. If the frosting is not developed into a smooth, even consistency, layering the cake with it will become a challenging task. For even spread, the consistency must be at first developed. That being said, let us now get started and whip up some smooth, creamy best buttercream frosting in no time!

Step 1: Sift Your Powdered Sugar

You may have noticed how sugar is often told to be added to your frosting mixture in a powdered form. Wondering why? Sugar is one of the most important components in the preparation of buttercream icing. The base of a good frosting is made with generous amounts of sugar. Whether you are using brown sugar or white, make sure that it is powdered. Powdered sugar is easy to mix as the particles are small and blend easily. Sifting this compound that is already in a powdered form further guarantees a good quality mixture as there is no possibility of lump formation once in the mixture. Sifting also eliminates the chance of uneven sugar lumps from passing through the sieve.

Step 2: Use Semi-Cold Butter

Butter for frosting must never be used when it is at room temperature. In fact, a semi-cold stick of butter is a better fit for frosting preparation as it has a certain solid consistency that will be further beaten into the mixture. If your butter stick is already close to melting by the time you use it for preparation, your mixture will turn watery and not have an ideal smooth cream consistency. For the best results, take a stick of butter and place it in the fridge. Take it out just 5 mins before starting the buttercream icing process.

Step 3: Add the Powdered Sugar

Now that you have taken a stick of semi-cold butter and sifted the powdered sugar, the next step to follow is to pour them into a mixing bowl. If you are using an electric mixer that will gradually beat the two ingredients together, pour the powdered sugar into the bowl attached. According to professional bakers, smashing the butter stick with a blunt object like the back of a spoon will allow the semi-cold butter to soften. Only then you must add the sifted powdered sugar.

Step 4: Add Heavy Whipping

The most simple yet the most complicated step of the buttercream icing making process is adding whipped cream. If it is not added consistently, then the icing can turn lumpy and uneven. Heavy whipped cream must be at room temperature. If you are preparing heavy whipped cream at home, follow the recipe instructions down to the bone and keep an eye out for lumps. Add some powdered sugar to the cream in batches with the mixture. This guarantees a smooth, creamy consistency of the icing being prepared.

Step 5: Beat the Buttercream for Five Minutes

The essential bare minimum is to keep beating the mixture for five whole minutes. Though beating is the most acceptable method of preparing buttercream icing, many bakers love the fluffy smooth texture of buttercream icing, which is achieved through whipping only. However, this particular type of icing preparation is more common for topping the dessert.

Step 6: Mix the Buttercream by Hand

One of the most helpful buttercream frosting tips is to try to do it manually. Beating the mixture by hand is the most effective way to create a smooth continuous consistency. When you beat buttercream icing by hand, you will have better control over the mixture. This way, you know the consistency you wish to achieve. If someone is using an electric mixer, they need to be alert and present all throughout the process. Keep checking the uniformity and fluidity of the mixture so that it is not too runny.

Perfecting buttercream icing will take some time. Like most baking procedures and practices, making icing for cakes and pastries will take patience and a uniform combination of all the ingredients. So keep at it and do not be discouraged!