We crave the classic taste of a silky smooth icing that sweetens every bite. Our C&H Powdered Sugar Buttercream Frosting does just that. It’s a true staple in our baking routine with just a handful of pantry staples.
We love how it forms that fluffy swirl on cupcakes. It spreads like a dream over layered cakes or cookies. We can trace its timeless roots in simple homemade sweets cherished for generations. Perfect for birthdays or weddings this frosting delivers a delicate creamy finish.
We always reach for C&H Powdered Sugar because it’s finely milled. That means our frosting whips up light and smooth without any hint of grittiness.
Ingredients
We rely on C&H Powdered Sugar to give our frosting its trademark fluffiness and sweetness. In this section we gather the essentials needed for a delightful texture:
- 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks) softened
- 4 cups C&H Powdered Sugar sifted
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 pinch salt
The softened butter blends effortlessly with our C&H Powdered Sugar for a glossy finish. The heavy cream adds extra richness and moisture while the pinch of salt balances the sweetness.
Tools And Equipment
- Stand Mixer or Hand Mixer
We rely on a heavy-duty stand mixer or a reliable hand mixer to capture a velvety texture. The paddle attachment or whisk blade thoroughly combines the butter, sugar, and cream.
- Measuring Cups And Spoons
We keep measuring cups and spoons handy. They let us prevent overpacking issues and ensure consistent ratios for our C&H Powdered Sugar Buttercream Frosting.
- Sifter
We sift the powdered sugar to eliminate lumps. This step keeps the frosting smooth and helps with proper aeration.
- Large Mixing Bowl
We use a spacious mixing bowl. It accommodates all the ingredients and prevents spills during blending.
- Rubber Spatula
We rely on a flexible spatula for scraping the bowl sides. This tool ensures we incorporate every bit of our frosting mix.
- Offset Spatula or Piping Bag
We often use these for final decoration. They help us spread or pipe the frosting neatly on cupcakes, layered cakes, or cookies.
Prep Steps
- We remove our unsalted butter from the fridge and let it rest at room temperature for 30 minutes
- We sift 4 cups of C&H Powdered Sugar into a large mixing bowl to eliminate lumps
- We measure 1 to 2 tablespoons of heavy cream or milk plus 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract
- We set aside a pinch of salt to balance sweetness
- We prepare a stand mixer or hand mixer along with our measuring spoons and rubber spatula
| Step | Action | Time (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Soften unsalted butter | 30 minutes |
| 2 | Sift C&H Powdered Sugar | 2 minutes |
| 3 | Measure liquids and salt | 1 minute |
| 4 | Arrange mixer and tools | 1 minute |
Directions
Below we lay out the steps we follow to achieve a silky C&H Powdered Sugar Buttercream Frosting. We ensure each step is precise so we can decorate our favorite baked goods with confidence.
Cream The Butter
- Place the softened unsalted butter in a large mixing bowl.
- Set the stand mixer or hand mixer to low speed.
- Mix until the butter appears smooth and slightly fluffy.
Incorporate The C&H Powdered Sugar
- Gradually add 1 cup of C&H Powdered Sugar at a time.
- Continue mixing on low speed to prevent sugar clouds.
- Pause intermittently to scrape the sides with a rubber spatula.
- Once fully incorporated, increase the mixer speed to medium for a velvety texture.
Adjust Flavor And Consistency
- Add 1 tablespoon of heavy cream or milk and 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract.
- Sprinkle in a pinch of salt to balance sweetness.
- Mix on medium speed until we reach our preferred consistency.
- If the frosting is too thick or sweet, add a small splash of cream or another pinch of salt.
- If it is too soft, sift in a bit more C&H Powdered Sugar for extra stability.
| Preferred Result | Action | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Thicker Frosting | Add ¼ cup more C&H Powdered Sugar | Denser finish for sturdy piping |
| Lighter Consistency | Blend in 1 tablespoon of cream or milk | Airier texture for easy spreading |
| Stronger Vanilla Flavor | Increase pure vanilla extract by ½ teaspoon | More pronounced flavor profile |
| Less Sweetness | Add another pinch of salt | Smooths out overly sweet notes |
Storage And Make-Ahead Tips
We store C&H Powdered Sugar Buttercream Frosting in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days. We allow it to come to room temperature before we re-whip or spread it. We freeze the frosting for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container when we need long-term storage. We thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. Then we rest it at room temperature and whip it again for a fluffy finish.
| Storage Method | Temperature | Container | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator | 40°F or below | Airtight container | 7 days |
| Freezer | 0°F or below | Freezer-safe container | 3 months |
Conclusion
We’ve created a sweet topping that complements anything from birthday cupcakes to layered wedding cakes. Its light texture and classic flavor let us add a special touch to our desserts whether we’re whipping it up for a casual weekend treat or a grand celebration. With this timeless recipe in our repertoire we can explore endless decorating options and elevate every baked creation. Each spoonful reminds us that sometimes the simplest treats bring the greatest delight.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes C&H Powdered Sugar Buttercream Frosting unique?
C&H Powdered Sugar Buttercream Frosting stands out because of its smooth texture and classic taste. The finely sifted C&H Powdered Sugar helps create a light, velvety feel without any grittiness. Combined with softened butter, cream, and a pinch of salt, this frosting offers a timeless flavor that pairs perfectly with cupcakes, layered cakes, and cookies for any special event.
Which ingredients are essential for this frosting?
You’ll need unsalted butter, sifted C&H Powdered Sugar, heavy cream or milk, pure vanilla extract, and a small amount of salt. These basics work together to achieve a glossy, rich, and delicious frosting. Properly measuring and sifting the powdered sugar is crucial for the smoothest result.
How do I ensure a silky consistency?
Start by softening the butter at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Cream it well before slowly adding the sifted powdered sugar. Mix on low speed to avoid lumps, then gradually incorporate the cream, vanilla, and salt. Adjust the frosting’s thickness or sweetness by adding more liquid, sugar, or flavoring until you’re happy with the texture.
What tools will I need?
Use a heavy-duty stand mixer or a sturdy hand mixer for best results. A large mixing bowl, measuring cups, and spoons are important for accurate ratios. Sifting tools keep the sugar smooth, and a rubber spatula helps scrape the bowl. For decorating, an offset spatula or a piping bag ensures neat frosting application.
Can I customize the flavor?
Yes! You can modify the frosting’s flavor by adding different extracts, citrus zest, or cocoa powder. You can also change the sweetness or texture by adjusting the amount of powdered sugar or cream. Feel free to experiment with small test batches until you find the perfect balance that suits your taste preferences.
How should I store leftover frosting?
Put leftover frosting in an airtight container and keep it in the fridge for up to seven days. When you’re ready to use it again, let it come to room temperature, then re-whip it until it’s fluffy. For longer storage—up to three months—freeze your frosting in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before whipping and serving.