How to Make Homemade Frosting With Powdered Sugar

Strawberry Frosting Swirls

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Putting the Icing on the Cake

Saving money and having a great-tasting frosting are reasons enough to choose homemade over store-bought. And since, with the right kitchen tools, making homemade frosting is a quick, easy process, there's no reason not to add it to your dessert repertoire. This recipe is for vanilla frosting, just one of many flavors you can create. Try flavors such as chocolate or butterscotch. Experiment with extracts like orange or peppermint. Or, dress it up with additional ingredients like candy sprinkles and confetti.

Total Time: 10 minutes | Prep Time: 10 minutes | Serves: 3 cups of icing for one cake

Ingredients:

  • 3 cups powdered sugar
  • 1/3 cup butter, softened to room temperature
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla
  • 1 to 2 tablespoons milk

Directions:

  1. In a medium mixing bowl, mix the powdered sugar and butter with an electric mixer or a large mixing spoon until it is completely smooth and all the powdered sugar lumps have disappeared. This process will take longer if you use a spoon.
  2. Add the vanilla and 1 tablespoon of milk to the frosting, stirring until the frosting becomes smooth again.
  3. If the frosting seems too thick, add the other tablespoon of milk and stir again. Add even more milk, if necessary, until you reach a spreading consistency.