This is the buttercream I use and get great results every time :)
2 lbs. powdered sugar
1 cup (2 sticks) butter softened (soften on countertop rather than microwave for best results)
1 cups solid vegetable shortening
2 Tbsp. clear vanilla extract
1/4 cup milk (any milk is fine but I like milk with higher fat content. You could substitute water, too. See **note below)
Instructions
Cream butter, shortening and extracts until creamy and smooth.
Add powdered sugar and milk. Mix thoroughly on medium speed for approximately 8 min. until creamy and smooth. (I stop at 4 minutes and scrape the sides of the bowl, then mix again for the remaining 4 minutes).
**You can use water in place of milk. The milk (because of the higher fat content) allows for a softer crust than water. It also crusts more slowly than water. Pool party in July is a good place for water.
**Makes about 6 cups of frosting– you can half it, or freeze the leftovers if you don’t need this much! (One cup of frosting frosts about 12 cupcakes.)
Sweet-E
