For many folks, whipping cream is the true star of the show and the cake is only the vehicle for it. And as a baker, you ought to be able to prepare your own cake icing. Cake frosting is simple to make and there is no need in relying on it. There are only four ingredients needed to follow this cake frosting recipe, and chances are you already have them in your kitchen without ever realizing it. The best aspect about this cake frosting recipe is how well it complements sweet and buttery flavors without being too heavy-handed with the dairy. 

What is Cake Frosting? 

A buttercream layer or icing drizzle is necessary to finish off any pastry. Cakes and cupcakes are topped with frosting, which is a whipped confection. It can be flavored with vanilla beans and cocoa powder and is typically produced by beating butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Broadly speaking, frosting is fluffier and thicker than icing, which is thin and has a propensity to set quickly. Icing typically needs to be spooned, poured, or drizzled over baked items rather than being spread like frosting. And this cake frosting recipe will teach you how to make the perfect frosting. 

Cake Frosting Recipe

Ingredients

• 12 cups confectioners' sugar
• 3/4 cup softened butter
• 3/4 cup whole milk
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

Directions

Step One: With a spoon or an electric mixer set to low speed, combine the butter and powdered sugar in a medium bowl. Mix in 1 tablespoon of the milk and the vanilla.

Step Two: Gradually add just enough milk to make the frosting creamy and spreadable.  Gradually add a few drops of milk if the frosting appears to be too thick for your recipe. Beat in some powdered sugar if the frosting gets too thin.