“Sweet buttercream” is a frosting or icing in cake decorating and pastry making. It combines butter with powdered sugar and flavorings to create a smooth, creamy, sweet topping for cakes, cupcakes, and other desserts.
Here’s a basic recipe for sweet buttercream:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
- 4 cups powdered sugar (also known as confectioners’ sugar or icing sugar)
- 1-2 teaspoons vanilla extract (or other flavourings like almond extract, lemon extract, etc.)
- 2-4 tablespoons milk or heavy cream
Instructions:
- In a mixing bowl, beat the softened butter with an electric mixer on medium speed until creamy and smooth.
- Gradually add the powdered sugar, one cup at a time, mixing on low speed until well combined after each addition.
- Add the vanilla extract (or other flavorings) and two tablespoons of milk or cream. Mix on low speed to incorporate.
- Continue mixing, adding more milk or cream to reach your desired consistency. If the frosting is too thick, add more milk or cream, a little at a time. If it’s too thin, add more powdered sugar.
- Once the frosting is smooth and creamy, it’s ready to use. Spread or pipe the sweet buttercream onto your cakes, cupcakes, or other desserts as desired.
Sweet buttercream can be customized with different flavours, colours, and textures by adding ingredients like cocoa powder, fruit purees, melted chocolate, or food colouring. It’s a versatile and delicious frosting that adds sweetness and richness to baked treats.