No cupcake or cake is complete without a luscious layer of butter icing. This Icing recipe will take your baked goods to the next level, adding a creamy, sweet, and visually appealing finish.
Why you will love this Butter Icing Recipe
This butter icing is the perfect complement to any cake or cupcake for several reasons:
- Versatility: Customise it with your favourite flavours and colours to match any occasion.
- Texture: The icing is smooth, creamy, and perfectly spreadable.
- Simplicity: Easy to make with just a few basic ingredients, yet yields professional-quality results.
Tip – When piping rosettes on cupcakes, it is important to note that this technique requires a substantial amount of icing. This recipe is enough for 24 cupcakes. If you have any leftover icing, you can store it in an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for 1 to 3 weeks, or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
This Icing is the perfect finishing touch for your baked creations. Its smooth, creamy texture and customisable flavours make it a versatile choice for any cake or cupcake. Impress your friends and family with this simple yet professional-quality icing.
Heavenly Butter Icing
Ingredients
- 250 g / 8.8 oz Butter
- 1 kg / 8 cups / 35,2 oz Icing Sugar
- 75 ml / ⅓ cup / 2.5 oz milk
- Flavouring to taste but for chocolate approximately 2 Tbsp Cocoa
- Colouring
Instructions
- In a Kitchen Aid stand or hand mixer, beat the butter until it is soft and creamy.
- Sift and add the icing sugar to the butter. Add milk. To prevent the icing from dispersing and creating a mess, cover your mixer with a clean dish cloth while mixing.
- Mix in your chosen flavouring and colouring, then beat for approximately 5 minutes until the mixture is thick and creamy. The icing should be stiff enough that a spoon remains upright when inserted. Adjust the consistence with a small amount of milk or icing if necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions: Heavenly Butter Icing
Can I make this butter icing in advance?
Yes! You can make it a day or two ahead. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge, and let it come to room temperature before re-whipping it lightly to restore the texture.
Does this butter icing hold up in warm weather?
It’s more stable than whipped cream but can soften in heat. For warm days, keep your cake or cupcakes in a cool place.
Can I colour this butter icing?
Absolutely! Use gel food colouring for the best results—it won’t water down your icing like liquid colours can.
Is this icing suitable for piping flowers and detailed designs?
Yes! This recipe holds its shape beautifully, making it perfect for rosettes, swirls, and other piped decorations.
Can I add different flavours to this butter icing?
Yes! This recipe is a great base. You can add cocoa powder for chocolate, lemon zest and juice for a zesty twist, or a drop of almond or vanilla extract. Just adjust slowly and taste as you go!
I would love to hear from you
What flavours and colours do you love to use in your butter icing? Have you tried any unique combinations that turned out amazing? Share your tips and experiences in the comments below!
My Favourite Tools for This Recipe
Add a touch of timeless elegance to your kitchen with the Aga Tea Towel in classic black. Crafted from high-quality, absorbent cotton, this generously sized towel is designed for everyday use. The sturdy weave and subtle Aga logo make it both practical and stylish, perfectly complementing traditional and modern kitchens alike.
Add a touch of elegance to your baking with the KitchenAid Artisan Series 5-Quart Tilt-Head Stand Mixer in Dried Rose. Its timeless design and powerful performance make mixing, kneading, and whipping effortless—perfect for creating party-ready treats.
Whip up delicious creations with the KitchenAid 9-Speed Digital Hand Mixer in Candy Apple Red! Featuring Turbo Beater II accessories and a Pro Whisk, it’s your versatile, stylish tool for effortless party prep.
You May Also Like
Looking for more inspiration? This heavenly butter icing is perfect on my Vanilla Cupcakes or in Cake Pops—simple, sweet, and always a hit.
You might also enjoy exploring other icing options from my:
- Carrot Cake Recipe – topped with a rich, tangy cream cheese icing
- Easter Chocolate Cake – decorated with a luscious Nutella Icing
