Between April and early July I have 3 kids with birthdays. Birthdays are a big deal around here. My April-borns are already planning NEXT year's parties while my July-born is getting VERY excited about his party that is coming up in 2 weeks! I've actually been thinking I'm going to start some posts about party theme ideas--if you've got some great ones you've pulled off and want to submit some guest posts with pictures, please email me! Now cakes are the center of any good party theme and for these Glory kids (and their mom!), that cake better be made with buttercream frosting. Oh the possibilities that are out there for fondant iced cakes, but fondant isn't really made to taste good! I've been meaning to get a whole little collage of pictures made for this post for like a year now and just haven't done it, so you're just going to get it with whatever I can find! I'm sorry this calls for Crisco--I know its an import ingredient for most of us. This frosting recipe is from the Wilton decorating site (where you can find so many fun ideas!). It is perfect for decorated cakes (you know, piping on with bags and tips and such) or just spreading on!
Buttercream Frosting
1/2 cup shortening (Crisco)
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 tsp vanilla
4 cups (1 lb) sifted powdered sugar
2 Tbs milk
In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and shortening with electric mixer. Add vanilla. Gradually add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well on medium speed. Scrape sides and bottom of bowl often. When all the sugar has been mixed in, icing will appear dry. Add milk and beat at high speed until light and fluffy. Keep icing covered with a damp cloth until you're ready to decorate. For best results, keep icing in refrigerator when you're not using it. This should be about the right consistency for piping onto cakes. For icing cakes smooth, add an extra 1 to 2 Tbs milk for easier spreading. Add coloring as desired for decorating.
Chocolate Buttercream Variation
Add 3/4 cup cocoa prior to mixing in the powdered sugar. You will need an additional 1-2 Tbs of milk as well. (FYI--If you want to dye your frosting black, its best to start with chocolate!)
Buttercream Frosting
1/2 cup shortening (Crisco)
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 tsp vanilla
4 cups (1 lb) sifted powdered sugar
2 Tbs milk
In a large mixing bowl, cream butter and shortening with electric mixer. Add vanilla. Gradually add powdered sugar, one cup at a time, beating well on medium speed. Scrape sides and bottom of bowl often. When all the sugar has been mixed in, icing will appear dry. Add milk and beat at high speed until light and fluffy. Keep icing covered with a damp cloth until you're ready to decorate. For best results, keep icing in refrigerator when you're not using it. This should be about the right consistency for piping onto cakes. For icing cakes smooth, add an extra 1 to 2 Tbs milk for easier spreading. Add coloring as desired for decorating.
Chocolate Buttercream Variation
Add 3/4 cup cocoa prior to mixing in the powdered sugar. You will need an additional 1-2 Tbs of milk as well. (FYI--If you want to dye your frosting black, its best to start with chocolate!)
how fun! i was planning on doing a caterpillar cake for addy's birthday. i definitely am going to have to pick your brain on how to do it on monday. yours looked amazing!
ReplyDeleteHey Megan---I used this for the inspiration for it http://www.wilton.com/idea/Crawling-Toward-Your-First
ReplyDeleteand I have a pan that is like a muffin pan, but makes 6 half balls. You're WELCOME to borrow it if you're wanting to make a caterpillar similar to this one!! Perfect for a 1st birthday as they are like little mini cakes for each person!