Less Sweet American Buttercream

Serves 1
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Directions

  1. 1Add the two and a half sticks of softened butter to the bowl.
  2. 2Add the two and a half sticks of softened butter to the bowl.
  3. 3Add the two and a half sticks of softened butter to the bowl.
  4. 4Add the half cup of shortening.
  5. 5Add the half cup of shortening.
  6. 6Add the half cup of shortening.
  7. 7Mix on medium speed (4 or 5 out of 10) for about 30 to 45 seconds.
  8. 8Mix on medium speed (4 or 5 out of 10) for about 30 to 45 seconds.
  9. 9Mix on medium speed (4 or 5 out of 10) for about 30 to 45 seconds.
  10. 10Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl with a spatula.
  11. 11Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl with a spatula.
  12. 12Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl with a spatula.
  13. 13Mix again for about 15 seconds.
  14. 14Mix again for about 15 seconds.
  15. 15Mix again for about 15 seconds.
  16. 16Add about a teaspoon of vanilla flavoring.
  17. 17Add about a teaspoon of vanilla flavoring.
  18. 18Add about a teaspoon of vanilla flavoring.
  19. 19Mix for 15 seconds.
  20. 20Mix for 15 seconds.
  21. 21Mix for 15 seconds.
  22. 22Add one and a half tablespoons of liquid to the bottom of the bowl.
  23. 23Add one and a half tablespoons of liquid to the bottom of the bowl.
  24. 24Add one and a half tablespoons of liquid to the bottom of the bowl.
  25. 25Cut a small air hole in the powdered sugar bag to help it sink.
  26. 26Cut a small air hole in the powdered sugar bag to help it sink.
  27. 27Cut a small air hole in the powdered sugar bag to help it sink.
  28. 28Weigh out 680 grams (or 1.5 lbs) of powdered sugar using a kitchen scale.
  29. 29Weigh out 680 grams (or 1.5 lbs) of powdered sugar using a kitchen scale.
  30. 30Weigh out 680 grams (or 1.5 lbs) of powdered sugar using a kitchen scale.
  31. 31Add the powdered sugar to the bowl.
  32. 32Add the powdered sugar to the bowl.
  33. 33Add the powdered sugar to the bowl.
  34. 34Cover the mixer with a towel to prevent sugar from flying out.
  35. 35Cover the mixer with a towel to prevent sugar from flying out.
  36. 36Cover the mixer with a towel to prevent sugar from flying out.
  37. 37Add another tablespoon of water on top of the sugar.
  38. 38Add another tablespoon of water on top of the sugar.
  39. 39Add another tablespoon of water on top of the sugar.
  40. 40Turn the mixer on a low speed for about 20 seconds until the sugar is incorporated.
  41. 41Turn the mixer on a low speed for about 20 seconds until the sugar is incorporated.
  42. 42Turn the mixer on a low speed for about 20 seconds until the sugar is incorporated.
  43. 43Scrape down the sides of the bowl.
  44. 44Scrape down the sides of the bowl.
  45. 45Scrape down the sides of the bowl.
  46. 46Add another tablespoon of liquid slowly while mixing on low speed until a good spreadable consistency is reached.
  47. 47Add another tablespoon of liquid slowly while mixing on low speed until a good spreadable consistency is reached.
  48. 48Add another tablespoon of liquid slowly while mixing on low speed until a good spreadable consistency is reached.
  49. 49Mix on medium speed (about 4 out of 10) for about 30 seconds to really mix it together.
  50. 50Mix on medium speed (about 4 out of 10) for about 30 seconds to really mix it together.
  51. 51Mix on medium speed (about 4 out of 10) for about 30 seconds to really mix it together.
  52. 52Scrape down the sides again.
  53. 53Scrape down the sides again.
  54. 54Scrape down the sides again.
  55. 55Add a tiny bit more liquid, about half a tablespoon.
  56. 56Add a tiny bit more liquid, about half a tablespoon.
  57. 57Add a tiny bit more liquid, about half a tablespoon.
  58. 58Mix on medium speed for about 20 seconds until smooth and delicious.
  59. 59Mix on medium speed for about 20 seconds until smooth and delicious.
  60. 60Mix on medium speed for about 20 seconds until smooth and delicious.

Ingredients

  • 2.5 sticks salted butter, softened to room temperature
  • 2.5 sticks salted butter, softened to room temperature
  • 2.5 sticks salted butter, softened to room temperature
  • 0.5 cup high ratio shortening (Sweetex brand preferred, or Crisco)
  • 0.5 cup high ratio shortening (Sweetex brand preferred, or Crisco)
  • 0.5 cup high ratio shortening (Sweetex brand preferred, or Crisco)
  • 1 tsp Wilton clear vanilla flavoring
  • 1 tsp Wilton clear vanilla flavoring
  • 1 tsp Wilton clear vanilla flavoring
  • 1.5 lbs powdered sugar
  • 1.5 lbs powdered sugar
  • 1.5 lbs powdered sugar
  • 2 tbsp liquid (water, milk, or other liquid)
  • 2 tbsp liquid (water, milk, or other liquid)
  • 2 tbsp liquid (water, milk, or other liquid)
  • 4 tbsp liquid (water, milk, or other liquid)
  • 4 tbsp liquid (water, milk, or other liquid)
  • 4 tbsp liquid (water, milk, or other liquid)

Equipment

stand mixerspatulacoffee scoopkitchen scaletowel

Tips

  • Use salted butter for better flavor.
  • Add liquid to the bottom of the bowl before sugar to prevent sticking.
  • Adjust liquid amount based on air humidity.
  • To store, keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three weeks.
  • To freeze, wrap in plastic wrap and thaw in the refrigerator, then at room temperature.
  • Re-mix thawed buttercream with a little more vanilla before using, avoiding whipping too much air into it.