Buttercream Icing

This icing is great for frosting birthday cakes, cupcakes and I even used it for gingerbread cookies this last Christmas! The meringue powder is optional but that is what will make the icing hold it's shape if you are doing any decorating (stars, roses, etc.). It's super yummy too!

Buttercream Icing

1 cup solid vegetable shortening
2 TBS. Wilton’s meringue powder (optional)
1 tsp. Wilton’s clear vanilla extract (keeps the frosting pure white)
1 tsp Wilton’s butter flavored extract
1 tsp. salt
8 cups sifted or 7 cups unsifted powdered sugar
2/3 cup heavy whipping cream*


Beat all ingredients on low speed (speed 2 on a stand mixer with paddle attachment) (I use my hand mixer on a higher speed and it works just fine) for 10 minutes.

*You can substitute ½ cup milk for the cream, but you won’t get the same flavor.