Confectioners’ Sugar Frosting

confectioners sugar frosting recipe

This confectioners’ sugar frosting recipe is very easy and is the go-to for many cake bakers. It is similar to canned frostings, which is a plus for many because it’s the nostalgic, sweet frosting from many of our childhoods. It is easy to make and has a basic vanilla flavor. The recipe makes enough to fill and frost a typical 8-inch or 9-inch two-layer cake.

Confectioners’ Sugar Frosting
Author: 
Makes: Makes 3¾ cups
 
Ingredients
  • ¾ cup (1½ sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature, cut into small pieces
  • 6¾ cups confectioner’s sugar, whisked before measuring (plus extra as needed)
  • ⅓ cup whole milk (plus extra as needed)
  • 1½ teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions
  1. In a large bowl with an electric mixer on medium-high speed, beat butter until creamy, about 2 minutes. Add 1 cup sugar gradually, beating until light and fluffy, about 3 minutes, scraping down the bowl once or twice. Add remaining sugar, milk and vanilla and beat on high speed until silky smooth. Frosting is now ready to use and is best if used immediately, although it may be refrigerated in an airtight container for 4 days. (Bring to room temperature and re-beat after storing).

 Bakepedia Tips

  • Most frostings that use confectioners sugar require a bit of leeway. If the frosting is too thin, add a bit more confectioners sugar, if too thick, thin with a little milk.
  • The key to making this silky smooth and creamy is to beat it longer than you might think is needed; once it is smooth, keep beating for a couple of minutes. This extended beating time gives the confectioners’ sugar, which is powdery and slightly granular, time to dissolve to a greater extent.

6 Responses to Confectioners’ Sugar Frosting

  1. Ivette November 21, 2013 at 11:11 pm #

    Is this enough buttercream for a two layer 8 inch cake?
    Appreciate the answer Thanks! 🙂

    • Dede Wilson November 22, 2013 at 9:52 am #

      Yes it is and it’s a great question. I am going to add this info to the recipe. Thank you for pointing this out. Enjoy!

  2. Paula January 19, 2014 at 8:25 pm #

    Can you substitute almond or rice milk if you are allergic to dairy and soy and still have the same consistency?

    • Dede Wilson January 20, 2014 at 9:13 am #

      You can try either of those milks and they will work but the consistency will be different. They are often low fat and lack the body that whole milk does. Also, there is the matter of the butter in the recipe. If you are eliminating dairy you would have to substitute that as well as I am not fond of margarine as a substitute. But that is just my palate. You can certainly give it a go and it might be perfect for your needs.

    • Elise Vajgrt June 5, 2014 at 8:32 pm #

      I use water instead of milk…doesn’t crust over.

      • Dede Wilson June 6, 2014 at 8:51 am #

        The liquid does change it. Heavy cream makes it creamy and rich. You could even use orange juice for flavor!

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