My Favorite Buttercream Frosting Recipe

As someone who isn't the biggest fan of buttercream frosting, I finally found a recipe that I really enjoy! It's sweet, but doesn't have that lingering taste of butter to it. It's also great for piping which is perfect for the more decorative cupcake. I've been using this for almost all of my cupcakes lately and everyone seems to really enjoy the taste. So today I decided I'm going to spread the love and share with you my favorite buttercream frosting recipe:

INGREDIENTS: 

• 1 cup of Crisco shortening
• 1 cup of unsalted butter at room temperature 
• 2 lbs of powdered sugar/icing sugar
• 1 tbs of your preferred flavored extract, I use almond extract
• Milk or heavy cream (enough to get the consistency needed)

INSTRUCTIONS:

• Cream together both the shortening and butter until white and fluffy. I begin with my mixer on low speed, scrape down the sides with a spatula, and continue on high speed for about five minutes.
• Slowly add in the powdered sugar about 1 cup at a time again, scrape down the sides as you go until all the powdered sugar is incorporated. 
• Add you flavored extract now. You can use less or more than 1 tbs depending on your preference. 
• Add in your milk or heavy cream. Pour in a little at a time, mix, until you get the consistency needed for your project. If you're piping details you will need a thicker consistency. (IE. For the frosting in the flower above I only used about 2 tbs of milk.)

***Tip: Instead of using a flavored extract, try a flavored coffee creamer in place of the milk. This adds that little pop of flavor without the extra ingredient.