Recipe: Best Buttercream Frosting with Variations

Best Buttercream Frosting

This classic icing is quick and easy to prepare
and can be flavored in any way the birthday
child fancies.

1 cup unsalted butter, softened to room
temperature
3 cups sifted confectioners' sugar
2 tsp. vanilla extract
2 tbsp. light corn syrup
1 tbsp. milk

In the bowl of an electric mixer, cream the
butter until fluffy. Add the remaining
ingredients and beat until smooth. Makes 4
cups.

STRAWBERRY OR RASPBERRY FROSTING
Add 1/4 cup seedless strawberry or raspberry
jam to the basic frosting recipe. Add an
additional 1/2 cup of confectioners' sugar and
omit the light corn syrup.

CHOCOLATE FROSTING
Substitute 1/2 to 3/4 cup of cocoa powder for
an equal amount of confectioners' sugar.

LEMON FROSTING
Substitute 1 teaspoon lemon extract for the
vanilla extract and add the finely grated zest of
1 lemon.

CREAM CHEESE FROSTING
Substitute 4 ounces of cream cheese for 1/2
cup of butter and use lemon juice instead of
milk. Beat in an additional 1 1/2 to 2 cups
confectioners' sugar and omit the light corn
syrup.