We’ve always loved how a simple buttercream frosting can transform any dessert into a showstopper, and our C&H version brings that magic to your kitchen. Drawing from classic American baking roots, this recipe highlights C&H sugar’s pure sweetness for a velvety texture that’s perfect for cakes or cupcakes.
It’s incredibly versatile too, letting us whip up a batch that’s easy yet impressive for any occasion. Join us as we share tips to make your frosting dreams come true.
Ingredients
As we explore our C&H Buttercream Frosting recipe, let’s gather the key ingredients that deliver its signature sweetness and velvety texture, enhancing everything from cakes to cupcakes for any occasion.
- Unsalted butter: 1 cup (2 sticks), softened to room temperature – This forms the creamy base, ensuring easy blending and a rich mouthfeel.
- C&H Powdered Sugar: 4 cups, sifted – The star of our recipe, this fine sugar from C&H dissolves smoothly for that perfect, lump-free sweetness that elevates the frosting’s flavor.
- Vanilla extract: 2 teaspoons, pure – Added next for its aromatic depth, infusing a warm, inviting scent that complements the frosting’s taste.
- Milk or heavy cream: 2 to 4 tablespoons, at room temperature – We incorporate this to achieve the ideal consistency, making the frosting spreadable and light.
- Salt: ¼ teaspoon (optional) – This enhances the overall flavor balance, cutting through sweetness if desired for a more nuanced finish.
Required Tools and Equipment
To prepare our C&H Buttercream Frosting with precision and ease, we rely on a few essential tools that ensure smooth mixing, accurate measurements, and professional results. Building on the ingredients we’ve outlined, these items help us achieve that perfect creamy texture without any hassle.
Essential Tools List
We recommend the following tools, organized by their role in the process. Each one is key to handling the unsalted butter, C&H powdered sugar, and other components effectively:
- Electric Mixer or Stand Mixer: This is our go-to for creaming the butter and sugar together quickly. We suggest a hand-held electric mixer for smaller batches or a stand mixer for larger ones, as it saves time and prevents arm fatigue during the beating process.
- Large Mixing Bowl: Ideal for combining ingredients, we use a sturdy, heat-resistant bowl that holds at least 4 quarts to avoid spills when whipping the frosting to its fluffy peak.
- Rubber Spatula: Invaluable for scraping down the sides of the bowl, this tool ensures every bit of our C&H Buttercream Frosting mixture is evenly incorporated, maintaining consistent flavor and texture.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accuracy is crucial, so we always use a set of dry measuring cups (for powdered sugar) and spoons (for vanilla extract) to measure ingredients precisely, avoiding any imbalances in sweetness or consistency.
- Fine-Mesh Sieve or Sifter: For sifting the C&H powdered sugar, we find this tool eliminates lumps and aerates the sugar, resulting in a smoother frosting that elevates our desserts.
Additional Equipment Tips
If you’re scaling up for events, consider adding a Piping Bag and Tips to our list. These allow us to apply the frosting decoratively, turning a simple cake into a stunning centerpiece. In our experience, opting for high-quality, durable tools like these not only streamlines the process but also enhances the overall outcome of our C&H Buttercream Frosting recipe.
Directions
Now that we have gathered our essential ingredients and tools, we can create our smooth and decadent C&H Buttercream Frosting with ease and precision.
Preparation
Before mixing, proper preparation ensures a flawless texture and enhances the frosting’s creamy appeal. Start by softening the unsalted butter—we recommend leaving 1 cup of unsalted butter at room temperature for about 30 minutes until it reaches a spreadable consistency, allowing it to blend seamlessly for that velvety base. Next, measure out 4 cups of C&H powdered sugar and sift it through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any lumps, which prevents a gritty finish and promotes an ultra-smooth sweetness.
- Gather 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract for its aromatic depth that elevates the flavor profile.
- Measure 2-4 tablespoons of milk or heavy cream to adjust consistency, depending on desired thickness.
- If using, add a pinch of optional salt to balance the sweetness and enhance the overall taste.
This step sets the stage for a frosting that boasts a light, fluffy texture and a sweet aroma perfect for any dessert.
Mixing
Once prepared, we’ll mix the ingredients using active techniques to achieve a flawless, pipeable consistency that highlights the superior quality of C&H powdered sugar.
In a large mixing bowl, use an electric mixer on medium speed to cream the softened unsalted butter for 1-2 minutes until it’s pale and fluffy, creating a rich base that traps air for lightness. Gradually add the sifted C&H powdered sugar, about 1 cup at a time, mixing on low speed after each addition to avoid clouds of sugar and ensure even incorporation—continue for 3-4 minutes until the mixture is thick and cohesive.
- Slowly incorporate the 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract and the pinch of optional salt, then drizzle in 2-4 tablespoons of milk or heavy cream one tablespoon at a time, increasing mixer speed to medium-high as needed, until the frosting reaches a silky, spreadable texture that holds peaks without being too stiff.
- Beat for an additional 1-2 minutes to whip in air, resulting in a frosting with a delicate sheen and buttery aroma ideal for decorating cakes or cupcakes.
| Batch Size | Unsalted Butter (cups) | C&H Powdered Sugar (cups) | Vanilla Extract (tsp) | Milk or Cream (tbsp) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1x (Standard) | 1 | 4 | 1 | 2-4 |
| 2x (Double) | 2 | 8 | 2 | 4-8 |
Make-Ahead and Storage
As we perfect our C&H Buttercream Frosting recipe, planning ahead can save time and ensure your frosting remains fluffy and flavorful for your desserts. Let’s explore how to prepare and store it effectively, maintaining that signature creamy texture and sweetness from C&H powdered sugar.
Make-Ahead Tips
We often make our C&H Buttercream Frosting in advance to streamline baking sessions. Follow these steps for optimal results:
- Prepare the frosting as directed: After mixing, let it cool completely at room temperature to preserve its light, airy consistency.
- Portion for ease: Divide the frosting into smaller batches if needed, using airtight containers to prevent drying out.
- Store immediately: Transfer to a sealed container and refrigerate within 30 minutes of preparation to lock in freshness.
In our experience, you can make this frosting up to 2 days ahead, allowing the flavors—like the aromatic vanilla extract—to meld beautifully without compromising quality.
Storage Guidelines
Proper storage is key to keeping our C&H Buttercream Frosting velvety and ready for use. Here’s how to handle it based on your needs:
- Refrigeration: Place the frosting in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 7 days, retaining its smooth texture for easy piping or spreading.
- Freezing for longer-term: For extended storage, freeze in freezer-safe bags or containers. This method keeps the frosting viable for up to 3 months, though we advise thawing slowly in the fridge to avoid separation.
- Thawing and refreshing: When ready to use, thaw refrigerated or frozen frosting overnight in the fridge. If it firms up, re-whip with an electric mixer for 1-2 minutes, adding a splash of milk if necessary to restore that perfect, whipped consistency.
To help you track storage durations clearly, we’ve compiled the key details in the table below:
| Storage Method | Duration | Key Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigeration | Up to 7 days | Use within 3 days for best flavor; cover surface with plastic wrap to prevent crusting. |
| Freezing | Up to 3 months | Double-bag for extra protection against freezer burn; label with date for easy tracking. |
By following these straightforward steps, your C&H Buttercream Frosting will be as delightful as the day you made it, ready to elevate cakes, cupcakes, and more with minimal effort.
Conclusion
We’ve loved sharing how C&H Buttercream Frosting elevates your baking game with its simple yet stunning results. It’s a versatile staple that brings joy to every treat we create.
Remember we’re here to inspire your next masterpiece so dive in and experiment with confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is C&H Buttercream Frosting?
C&H Buttercream Frosting is a versatile, creamy topping made with C&H powdered sugar for smooth sweetness. It’s perfect for cakes, cupcakes, and desserts, offering a light, fluffy texture that enhances flavors. This recipe uses simple ingredients like unsalted butter and vanilla for a homemade touch, making it ideal for any occasion.
What ingredients are needed for C&H Buttercream Frosting?
Key ingredients include unsalted butter for a creamy base, C&H powdered sugar for sweetness, pure vanilla extract for flavor, milk or heavy cream for consistency, and optional salt for balance. These combine to create a smooth, airy frosting that’s easy to customize.
What tools are required to make C&H Buttercream Frosting?
You’ll need an electric mixer or stand mixer for creaming, a large mixing bowl to prevent spills, a rubber spatula for even mixing, measuring cups and spoons for accuracy, and a fine-mesh sieve to sift sugar. For decorating, add a piping bag and tips to achieve professional results.
How do I prepare C&H Buttercream Frosting step by step?
Start by softening unsalted butter and sifting C&H powdered sugar. Cream the butter until fluffy, then gradually add powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk or cream to reach desired consistency. Mix until smooth, adjusting as needed. This process takes about 5-10 minutes and can be scaled for different batch sizes.
Can I make C&H Buttercream Frosting ahead of time?
Yes, prepare it in advance for convenience. Make the frosting, let it cool, then store in an airtight container. It holds up well, allowing you to focus on baking later without compromising quality.
How should I store C&H Buttercream Frosting?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 7 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and re-whip for the best texture. Always ensure it’s at room temperature before using to maintain its light, fluffy consistency.
How can I adjust the consistency of C&H Buttercream Frosting?
To thicken, add more powdered sugar; to thin, incorporate additional milk or cream gradually. Cream the butter well first for a fluffy base. Test by spreading on a spoon—if it’s too stiff, add liquid; if runny, add sugar until perfect.