Cakes are the perfect choice for desserts, which can satisfy everyone's sweet tooth. The delicious cakes have been an integral part of all celebrations, be it birthdays, weddings or anniversaries.They are enjoyed by one and all, irrespective of age. Baking cakes at home has become a simpler task these days, with the scores of recipe books in the market. But decorating a cake is not all that easy for everyone. A cake without icing is incomplete. Cakes topped with creamy icing are very tempting and the kids just love it.
What is Buttercream Icing?
Buttercream cake frosting or icing, is known as the 'queen of icing', and is the most popular types of icing used for decorating cakes. It is smooth and creamy and stays soft on the cakes. It can be piped to make different designs or lettering on the cake. Buttercream icing will make your cake look perfect and leave your guests licking their fingers.
How to Make Buttercream Icing
Buttercream frosting is easy to make at home. The secret to a smooth texture is the order and the amount, in which the ingredients go in.
Ingredients
- 3 cups butter or shortening
- 3 egg yolks
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 tablespoon baking soda
- 7 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 5 tablespoons milk
Cream the butter in a bowl, until soft. Add salt and sugar and continue beating. Then add the egg yolks and vanilla and blend well till creamy and fluffy. If it becomes dry, add milk till the required consistency is attained. Cover it with a damp cloth until ready to decorate the cakes.
Egg-Free Buttercream Icing
For all the vegetarians and those who are allergic to eggs, here's a recipe of buttercream icing without eggs. It works great for cakes and cookies and is creamy and smooth just like the one above.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup shortening
- 1/2 cup softened butter or margarine
- 1 teaspoon vanilla essence
- 4 cups sifted confectioner's sugar
- 2 tablespoons milk
Blend together butter, shortening and vanilla in a large bowl, until fluffy. Add sugar and continue creaming till it blends well. When all the sugar gets mixed in, the icing will appear dry. Then add milk to it and beat well to make it fluffy again. Cover the bowl with a damp cloth until ready to use.
Chocolate Buttercream Frosting
Buttercream chocolate frosting serves as a treat for all the chocolate crazy folks.
Ingredients
- 1 cup chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup cocoa or hot brewed coffee
- 4 cups sifted confectioner's sugar
- 1/2 cup shortening
- 1/2 cup softened butter
- 4 tablespoons milk
- 2 tablespoons dark rum
Cream butter and shortening in a large bowl. Then add cocoa or coffee to it and mix well. Now add sugar gradually and blend well until creamy. Add milk and chocolate chips and beat well. Keep the icing covered until ready to use. Re-whip it just before use for best results.
So, now when you bake a cake at home, don't forget to decorate it with the smooth, creamy buttercream icing that you have just learned to make. Top it up with fresh fruits or nuts of your choice and get ready for a delicious treat.
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