Basic Butter Frosting

How to make Basic Butter Frosting Recipe - Use vegetable shortening if you want a pure white frosting or one that can be colored with food coloring for decorating.

Makes about 2 cups or enough for a 2-layer cake.

Ingredients:
1/3 cup softened butter or vegetable shortening
3 cups powdered sugar
About 3 tablespoons whipping cream
1-1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Method:
In a small bowl, beat butter or shortening, powdered sugar and cream until smooth and light, adding more cream if necessary. Blend in vanilla. Mix until smooth.

Variations
Chocolate Butter Frosting:
Add 3 ounces melted unsweetened chocolate to Basic Butter Frosting, above.

Mocha Butter Frosting:
Omit vanilla. Substitute strong black coffee for whipping cream.

Browned-Butter Frosting:
Use butter and melt in a heavy skillet until browned before using. Continue with Basic Butter Frosting, above.