We absolutely love whipping up our C&H Buttercream Frosting recipe—it’s the ultimate creamy topping that brings any dessert to life. Perfect for cakes cupcakes or even cookies this simple mix delivers that smooth buttery sweetness we’ve all craved in our baking adventures.
Drawing from classic techniques with a nod to C&H’s trusted sugar we make this frosting foolproof and delicious. Whether you’re a novice baker or a pro you’ll find it’s versatile enough to customize with flavors like vanilla or chocolate.
Ingredients
To craft our smooth and versatile C&H Buttercream Frosting, we start by gathering high-quality ingredients that ensure a creamy texture perfect for cakes, cupcakes, and more. We’ll list them in the order they’re used, with key prep notes for accuracy.
Required Ingredients List
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature for easy whipping and a rich base.
- 4 cups C&H Powdered Sugar, sifted to avoid lumps and achieve that signature sweetness we love.
- 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract, for adding a warm, aromatic flavor that enhances the frosting’s adaptability.
- 2-4 tablespoons milk or heavy cream, added gradually to reach the desired consistency—use more for a lighter spread and less for stiffer piping.
This selection keeps our recipe simple yet customizable, allowing you to experiment with flavors while maintaining the buttery sweetness highlighted in our discussion.
Equipment Needed
To prepare our C&H Buttercream Frosting with ease and precision, we recommend gathering a few essential tools that streamline the process and ensure a smooth, creamy result. These items help us achieve the perfect texture while minimizing effort, especially when working with ingredients like softened butter and sifted powdered sugar.
Here’s a list of the key equipment, organized by their role in the recipe:
- Large Mixing Bowl: We use this as the base for combining our softened unsalted butter and other ingredients. Opt for a sturdy, heat-resistant bowl to handle the mixing process without spills.
- Electric Mixer (Hand or Stand): Essential for creaming the butter and powdered sugar to that signature fluffy consistency. A stand mixer saves time for larger batches, while a hand mixer works well for smaller ones.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accuracy is key in our C&H Buttercream Frosting recipe, so we rely on these for precise measurements of items like vanilla extract and milk.
- Rubber Spatula: We employ this to scrape down the sides of the bowl, ensuring all ingredients incorporate evenly and avoiding any lumps in the final frosting.
- Sifter (Optional): Although our ingredients call for pre-sifted C&H Powdered Sugar, we might use this if extra fineness is desired to prevent grittiness.
By having these tools ready, we set ourselves up for a seamless transition into the mixing steps, making our frosting preparation both efficient and enjoyable.
Instructions
Now that we have gathered our ingredients and essential tools, we guide you through creating our irresistible C&H Buttercream Frosting with simple, precise steps for a velvety smooth finish.
Prepare the Ingredients
Before we begin mixing, let’s ensure all components are prepped and measured accurately to achieve the perfect texture. Start by softening 1 cup of unsalted butter—let it sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes until it’s pliable but not melted. Next, sift 4 cups of C&H Powdered Sugar to remove any lumps, promoting a silky consistency. Measure out 2 teaspoons of pure vanilla extract and prepare 2-4 tablespoons of milk or heavy cream, adjusting based on desired thickness—use less for stiffer frosting and more for a spreadable one. Organize these in the order we’ll use them: butter first, followed by sugar, vanilla, and finally the milk.
Cream the Butter and Sugar
With our ingredients ready, we start by creaming the base for that signature buttery sweetness. Place the softened unsalted butter in a large mixing bowl and use an electric mixer on medium speed to beat it for 1-2 minutes until it’s light and fluffy, almost like whipped clouds. Gradually add the sifted C&H Powdered Sugar, about 1 cup at a time, while continuing to mix on low speed to avoid a powdery mess, then increase to medium-high. Beat for another 3-5 minutes until the mixture turns pale yellow and forms stiff peaks, creating a smooth, crave-worthy base that promises to elevate any dessert.
Add Flavorings and Adjust
Once the butter and sugar are creamed to perfection, we infuse our C&H Buttercream Frosting with flavor and fine-tune its consistency for optimal spreadability. Add 2 teaspoons of pure vanilla extract to the bowl and mix on low speed for 1 minute to evenly distribute the warm, aromatic notes. Slowly incorporate 2-4 tablespoons of milk or heavy cream, one tablespoon at a time, while mixing on medium speed; stop to check the texture after each addition—if it’s too thick, add more liquid for a glossy sheen; if too runny, add a bit more sifted C&H Powdered Sugar. Continue beating for 1-2 more minutes until the frosting reaches a velvety, pipeable consistency, ensuring it’s easy to apply while maintaining that rich, buttery taste.
Make-Ahead Instructions
For convenience, we recommend preparing our C&H Buttercream Frosting in advance to save time on busy baking days. After completing the recipe, transfer the frosting to an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to 1 week—simply let it sit at room temperature for 30-60 minutes before use and re-whip with an electric mixer for 1-2 minutes to restore its fluffy texture. For longer storage, freeze in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator and re-whip as needed to maintain the smooth, fresh flavor. Always use clean utensils to avoid contamination and check for any off odors before reusing.
Conclusion
We’re thrilled you’ve explored this C&H Buttercream Frosting recipe with us
It’s a game-changer for your baking adventures
With its smooth texture and endless tweaks you’ll create desserts that wow every time
Let’s get frosting and make every occasion sweeter!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is C&H Buttercream Frosting?
C&H Buttercream Frosting is a simple, creamy recipe perfect for cakes, cupcakes, and cookies. It features a smooth, buttery sweetness that’s versatile and easy to customize with flavors like vanilla or chocolate, making it ideal for novice and experienced bakers alike.
What ingredients are needed for C&H Buttercream Frosting?
You’ll need 1 cup softened unsalted butter, 4 cups sifted C&H Powdered Sugar, 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract, and 2-4 tablespoons milk or heavy cream. These ingredients ensure a light, fluffy texture while allowing for easy flavor experimentation.
What equipment is required to make C&H Buttercream Frosting?
Essential tools include a large mixing bowl, an electric mixer (hand or stand), measuring cups and spoons, a rubber spatula, and an optional sifter. These items help achieve a smooth result efficiently, especially for creaming butter and sugar.
How do I prepare C&H Buttercream Frosting?
Start by softening the butter and sifting the powdered sugar. Cream them together until fluffy, add vanilla extract, then mix in milk or cream to adjust consistency. The process takes about 10-15 minutes and yields a versatile frosting for various desserts.
Can I customize the flavor of C&H Buttercream Frosting?
Yes, you can easily customize it by adding flavors like chocolate or other extracts while keeping the base recipe intact. Simply incorporate your choice during mixing to maintain the smooth, buttery sweetness without altering the core preparation.
How should I store homemade C&H Buttercream Frosting?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze for up to three months. Thaw in the fridge and re-whip if needed to restore texture, ensuring it stays fresh for your baking needs.
Can I make C&H Buttercream Frosting ahead of time?
Absolutely, prepare it in advance and refrigerate for up to a week or freeze for longer storage. This allows for convenient use in recipes, maintaining its creamy quality when brought back to room temperature and mixed briefly.