Buttercream icing

Whether eaten straight from the bowl with a spoon, or licked off the top of a cupcake, we all love buttercream. Here's how to master this basic frosting

Ingredients

• 125 g unsalted butter, softened and cubed
• 250 g icing sugar, sifted
• 5.5 tbsp whole milk
• 1 tsp vanilla extract

Steps

1. Beat the softened butter using either a hand mixer or free-standing electric mixer until smooth. Gradually add the icing sugar in 3 separate additions and beat fully between each. Add the vanilla and milk and beat to fully combine. On full speed beat the buttercream for at least 5 minutes until fluffy, smooth and lighten in colour.
2. Spread and fill a 20cm cake or fill a large pipping bag and pipe over cupcakes.