Wedding Cake Buttercream Frosting

Wedding Cake Buttercream Frosting (Great for Cupcakes Too)

This wedding cake buttercream frosting is a perfectly smooth and creamy topping that adds elegance to any cake or cupcake. Its rich taste and fluffy texture make it a favorite for special occasions. With a hint of lemon and almond, this frosting is versatile enough for weddings, birthdays, or just a sweet treat at home.

Why Make This Recipe

Making this buttercream frosting at home gives you control over the flavor and texture. It’s a delightful way to elevate your baked goods. Plus, this recipe yields a large batch, so you’ll have enough to frost a multi-tiered wedding cake or a dozen cupcakes. The lemon and almond extracts add a unique touch that keeps guests coming back for more!

How to Make Wedding Cake Buttercream Frosting

Ingredients

• 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature (2 sticks)
• 1 cup vegetable shortening (this is not the same thing as lard – please see the notes section)
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 2-3 tablespoons milk
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice (this is not enough to give it a lemon taste—see notes)
• 2 teaspoons clear vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon almond extract (see notes section)
• ½ – 1 teaspoon butter extract (quality butter extract matters; omit if using all butter instead of any shortening—see notes section)
• 6 cups confectioner’s sugar

Directions

1. In a large mixing bowl, add the room-temperature butter, shortening, and salt. Mix with an electric mixer on medium-high speed until very smooth.
2. Add the lemon juice and the extracts. Mix well on medium-high speed.
3. Gradually add three cups of confectioner’s sugar and 2 tablespoons of milk. Mix on low until combined and then on medium-high until well mixed.
4. Add the last three cups of confectioner’s sugar. Again, mix on low until combined, then on medium-high until well mixed.
5. Taste the frosting and adjust the flavoring if needed. You can add more lemon juice for tartness, almond extract for that floral flavor, or butter flavoring to enhance the buttery taste. Make adjustments in small amounts and keep tasting.
6. Check the consistency of the frosting. If it’s too thick, add a teaspoon of milk and mix again. If it’s too thin, add ½ cup of confectioner’s sugar and mix until it thickens.
7. Once you reach your desired consistency, mix on medium-high speed for a couple of minutes to make it fluffy and whiter in color. Alternatively, mix on low speed for a smoother texture.

Please check out the notes section in this recipe card for other important information about the ingredients.

How to Serve Wedding Cake Buttercream Frosting

Spread this delicious frosting on your cooled cakes or cupcakes using a spatula. For a more decorative look, use a piping bag with a star tip to create beautiful swirls or rosettes on your baked goods. This frosting pairs wonderfully with almost any cake flavor, making it an ideal choice for your next celebration!

How to Store Wedding Cake Buttercream Frosting

Store any leftover frosting in an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to one week. Before using, allow it to reach room temperature and give it a good mix to bring back its fluffy texture.

Tips to Make Wedding Cake Buttercream Frosting

• Ensure your butter is at room temperature for easy mixing.
• If the frosting is too sweet for your taste, you can add a pinch of salt to balance it out.
• For a fun twist, consider adding different flavor extracts or colorings according to your theme or preference.

Variation (if any)

You can experiment with different extracts, such as peppermint or orange, for a unique flavor. Additionally, adding cocoa powder will turn this frosting into a tasty chocolate buttercream.

FAQs

1. Can I use all butter instead of shortening?
Yes, you can use all butter for this frosting. However, it may be slightly less stable in warm temperatures.

2. Is clear vanilla extract necessary?
Clear vanilla extract gives a purer white color to your frosting. If you don’t have it, regular vanilla extract works fine.

3. How long can I keep the frosting at room temperature?
The frosting can be left at room temperature for up to two days if the room is cool, but it’s best to refrigerate it for longer storage.

Wedding Cake Buttercream Frosting

This wedding cake buttercream frosting is a perfectly smooth and creamy topping that adds elegance to any cake or cupcake. Its rich taste and fluffy texture make it a favorite for special occasions.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 15 minutes mins

Servings: 12 servings

Course: Dessert, Frosting

Cuisine: American

Calories: 250

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Frosting Base

• 1 cup unsalted butter, room temperature (2 sticks)
• 1 cup vegetable shortening This is not the same thing as lard.
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 2-3 tablespoons milk Add more if adjusting consistency.
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice Not enough to give it a lemon taste.
• 2 teaspoons clear vanilla extract Provides a purer white color.
• 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
• 1/2 - 1 teaspoon butter extract Quality butter extract matters; omit if using all butter.
• 6 cups confectioner's sugar

Method

 

Preparation

1. In a large mixing bowl, add the room-temperature butter, shortening, and salt. Mix with an electric mixer on medium-high speed until very smooth.
2. Add the lemon juice and the extracts. Mix well on medium-high speed.
3. Gradually add three cups of confectioner’s sugar and 2 tablespoons of milk. Mix on low until combined and then on medium-high until well mixed.
4. Add the last three cups of confectioner’s sugar. Again, mix on low until combined, then on medium-high until well mixed.
5. Taste the frosting and adjust the flavoring if needed. You can add more lemon juice for tartness, almond extract for that floral flavor, or butter flavoring to enhance the buttery taste. Make adjustments in small amounts and keep tasting.
6. Check the consistency of the frosting. If it’s too thick, add a teaspoon of milk and mix again. If it’s too thin, add 1/2 cup of confectioner’s sugar and mix until it thickens.
7. Once you reach your desired consistency, mix on medium-high speed for a couple of minutes to make it fluffy and whiter in color. Alternatively, mix on low speed for a smoother texture.

Serving

1. Spread this delicious frosting on your cooled cakes or cupcakes using a spatula. For a more decorative look, use a piping bag with a star tip to create beautiful swirls or rosettes on your baked goods.

Storage

1. Store any leftover frosting in an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to one week. Before using, allow it to reach room temperature and give it a good mix to bring back its fluffy texture.

Notes

Ensure your butter is at room temperature for easy mixing. If the frosting is too sweet for your taste, you can add a pinch of salt to balance it out. For a fun twist, consider adding different flavor extracts or colorings according to your theme or preference.